I am trying to replace an existing 19 inch linux server with some new osx compatible hardware.

I plan installing osx86 leo4all server on that machine.

It has 8 sata ii drives attached and is currently running on a marvell mv88sx6081 controller (8 port, non raid edition).

From what I read in other forum entries, this is not the best choice for osx.

I would agree to replace the motherboard and maybe the sata controller.

What hardware should I take to avoid trouble or what is the best choice ?

aim for something like p45 series of motherboard but check it first and try to find the controller first
Asus P5Q3 Deluxe or for non ddr3 Asus P5Q Deluxe iP45 good choices
Easier to avoid nforce boards

Use a chipset and motherboard that supports ECC memory....

and it wouldn't be a bad idea to find a board that has more than ample expansion options.

I love my supermicro X38 based board... but its a bit more expensive than most of the boards people seem to be running.... but if you're looking at it for more server usage.... $200 board isn't out of line at all.



(Suggestion of using real apple hardware for use in a business environment)
I've also got an apple Xserve Xeon that I do hosting with..... I love it. Very nice hardware... you could use an Xserve+ a raid card + external rackmount drive enclosure and have all the expansion you'd ever need using SAS backplanes and SATA drives......