Spec check for home server

[Alex_L]

Hi, I've finally realised that I need a file server. I plan on running ubuntu on it, with a software RAID 5 (which I believe I can expand by adding additional drives down the line, is this correct?)

Otherwise, all it will be for is storing data, and maybe running an itunes server. Will the following be suitable for it? The only thing I worry about is the cpu being underpowered, as I'm not sure how much strain a software raid would put on it?


CoolerMaster Centurion 5

430w Seasonic S12-430 aPFC PSU Silent ATX2.0

AMD AM2 Sempron 3000 Manila Core, 1.6GHz, 256KB Cache, Retail

ASUS M2NPV-MX , NF430, S AM2, PCI-E (x16), DDR2 533/667/800, SATA II, SATA RAID, uATX

512MB (2X256MB) Corsair Value Select, DDR2 PC4200 (533), 240 Pin, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 4-4-4-12

3x 320 Gb Western Digital WD3200SD Caviar RE, SATA150, 7200 rpm, 16MB Cache, 8.9 ms

+ 2*160gb drives I already have


thanks for any thoughts.

 

[Alex_L]

I did think about adding a RAID 5 card, but I know nothing about them, so are there any particular ones people would recommend?

I've been learning ubuntu over the last few months, basically playing with it solidly, so I feel reasonably confident I'd be able to get it up and running and maintain it. Also the data I'll be putting on it, is currently held on two 400gb usb drives, which i'll keep as backup/ongoing backup solution.

I can't really be bothered sourcing a second hand pc, don't have the time, or inclination, so I think i'll stick with buying new.

 

[Alex_L]

Highpoint Rocket RAID 1640 4-Port SATA RAID 5 Host Adapter (CC-004-HP)

would that do for a raid card?

I can't see how I can save any money by going for cheaper cpu/motherboard (any suggestions?), as I can't find any that come out much cheaper with on board vga, unless I go second hand, which I can't be bothered with the hassle of.