if you still haven't found a server to suit you, i still think you should take a look @
http://www.appro.com if you want a pre-built server. barring that, you should be able to build an AMD MP system yourself for under $3000 matching your specs. i'd probably even build it for you, if it came down to it. ;)
i'm sure i'm annoying the hell out of you by now, so i'll quit after this. :)
case: $500-650
$500 case w/ 6 hotswap bays @ rackmountpro.com
$650 case w/ 9 hot swap bays @ rackmountpro.com
the $500 case looks a little more accessible internally, but (obviously) only supports 6 hot-swap bays.
mobo: $215
Tiger MPX (S2466) specs
Tiger MPX @ googlegear.com
the Tiger MPX is an upgrade to the original Tiger MP (which has been running rock solid for over a year in all of our dual proc servers @ work). has 64-bit PCI slots.
procs: $320 (2x$160)
Athlon MP review - MP 2100+ vs Xeon 2.4
MP 2400+ @ googlegear.com
while the MP 2100+ doesn't give much of a showing against the 2.4 Xeon, other evidence indicates that the 2400+ do perform similarly to the 2.4 Xeons.
RAM: $220 (4x$55)
Crucial-recommended RAM for S2466
definitely registered ECC, though you could probably sneak by with 2x512. i like crucial.
HDDs & controller:
PATA: $2211 (8x$209 + $539)
3ware 7500-8
WD200JD found everywhere. good disk.
SATA: $2511 (8x$239 + $599)
3ware 8500-8
160 GB Seagate drive @ googlegear.com
review of WD SATA drive @ storagereview.com
benchmarks show a pretty solid improvement with Serial ATA (plus HDD-native hot-swap support!) - nothing but SCSI is better!
NIC: $133
gigabit intel NIC @ googlegear.com
of course, you'll want a gigabit NIC in there too. intel's a good choice, and it'll fill your other 64-bit slot.
Other Parts: $150
it looks like those cases take standard CD ROM drives, so that's another $30 bucks if you want it, and we'll say $40 bucks for 2 good heatsinks (vantec's 1U offering, maybe) and another $15 for a floppy drive. the hot swap bays & backplane come with the case, along with a PSU. we'll get a cheapo AGP card, maybe even just an old S3 Virge lying around, that'll be another $15. cabling for another $25, fannage (included in the case, but we'll want more reliable products in the system) is another $25.
in all: $3750-4200
hopefully, you'll consider building your own system - saving over $1000 off the bat compared to a pre-built Xeon solution is quite compelling. if not, at least look at
http://www.appro.com. that's what
Anandtech uses, and i'm sure they'll offer you a reasonable quote on their
2128 series, and it seems to be what you want.
thanks for indulging me this last time. :)
good luck!