Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 Essentials on Thecus W2810PRO

[porterj5]

As I mentioned in a previous post my office is looking to replace a very old Windows 2003 Server.  I came across the Thecus W2810PRO which has a windows 2012 server OS on it. (https://www.neowin.net/news/thecus-w2810pro-review-a-nas-device-running-windows-storage-server-2012-r2-essentials) The 2-bay diskless version is about $400 and comes with the OS license. Add a couple of WD red drives and it would seem we would have a new windows 2012 server running for under $600 with all of our licenses.  Any thoughts or experience on this?

[Electronics Wizardy]

That will work but this is designed to be used as a nas and not as a full ad server. I'd look at a Dell t30 and server 2016. 

[Guest]

What specifically are you looking to achieve with Windows Server?

[samiscool51]

yea, this system really can't do much, you would be better off on getting a small NAS unit, Synology is a good NAS manufacturer have a look on their website: https://www.synology.com/en-global

if you need to do more, than a more powerful server would be better for your use case

the Dell t30 that @Electronics Wizardy would be a great option, check ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=Dell+t30&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC0.A0.H0.XDell+t30+server.TRS0&_nkw=Dell+t30+server&_sacat=0

if you look in the right places, you can find great deals (applies to anything that can be bought on ebay)

 

[Tech Warrior]

I remember seeing Wendell doing a detailed review of the W2810 PRO. You can check it out and see if it matches your needs.. 

 

 

[porterj5]

I was trying to find a video from him on this.  I figured there would be one at least on the OS if not the actual device.  Thanks for the post!