Well nForce is a brand-name for a chipset used on a AMD motherboard. This is for nVidia based chipset motherboards. Asus just happens to use a few different flavors/versions of the nForce chipset on their motherboards, check this page out for more info. Scroll down to the Socket 754, Socket 939, Socket 940 and Socket 462(A) for more info.
 
I do highly recommend Asus motherboards and IMO I would recommend Aopen next followed closely by Abit.
 
As for Intel vs. AMD, that's very subjective. It really depends on what you're going to use the machine for

I am really really pleased with DFI. - in particular the Lanparty series.
 
I usually go for Asus or maybe Aopen. However the DFI package is really fantastic.
 
The only thing the board was missing was firewire, however at the time it was the best board around with SATA (highpoint or Intel onboard), using the new Intel canterwood chipset.
 
Also you get lots of accessories. Build quality is superb and i cannot fault the layout.
 
I use a big coolermaster heatsink, a big Zalman video card cooler and there is still ample space to get around in there.
 
Overclocking is really quite simple and this board was made for it. It screams "spank me" LOL
 
Worth a look anyways
 

OK who will win if i were to use each of these motherboards in gaming. Which one is more stable? Which one has a better built in sound?