Server Mobo's - Advice/opinions needed please

[Bobbylovin]

Hi folks - wonder if anyone can give me some advice please!

Looking to build a new server to replace my dated one - and I wanted some opinions on SuperMicro mobo's. I'm currently very tempted by the X5DAL-G - anyone had any experiences with a) Supermicro in general and b) this specific Mobo. Also open to any suggestions for other brands if anyone has any advice or opinions please.

It will be predominantly a file/print server mainly, but also may need to host some apps on it. Ideally want to be dual Xeon, pleanty of RAM, not too hyped about S-ATA as I've got an Adaptec 2400a Raid card that I'll be throwing into it to run 3 180GB IDE drives that i already have too.

Would be interested to hear your views . . .

[Siliconjunkie]

IMO, I would pass on the server board and Xeons and just get a stout Athlon system. Unless you actually have a need for Xeons (database) or money burning a hole in your poket you will never even know they are there.

[John Prophet]

Well, opinions vary...if you got the bucks..the supermicro, or tyan server boards are killer.....nice high quality...of course you'll probably need registered Ram etc.....so it just depends on how "servery" the server is going to be...for home use etc..id go with a regular athlon or P4 system....for a bizness I may go for the supermicro type setup.

(to disqualify what I have said, I have no practical experience in servers, lol...just musing)
JP