Speaking of storage - I'm on my way to build my first home storage - this one is tad nerdy (OK, VERY Nerdy), but more of learning in process. Based on Intel Core i3 3220T, Gigabyte h77 micro-atx, 32gb ddr3, boot from usb3 fast sd card and storage - 6x2tb drives (WD GP-AV), expandable up to total of nine with adapters built around this case
The best part - completely silent. I mean less than 15 db silent from 1 foot
The really geek part is os - it's ubuntu server 12.10, zfs for volume mgr/file system and nfs for sharing with media client - atom 2.1/gt610 running openElec
OpenIndiana/SmartOS and various FreeBSD were considered, but eventually rejected due to lack of expertise on my side. Ubuntu has one of biggest community and most of them are Linux beginners just like me
"Appliances" like FreeNas/Nas4Free/Nexenta were also considered, but rejected too due to lack of flexibility and server resources wasted on web interface doesn't not bring sufficient justification in long term.