I've verified that older i810 drivers will cause the x window desktop to start, but only in vesa mode (?), as there is no hardware acceleration. It also loses sync when trying to play video of anykind. Upon installing the i915, everthing is broken. Can't even get into X windows. This can be easily produced by using an 8.04 or 8.10 live CD. It boots right up until X windows starts, then fails.
I've send a support request, they send me a list of cookie cutter responses, and I then chose the 'escalate my issue' option. It's now sitting with intel. Hopefully, they'll fix it, or remove the 'works with native drivers' off of there product page for this motherboard.
I hope this is fixed, because I was going to use this as my media center, next to my TV. So, in my mind, and I say this while stamping my foot on the floor, "This product is not compatible with linux". Freakin period.
-M