Motherboard/Video Card Question

[TechMafia]

I understand this may come across as an idiotic question, but I have never built my own system before.

I bought a DP45SG motherboard last year as part of a deal. I have not used it yet, but have slowly been acquiring parts in order to build my next system. The biggest problem I am having is figuring out what video card I should use. I am stuck between Nvidia and ATI.

I have always had Nvidia cards in the past, except for in my laptop. I have never had any real problems, and it continues to be the company everyone I talk to recommends. However, there are two main things impacting my feelings for ATi.

1.) The DP45SG mobo broadcasts the fact that it has "ATi CrossFireX Multi-GPU Technology Support"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...348&Tpk=Dp45sg
I know that I am still able to install an Nvidia card into the system, but will I ever be able to utilize SLI if I want to?

2.) I like the fact that ATi cards use native hdmi support. I am hooking my case up to my 42" HDTV, so HDMI could be useful. I understand that DVI has very similar output and I would be able to get a DVI to HDMI adapter if I chose NVidia instead. Does the HDMI connection on a video card cover sound quality as well? (I know HDMI covers video and sound, but I do not know how whether this is a special feature with higher end video cards).

I am currently looking at ATi 4850-4870 or Nvidia GTX 260 Core 21 or lower.

[glc]

1. No. The only Intel chipset that supports SLI is the X58 for the i7 processors.

2. Nvidia also makes cards with a native HDMI jack.

[TechMafia]

1.) Thank You
2.) Sorry, I had done some research, but initially all I could find were cards above the $200+ range...I see I have missed a few.

In your honest opinion is searching for native hdmi versus dvi hookup even worthwhile? I know the quality of the video should be the same, but are there any advantages to sound? Or would that still rely on the sound card?