Help me spec a few systems

[BG4533]

It has been a while since I have upgraded and since I have been putting in a lot of OT lately I have decided to splurge a bit. For all of my upgrades I have set a budget around $2000.

What I want:
A new main computer:
A dual core processor
At least 2GB of RAM
A passively cooled video card. Dual DVI required. Gaming not important.
I have a case and PSU
Must be quiet

PVR:
Will run linux and MythTV
Hauppauge PVR-500 Tuner (Already purchased)
Only needs to be able to record. Will not use for playback.
Should not require much CPU power. Not sure how much memory.
A large amount of local or network storage
This will need a case and PSU.

Fileserver:
RAID 5 for performance and redundancy
Will likely use 3 or 4 Seagate 320GB 7200.10 SATA II drives
Windows or linux
This will need a case and PSU.

HTPC:
I already have an HTPC that doesn't need an upgrade, but it would be nice. Most of the parts from my current Athlon XP 2Ghz system will go to this.

I have gigabit ethernet throughout the house.
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The fileserver and PVR will get stuck in the basement and noise is not an issue. I am thinking about integrating the 2 and building 1 nice system. This seems like a positive from every perspective and this is what I really need help setting up. I don't have much experience with interfacing linux and Windows storage. Will Samba or any other linux system allow me to implement an easily manageable yet secure file system? I would like to be able to map drives from Windows systems and not give everyone access to everything.

I have never heard good things about the RAID 5 options built into motherboards. I think I will probably buy a hardware RAID 5 controller. Any recommendations for these?

I am not really sure what I will need in terms of a CPU, memory and motherboard. If 512MB of PC3200 will be adequate I could reuse some from my current desktop. I will probably have to buy a PCI express mobo due to the hardware RAID 5. I would like to avoid buying a PCI-E graphics card for this so I would like to find a mobo with onboard graphics or AGP so I could reuse an old card.

Basically I need recommendations for:
CPU
Motherboard with PCI-E and AGP or onboard graphics that is linux friendly
Hardware RAID 5 controller
How much RAM is necessary
A suitable case and PSU

For the main computer I will probably pick up an AMD X2 3800+, Asus M2N-E, 2GB Corsair RAM, and a passively cooled xfx 7300GT.

Any and all suggestions are welcomed.

 

[acegazda]

Originally posted by: BG4533


For the main computer I will probably pick up an AMD X2 3800+, Asus M2N-E, 2GB Corsair RAM, and a passively cooled xfx 7300GT.

Any and all suggestions are welcomed.

That's more like a midrange gaming system... save the vid card.

 

[BG4533]

For the fileserver/PVR case I ordered an Antec 3800B. It has 5 internal 3.5" bays and a 400W PSU. I figured that should be adequate.

I have pretty much decided on 4xSeagate 320GB 7200.10 SATA II drives for storage. For the RAID controller I am thinking about an Areca ARC-1210. It is pricey, but all of the comments I have seen are good.

I am still undecided about the mobo and processor. I am thinking about an Asus A8N-VM CSM mobo with Athlon 64 3000+ processor. I would use the 512MB RAM I already have. I am not thrilled about the lack of upgradability of the Micro ATX board, but I can't find a better solution without spending a lot more. I haven't been able to find any decent S939 boards with AGP and there are no AM2 boards with AGP. Onboard graphics seems limited to micro ATX systems. PCI-E graphics cards aren't that expensive, but they take up the 1 16x slot most mobos have and then I have no place for the Areca card which needs an 8X slot. I would have to step up to an SLI board and then it gets more pricey.

Any more comments?