Can anyone suggest what > configuration will work best and more precisely, guide me towards specific > SCSI Card, adapters drivers, motherboards etc.. > > Thanks a million in advance. I'm using a Tyan Thunder SDLUAN motherboard. It's dual-processor capable, with SCSI and networking built in. You may not need all that, and can save a lot of money by going with a model that doesn't include all that, but the onboard SCSI is good to have. It leaves a lot of expansion room open, and saves money over buying a SCSI card separately. It's a good controller, too- an Adaptec 7895. I get excellent performance, and it's Be-compatible, if you're so inclined. I had it built by a good company in California; contact Linda Ye at http://www.united-micro.com/ for information. They don't provide operating systems, you would have to install that yourself, but they'll put together a great system for you. For sound, I'm using a Gina, which meets your requirements. You can get them for under $300 now, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again if I were shopping in that price range. But if I were on a Creamware budget, I'd be on that like a Cocker Spaniel on your aunt's leg.