Exclusive Review of the Acer AC100S Small Business Server 2011 Essentials Box

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Back in June we told you that Acer were planning on launching a Small Business Server 2011 Essentials box called the AC100S. We have been using it for a while now and so here is our exclusive review.

The Acer AC100S delivers essential server-class features and expandability along with unique Acer utilities¹ and Microsoft Small Business Server 2011 Essentials to ensure the success of start-up and small-size businesses. The ultra-micro tower server is ENERGY STAR certified and features an 80 PLUS efficient power supply that saves space and energy while keeping your employees and office highly productive.

Who are Acer?

From their website:

Since its founding in 1976, Acer has achieved the goal of breaking the barriers between people and technology. Globally, Acer ranks No. 2 for total PCs and notebooks. A profitable and sustainable Channel Business Model is instrumental to the company’s continuing growth, while its multi-brand approach effectively integrates Acer, Gateway, Packard Bell, and eMachines brands in worldwide markets.

Acer strives to design environmentally friendly products and establish a green supply chain through collaboration with suppliers. Acer is proud to be a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Movement, including the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter and London 2012 Olympic Games.

Over 30 years of making history in the fast-paced IT industry, Acer’s far-reaching strategy of focusing on R&D and marketing development has laid the foundations and created a company ready to embrace the challenges of the future. The Acer Group employs 8,000 people worldwide. Estimated revenues for 2010 reached US$19.9 billion.

Acer were also one of the big players that supported the original V1 Windows Home Server.

Specifications

Processors and Chipset
· Intel® Xeon® E3-1200 series processors
· Intel® Core™ i3 series processors
· Intel® Pentium® series processors
· Chipset: Intel® C206
Memory
· Memory capacity:
Unbufferred DIMM: 2, 4, 8 GB
· Maximum capacity: up to 16 GB unbuffered DIMMs when fully populated with 1 DIMM per channel in 2 slots
Note: 8 GB DIMM availability may vary by region.
Network Controllers
· Integrated single-port Intel® 82579LM Gigabit Ethernet
Storage
· Hard disk form factor: 3.5”
· Type: SATA
· 3.5” Maximum capacity:
Up to 8 TB SATA HDD (2 TB 3.5″ x 4 HDDs)
Storage Controllers
· Intel® C206 onboard storage controller
Expansion slots
· 1 x PCIe x8
Management
· System LAN LEDs, System Health LED
· System Health Monitoring
Note: available in AC100S SKU only
· Intel Active Management Technology (Intel vPro)
Note: available in AC100S SKU with Intel Xeon processor only
Security
· Front panel key lock
· Rear Kensington lock hole
· Chassis intrusion
Deployment/Serviceability
· Acer Smart Setup
· BIOS Update Tool
Chassis/Form Factor
· Micro tower
Power Supply
· 200 W 80 PLUS® bronze-level efficient fixed power supply