rocketman331

I'm upgrading my file server to a new setup that incorporates my Dell Perc 5/i Raid Card.

I want a dual core machine that works with the Dell Perc 5/i card without the need for the SMBus modification.

I do not care if the machine is an Intel or AMD but I would like recommendations for motherboard, processor and ram.

Lastly, I need to purchase a SAS to SATA cable and was wondering if this cable from newegg would work:

SAS to SATA

Thanks for all of the help.

__________________

the_beast

Do you just want it to store & serve files?

If so just get the cheapest AMD you can buy (a low end Sempron would be perfect), any cheap motherboard and 2-4GB RAM. Add a boot drive (a laptop drive is ideal for low power, or any disk you have lying around), then add your PERC & storage drives.

Most AMD boards do not need the pin-mod for the SMBus. But even if your board does require the mod it is very simple and takes only a few minutes with a pair of scissors and some tape.

For OS - not sure if you have already decided, but pretty much any version of linux can serve files if you don't mind a slightly steeper learning curve than Windows systems (assuming that is what you are used to). Something like Openfiler or FreeNAS (not actually linux but hey...) are both free and easy to set up. If you want more features, easier setup and don't mind paying for software Windows Home Server is excellent.

That cable should work with the PERC, although I'm sure you can find them cheaper than that. I believe Dealextreme has them for around $10 if you don't mind waiting for shipping from Hong Kong, and I'm sure eBay or similar will also have them cheaper.