First time builder - Budget Server

[TriviallyTravis]

First, the parts:
(Spreadsheet form: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?k...gPTyeDpEFNfoEQ )

Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW

PSU: Antec Earthwatts EA380 ATX12V v2.0 (380W Power Supply)

Mobo: ABIT LG-95 LGA 775 Intel 945G Micro ATX

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E4500

RAM: Patriot 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300)

HDD: Western Digital Caviar GP WD5000AACS 500GB 5400 to 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA-300 Hard Drive (OEM)



Now, the backstory =)

I've decided to put together a budget box (this is my first "from scratch" build, though I'm no novice on the subject of computer hardware) to be used as sort of a general purpose server. That is, I'll use it to host files, as a print server, run bittorrent, etc. I'll probably install Hamachi and VNC for remote access/management. (Note: It is POSSIBLE that I may think about using this as sort of a media center in the future. I'm not real familiar on what sort of specs a media center PC would need, so any input there would be helpful too.)

My goal is to spend $500 or less, though with the components I have picked out so far, I'm just under $400.

Here is what I've been thinking about as far as each component goes:

Case - this is what I know the least about, believe it or not. Really, I just want any old box that I can stick in a closet somewhere. I don't want a COMPLETELY crappy one, but I'd like to keep it pretty cheap.

Processor - I have a local store selling the Intel Core 2 Duo 4500 for $99, so I think I'm going to pick one up.

RAM - I already bought 2GB of "DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory" ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...;Tpk=20-220-095 )

Motherboard - I only have a few requirements here =P First of all, I want integrated graphics for the initial setup of stuff. After that I'll probably be exclusively remote managing it. I suppose I'll want the option to be able to expand to a graphics card that is suitable for a media center PC should I decide to go that route in the future. A slot for a TV tuner card would also be needed for this. Gigabit ethernet would be nice to have, but I don't think it's necessary as the main computer that will be interfacing with this is on 802.11G (wireless). (For the record, on-board audio will do me just fine if I decide to turn this into a media center PC.)

Optical Drive - I already have a DVD-RW drive that I have from another PC. I think I'm just going to use it in this new one. It has an IDE interface.

Hard Drive - I'm looking to get a 500GB drive that I can use for backups, storage and what not. I don't think I have any other requirements besides capacity on this one.

Operating System - I've got copies of Vista, XP and Ubuntu sitting around. I'll most likely run Ubuntu or XP.

Mostly what I would like to get input on is for the case, psu and motherboard, as I've never really done that part before. Also, if there's anything I'm missing, or if anybody who has done this sort of thing has general input, it would be really appreciated.

Also, my main system is a relatively brand new Macbook Pro. This is what I will mainly be using to access and manage the new system with.

[pam123]

I would up the power supply ( It may be overkill but I want server boxes at 450 watts) and have plans for more ram ( this is problematical ) and a 1 TB hd but otherwise, go with this.

Yes get that DVD-R and add a high def optical when the price drops. Also virtual drives and "AnyDVD".

Whooooottoott!!!!!! Home media server!

I'll bring the popcorn, with real butter.

[Masaki 7-11]

Generally a media center has a midrange, cool running dual core (like the one you picked out), a micro-atx motherboard (again like the one you picked out), a low end graphics card such as the Radeon HD2400Pro or HD3450 fanless for video decoding, and for all the connections to the TV (Component, HDMI, Composite, ect.), a TV Tuner (mostly comes in handy if you want to record shows off your cable, or antenna, ect. onto your computer hard drive), a DVD player/Burner (if you want to make back ups).

A side note regarding high def optical, BestBuy is selling an external USB HD-DVD Drive for $50, I believe it comes with King Kong the movie (may have changed) and a mail in offer to receive 5 free HD-DVD movies. Here's the link: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....#productdetail

If you keep your current setup from above and add either a Radeon HD2400Pro or HD3450 and the HD-DVD drive, you should have a really good media center/server on your hands.