Don't know if it will be compatible with Linux, it depends on what Linux distro that you use. Your motherboard is not listed yet in the Compatability database
 
Are you plannng to use this box with just Linux, or a dual boot with Windows?
 
Are you going to use a RAID array or the drives as distinct "regular" drives?
 
If you are looking to use Linux for video editing, then you could try Ubuntu Studio.
 
A lot of distros (flavors of Linux) have Live CD versions that allow you to test the distro without installing it to the hard drive. This allows you to see if there are any issues with your hardware.

Thanx!
Who do you turn to for the drivers?

What specific "drivers" are you speaking of?
 
In Linux, hopefully the drivers (modules in Linux) are included in the Linux kernel, the core of the operating system. The newer the version of the Linux distro that you use, the better the chance that the modules are included in the Linux distro. Of course, the newer that your hardware is, there is a chance that the modules are not yet uncluded. This is also true for Windows, where manufacturers make drivers to make the newer hardware run.
 
Some manufacturers will support Linux, some not. In a majority of the cases, there are modules (drivers) available from a number of sources, since there are a number of Linux developers working on drivers to make newer hardware run.
 
So, if a piece of hardware does not work in Linux, then this is the time to ask the question about where to find the drivers.
 
As you may suspect, there can be hundreds of different ways that folks can have there systems set up with as many different hardware configurations. This is why I asked the questions that I did, such as if your system will be a straight sata system, or if you were planning to use a RAID array, since you noted two different model drives for your new system.
 
Live CD versions are great to try first, as you get an idea if your hardware is supported "out of the box." Most Linux distros also have a wiki page that keep a database of hardware and if that flavor of Linux runs on their systems (what does and does not). The compatability database on this site attempts to do the same.
 
Hopefully this is somewhat helpful, so feel free to ask any specific questions that you have as you start your journey with Linux.

there's not much in compatibility database. is their list exhaustive?
i didn't know it'be so much struggle. i imagined nice smart people like danleff would direct me through it seamlessly.