Does SATA ICH7 south bridge work?

[Berni Elbourn <berni@elbournb.fsnet.co.uk>]

Can you confirm if ICH7 chipset works reliably on Debian with Linux 
software raid?

Some background: A customer of mine is getting a system from Evesham 
following recurring problems with active directory and exchange - very 
nice too. However, I'd like to use Debian on it to get away from active 
directory completely.

Trouble is that although Evesham are fine supplier they are not a Linux 
shop...the server is described as a "200NH using an ICH7 south bridge", 
It is one of those systems with the sata raid controller built into the 
motherboard.

Also can you recommend a reasonable cost Sata card that does work 
production style with Debian...so that if the above does have problems I 
have a rescue plan.

Huge and many thanks,

Berni