I just built a quad core AMD-based server that I plan to use as a storage host in my lab. The machine has the following configuration:
ASUS M2N-LR motherboard
AMD Opteron 1354 Budapest 2.2GHz Socket AM2 75W processor
8GD of 667MHZ DDR2 ECC memory
4 750GB Western Digital SATA II disk drives
SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe
Antec earthwatts EA500 500W Continuous Power
ARK 4U-500-CA Black 4U Rackmount Case
2 masscool 80MM fans
1 Scythe 120MM case fan
1 Emulex LP1000DC fibre channel adapter
Now that the machine has been up and working for a few days, all I can say is WOW! This machine is blazing fast, and the rack mount case I purchased is absolutely amazing. It is extremely well constructed, and has TONS of space for future expansion. This rig is able to run opensolaris and CentOS Linux, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Everything cost just over $600 (NewEgg and eBay rock!), which I think is an incredible price for a machine with these specifications. This machine will be a great storage server once I get COMSTAR configured!