I have a chance to buy either an EX470 or EX485 server. I would like to install WHS 2011 on either one of them which ever is the better server. I would like to install WHS 2011 on either one of these servers WITHOUT performing any hardware upgrades. If I can get away with NOT doing any upgrading, I would be happier.

EX470: Sempron 1.8GHz processor, 2gb of RAM

EX485: CeleronTM 2GHz processor, 2gb of RAM

Which server is the better server to install WHS 2011 WITHOUT having to do any upgrading? My purpose is to have one client connected, have remote access to this server, and have a couple of Add-ins. That is what I would be using the server for.

If you will be using more than 4 drives and want the speed of eSATA then you will want the EX47x because it can support upto 4 drives via eSATA where the EX48x only supports 1 eSATA drive. The performance on the EX48x may be better but I believe it would be marginal.

With any MSS you would lose the function of the LED's if you install WHS2011 but there was some work done to correct this but I am uncertain on which units the drivers would work on but you can look into this at the link below:

http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2011/06 ... rver-2011/

You may want to consider another unit all together to run WHS2011 something more modern, robust and easier to get parts for should components need replacement.

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Exploring the possibilities!

Migrated from WHS2011 to WS2012E: HIGHLANDER

~ Norco 4220 Enclosure
~ Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5
~ AMD Phenom II X4 995 3.2 GHz
~ 8 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
~ 3 Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8