Hi and welcome to Infinitemac,

IMHO your configuration could be a great os-x server or even better workstation box. I would rather use it as a workstation/desktop machine as it would be a waste to launch a server on it and just forget about it. Of course, it will do its job flawlessly but the same kind of job can do much cheaper machine not any worse than yours can do. On the other hand no other can be as powerful workstation as this dual xeon can be. Just an opinion, what i would do if i was you.

Whats the problem at the installation, can you boot with -v and paste where it is stucked at. (not JaS, the other 10.5.4 distro you didn't mention what it was) ?

Try to setup your sata hdd in sata->ahci mode in bios first. I would also use sata dvd. (i am not sure about your ide controller). If you tried booting the installation dvd with IDE dvd, and you didn't reach the installer window, your ide controller could be a problem (i am not sure which one it is at this point). Try with sata dvd, you have two sata ports, one for hdd and the other you can use for dvd.

I would try with kalyway, at least 10.5.1 or any newer distro if possible. Imho your config is capable of running vanilla, unmodified kernel. Your sata controller is ICH5 which is not originally supported but it will work with just a fake plist. I think you would have problem with that integrated graphics. You can install any cheaper nvidia or ati, 7300Gt is a good recommendation. After first successfull initial install I would try with retail OSX, but that could be next step.

Hope it was helpful.

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