Well I am not going to be using Server 2003 on it - just using it to run XP Pro (I think, unless Server 2003 is better for this application but think its an overkill - but this is not a SERVER per say) to act as a "media hub" to stream and be a central storage area of all my MP3s, DVD movies ripped to HD for my HTPC and Extender in the bedroom and Xbox360 in the kids room, home movies that are in mpeg and downloaded/recorded TV from the MCE HTPC. I bought an CM Stacker case by Coolermaster that can hold 12 Hard Drives and already have a motherboard thats an AMD laying around (an old DFI Lanparty). I dont want to spend a ton of money on it since its just going to sit in the closet. I just want the most bang for the buck. Looking for the "sweet" spot in money for cpu vs speed. No need to overkill it. I think a 3500 or 3200 should be sufficent. Then I need to find some cheap DDR 400 1GB ram to toss in and I am good to go. I actually am thinking about upgrading the ram in my currect rig (OCZ PC4800 Plat Edition) to something better to OC since I am not really having much success with this ram. To like some VX Gold OCZ ram or something but I am not sure really. I do know I want to get 2GB of ram since I do play some BF2 and want to match it all up nicely. So I might be able to get another type of ram to get better performace at 2gb.
Another question on how many watts would I need to run a simple HTPC with one HD? Becuase I am thinking about getting a 350W Antec phantom Power supply to put in the HTPC to quit it down and put that 500W PS in this new server build. I am looking for a PS that is almost completely silent.