A short time ago we posted that Tranquil PC announced the Series 2 version of their popular Windows Home Server, the SQA-5H.
We reviewed the series 1 SQA-5H last year, so feel free to go look at that again to remind yourself. A lot of the software and features of the series 2 is the same as the series 1, so for the sake of keeping the article shorter, have a look at the earlier review for more detailed information.
As well as launching the Series 2 SQA-5H, Tranquil also launched the Safe Server Module (SSM) which we had a look at last week.
And if that wasn’t enough, there is also the combined SQA-5H Windows Home Server with an SSM, known as the SQA-5H-SAFE. We managed to get our hands on this model, so the review here is both for the series 2 SQA-5H and the SSM.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Unit dimensions | 213 (W) x 221 (D) x 195 (H) – incl feet |
| Unit construction | Enamelled steel (typically >70% recycled materials) |
| CPU cooling | Internal CPU and chipset aluminium heat sink (fan less) |
| CPU | 64 bit ready Intel Atom D510 (2×1.66GHz) Dual Core |
| Memory | 2x DDR2 667/800MHz (2GB fitted, one slot free) |
| HDD | Safe Server Module fitted to HDD1 with 2x 500GB 2.5” HDDs – slots 2-5 free |
| Colour options | Satin Black / Gloss White |
| Front panel | Power, Mode and Backup switches, multi-coloured status LEDs and 2x USB2.0 |
| Rear panel | 12V DC power in / 4x USB2.0 / 10/100/1000 LAN / eSATA (with Port Multiplier). Desk Lock |
| Weight | Base unit (nett) 6Kg (1x HDD fitted) |
| Packing box | 310 (W) x 320 (D) x 290 (H) (external) |
| Power supply | Universal (50/60Hz – 110/240V) External AC/DC with country specific power cord |
| HDD support | Fit an extra 1 – 4x 3.5” HDD supported (SATA2) |
| Working temp | Maximum 44’C ambient |
| Acoustics | ~22dBA (Safe Server Module fitted) |
| HDD Cooling | Hot swap 8cm Fan, with optimised speed / acoustic control |
| Mounting options | Desk |
| Power consumption | 22W (base unit, with Safe Server Module fitted) |
| Software | Windows Home Server PP1, 2 and 3 pre-installed Media Pack, with Start-up CD, Restore CD, Restore DVD and USB boot key AVA Media CD ripping engine iTunes Server Logitech Server Safe Server Module Monitor |
The observant amongst you have probably noticed a small panel on the back of the unit below the USB ports. Well this is the service plate, and if you remove it you have access to some additional connectors, including a VGA connector for troubleshooting problems, if you need them!
Excellent review Andrew, Tranquil is tops in my book. They have a nice line of servers and are consistantly improving. The ultimate box is RS5 with SAFE
http://www.ava-media.com/
Good review. I just bought one of these and have high hopes. Initial thoughts:
+no need to leave my pc running for torrents etc
+works nicely with the Xtreamer that came with it
but
-can't get my laptop to backup to it (keeps telling me to try chkdsk)
-steelvine monitor just refuses to detect the server
-it has a fan! Not too loud but louder than nothing.
Hi Mario
What OS is your laptop running?
have you run chkdsk on your laptop?
I had a problem with Steelvine, turned out to be a firewall problem and ports needed to be opened (check the "manual" that came with it).
And yes, it has a fan – the bottom picture on page 1 shows the fan. It needs a fan to protect the disks.
Andrew