Can a p5n-e sli handle a single 9800gtx? I

No, it needs a video card, of any kind, with a monitor attached to power up.

get latest drivers for ur video card and install.
get latest directx
and try fully uninstall and reinstall game.
this may solve all.

You can download the drivers here:

http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx?SLanguage=en-us

In the upper left hand corner of the screen, type in the model number of the board (P5N-E SLI) and use the drop down to select a category (probably "All"). Good luck.

Access the manufacturer's web-site:

http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx?SLanguage=en-us

In the top-left corner, put 'P5N-E' into the search-box, and do the search.
In the next window, click on 'P5N-E SLI'.
Select "Windows XP".
Select the driver(s) that you want to download.

http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx
-select the socket775 option and the motherboard P5N-E-SLI confirm your OS and download drivers as required.

If all power cables are connected properly to the board, and also all devices, I would assume it's a faulty board.

Go here http://www.xfxforce.com/en-us/Help/Support.aspx, register, and search for your card model.

Google :)

HI stukove2000,
What is the 5200 stand for?
Here is Asus approved CPU list link for the P5N-E SLI MB:
http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/cpusupport.aspx?SLanguage=en-us&model=P5N-E%20SLI

The Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400 5-5-5-15, should work just fine on the Asus MB.
Here is an expanded approved Qualified Venders List from Asus.
http://www.asus.com/999/download/products/1474/1474_10.pdf
You can also see a smaller QVL list in the manual on page 1-18 & 1-19.
The QVL insures total compatibility with the motherboard.

The NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT will run just fine on the Asus MB. Just make sure your power supply is no less than 500W. A 600W or 650W is preferred.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=600W+power+supply&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=1841721063482288764&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&resnum=1&ct=result#ps-tech-specs

Here is a write up of the Asus mother board: http://www.techspot.com/review/43-asus-p5n-e-sli/
Asus FAQ's of the P5N-E SLI. Good place to check questions about the board.
http://support.asus.com/faq/faq.aspx?model=P5N-E%20SLI&SLanguage=en-us

Good luck stukove2000!
Any more questions?

Mike

Yes , All you need is the same GPU. The mem doesn't matter as they run to the lowest card.

download the drivers from using other comp .. and copy it and install!!