Building Home Server - help required

[Logan09]

I am planning to build a home file server (have been putting it off for ages). Gonna stick Linux (probably Ubuntu) on it. Just got a few questions:

1) I want to use SATA HDDs in either Raid 1 or Raid 5 configuration. Plan on having 2 HDD's initially, but that will grow over time. Am I best getting a newer mobo (and processor) that supports SATA, or getting an add-in SATA card for a cheap old PII/III mobo/CPU?

2) I also want gigabit LAN. With the extra cost of adding a gigabit LAN card & SATA Raid controller to a cheap old mobo/CPU combo, would it be cheaper to just buy a newer mobo & CPU that supports gigabit LAN & SATA Raid?

Appreciate your input. Thanks.

Edit: If anyone could spec me a mobo/CPU combo (& add-in cards if necessary) to support gigabit LAN and 4 SATA connections with RAID (1 or preferably 5) that would be great.

 

[Logan09]

Ok. Cheers guys. I'm thinking it'd be cheaper to get a cheap old PII/PIII system off that auction site and buy a SATA Raid controller & gigabit LAN card to go in there, rather than build a whole new PC.

 

[Logan09]

Yeah, old parts looks like te the best bet. I was just curious if for the price of the Raid card & NIC you could get the equivalent functions in a newer CPU/Mobo/Memory bundle. Looks like the answer's no.