Windows Server 2016 Essentials is the entry-level Windows Server 2016 offering targeted at the SMB sector. It has major constraints that limit the hardware one will realistically want to use with the OS. Since STH tests more SMB server hardware than any other major publication, we have an awesome viewpoint into what makes a great Windows Server 2016 Essentials hardware platform.
In our buyer’s guides, we will focus on SMB servers that are meant to serve an office of up to 25 people and 50 devices, the maximum for the license’s active directory domain. We are going to show some great options both for rackmount and desktop/ on office floor servers. We are also going to highlight options for those SMB IT professionals who want pre-built appliances as well as DIY options for those that like to build custom solutions.
Top Windows Server 2016 Essentials Appliances
Given the target market for Windows Server 2016 Essentials, we have a great set of recommended appliances to run on.
- Top Picks for Windows Server 2016 Essentials: Desktop / Tower Appliances
- Top Picks for Windows Server 2016 Essentials: Rackmount Appliances
- Top Picks for Windows Server 2016 Essentials: Backup Appliances
These are turnkey appliances that can be used either in your own firm or for those that you service.
Top Windows Server 2016 Essentials Components
For the DIY SMB IT professionals, we have a list of the top components that you can use to put an excellent system together from scratch.
- Top Picks for Windows Server 2016 Essentials: Motherboards and Processors
- Top Picks for Windows Server 2016 Essentials: Boot Drives
- Top Picks for Windows Server 2016 Essentials: Hard Drives and SSDs
- Top Picks for Windows Server 2016 Essentials: Host Bus Adapters (SAS HBAs)
- Top Picks for Windows Server 2016 Essentials: Network Controllers
- Top Picks for Windows Server 2016 Essentials: External Storage
We will keep these updated on a periodic basis.
Have a specific question?
If you are looking for an awesome deal or have a specific question about Windows Server 2016 Essentials hardware, feel free to ask in the STH forums.