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[nephilim]

Given the following requirements:
4 disk RAID-5 array
Gigabit ethernet
Supports SATA
SMB a plus

What would be the best way to set up a file server? I'm leaning somewhat towards a stripped down PC, but if someone knows of a good, (relatively) cheap, dedicated enclosure that'd be easier in the long run as far as maintenance and setup go. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[unhappy_mage]

Stripped down PC all the way. You could get a dual p3 board+chips with 64-bit pci slots off Ebay for about $100, a raid card for $176, and a 64-bit ethernet adapter for $22. Overall this will give you a blazing fast system for around $300. Plug in disks, and possibly a CF card with cf/ide convertor for a root disk. Install debian sarge. Profit.

Edit: This estimate obviously ignores a lot of things. Add in some pc133 ecc ram ($30?), a case ($50), a psu (fortron! $50), and whatever else you don't have lying around. I have a lot of this around already, and you may be able to find it cheap locally.