This build should work I guess :-).

[Menno87]

Intel Core i7-950 3.06GHz, 4.8GT/s, 8MB,S1366, Box
2x OCZ Gold 4GB(2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-10666, 1333MHz, LV
(I have 1 extra set here so it would be 6x2)
Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5, S1366, X58, 6xDDR3, ATX (Refurbished, cheap )
Highpoint RocketRAID 3520
8x WD Caviar Green 2TB, 64MB, SATA2
Asus GeForce GT 240, 1GB

This will function as a workstation (vmware learn/test setups) and file server (RAID50). So there will be many VM's active with vmware fusion. Hence the raid controller and drives.

Any advice for other components is welcome!

 

[Lnx2Mac]

Intel Core i7-950 3.06GHz, 4.8GT/s, 8MB,S1366, Box
2x OCZ Gold 4GB(2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-10666, 1333MHz, LV
(I have 1 extra set here so it would be 6x2)
Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5, S1366, X58, 6xDDR3, ATX (Refurbished, cheap )
Highpoint RocketRAID 3520
8x WD Caviar Green 2TB, 64MB, SATA2
Asus GeForce GT 240, 1GB

This will function as a workstation (vmware learn/test setups) and file server (RAID50). So there will be many VM's active with vmware fusion. Hence the raid controller and drives.

Any advice for other components is welcome!

Sweet beast !

The GA-EX58-UD5 is a great board !
I'd add a relatively small disk drive just for the OS... Maybe an SSD.

From what I read, the 3520 should work OOB, as Snow Leopard's DVD includes drivers for it (http://www.tweaktown.com/pressrelease/1 ... index.html)

Also, get a good CPU cooler... I usually recommend the Scythe Mugen-2, though with all these drives I doubt you care about noise ... so even a CoolerMaster Hyper 212 or V8 should do...

For DVD, get a Sony-Optiarc or Pioneer, as others have issues with sleep.

What about Case ? You want a well vented one...
And don't skimp on the PSU ?

One last thing... Make sure you test thoroughly your RAM (See NotShy's guide)... While this is true for any build, it's even more important when using OCZ (their quality checks seem lacking lately).

Good Luck !
Lnx2Mac

 

[Menno87]

PSU Would be 650Watt Corsair, mainly because I already have it.
Case --> Fractal Design Define R3, Arctic White (Little bit mac look )
The boxed cooler would not be sufficient? I won't overclock, I need my system to be rock steady. What RAM would you advice?

 

[Lnx2Mac]

PSU Would be 650Watt Corsair, mainly because I already have it.

You might want to check that it's enough for all those disks...
I use: http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

Case --> Fractal Design Define R3, Arctic White (Little bit mac look )

The boxed cooler would not be sufficient? I won't overclock

I don't overclock either, but use the Mugen-2 for its silent fan...
The stock cooler does a very poor job in cooling your CPU (and it's not quiet either).

I need my system to be rock steady. What RAM would you advice?

My preference is GSkill.
If not, Corsair or Mushkin.

 

[Vendetta]

PSU Would be 650Watt Corsair, mainly because I already have it.
Case --> Fractal Design Define R3, Arctic White (Little bit mac look )
The boxed cooler would not be sufficient? I won't overclock, I need my system to be rock steady. What RAM would you advice?

I'm so jealous!