Setting up a database server

I am wanting to set up a database server using Red Hat Linux and MySQL.

I am wondering if anyone else out there has done this and if anyone has some
tips or resources they could point me to.

I am interested in how best to setup the Linux system for database
performance as well as what kind of hardware, in particular good, fast RAID
controllers are available for use under Red Hat.

Is anyone using a RAID subsystem with Linux connecting through a standard
RAID controller on Red Hat?

Are there any kernel tweaks to get better performance?
Is there a list somewhere that contains what packages need to be installed
for a standalone database server?

I have posted similar questions on the MySQL list but have not received much
in the way of response. I am hoping someone here will have some more
information.

Thanks for your help.

Darrell