well if he is not going to oc or use 3 video cards... then he should get the Gigabyte X58-DS3R, IMO. no need to spend more on a mobo when your not going to use the features. main thing for the two boards you post about are for ocing standpoint. though with gene a SSF gaming rig is its aim with ocing. if he really wants a SSF pc then go with gene or check out the DFI X58-JR board, the JR board is about $20 cheaper then gene. though i wouldnt trade Gene for the JR