Going around in circles - which server OS?

Combat squirrel · 5 Jan 2013 at 22:43

As title, I'm currently running whs 2011, but its slow clunky and limited to 8gb ram, running file server, media server (4tb worth), media streaming, iTunes server, air video server, CCTV system and back up location with occasional use of VM's - clearly I need something beefier, windows server 2008 r2 obvously springs to mind, but the 2012 is out now, and drive pooling massively appeals especially that I can add hard drives when required and it is also able to do raid 5 - is there anything similar to that for server 2008 - I do have a lis 92xx hw raid card but this is 8 drives max - I want more but wont go hardware 16 sata card - I also wish to add hard drives when I need to, server 2012 essentials seems ideal but is overpriced - any help please

nutcase · 6 Jan 2013 at 11:03

I'm seriously considering using W8 Pro as it does a lot of what Sever 2012 essentials does for a fraction of the price

scrlk · 6 Jan 2013 at 13:01

Install Gentoo or Arch.

Anyway, this is free and gives you Windows Server for free:
http://www.microsoft.com/web/websitespark/

Combat squirrel · 6 Jan 2013 at 15:31

scrlk said:
Install Gentoo or Arch.

Anyway, this is free and gives you Windows Server for free:
http://www.microsoft.com/web/websitespark/

Wow awesome, how though ? I signed up but can't see how to get it.

EDIT: Found it

enigmo · 11 Jan 2013 at 09:49

Combat squirrel said:
windows server 2008 r2 obvously springs to mind, but the 2012 is out now, and drive pooling massively appeals especially that I can add hard drives when required and it is also able to do raid 5 - is there anything similar to that for server 2008 - I do have a lis 92xx hw raid card but this is 8 drives max - I want more but wont go hardware 16 sata card - I also wish to add hard drives when I need to, server 2012 essentials seems ideal but is overpriced - any help please

Server 2008r2 does software RAID5 too. Have it running myself with no noticeable performance issues when streaming HD media.
As for your card, you're in much the same situation as me as I have an Adaptec 3805. They're both SAS controllers so will run SATA drives. Have you considered a SAS expander? There are some good ones from HP, Intel, and Chenbro for reasonable prices that will multiply the number of drives you can support massively.

Skidilliplop · 14 Jan 2013 at 20:07

I'd have said stick ESXi on the box. That way you can create VMs for each role and use whichever OS suits each purpose best rather than trying to find a jack of all trades.

Sp00n · 16 Jan 2013 at 09:34

scrlk said:
Install Gentoo or Arch.

oh you

randomshenans · 16 Jan 2013 at 10:12

Skidilliplop said:
I'd have said stick ESXi on the box. That way you can create VMs for each role and use whichever OS suits each purpose best rather than trying to find a jack of all trades.

I'd do this!

Reedy · 19 Jan 2013 at 04:43

Skidilliplop said:
I'd have said stick ESXi on the box. That way you can create VMs for each role and use whichever OS suits each purpose best rather than trying to find a jack of all trades.

And of course it's free for the basic license. Some limitations, but shouldn't be an issue..

scrlk · 21 Jan 2013 at 07:35

Combat squirrel said:
Wow awesome, how though ? I signed up but can't see how to get it.

EDIT: Found it

Did you manage to install Server 2012 then?