ASUS TS mini Home Server Pro Reviews

In terms of performance, this server doesn’t impress with its peak data-transfer speed of 40-70 MBps considering that it runs on an x86 architecture. This speed should be enough for most applications, but competing Linux-based solutions are generally faster. Being a high-quality and problem-free product, the TS mini proves ASUS’ leading position among hardware makers. It may be interesting for beginner users who need an out-of-the-box solution for data backups including full copies of LAN computers’ disks. The TS mini will come at about $300 for a configuration with one 500GB disk and 1 GB of system memory and at about $450 for a configuration with two 1TB disks and a 2GB memory module. We guess that’s quite appealing compared to other x86-based solutions available on the market.

Overall, Asus's Home Server TS Mini is a disappointment. The hardware's clumsy design makes adding or replacing a hard disk more difficult than it has to be. Asus' WHS plug-ins don't add much value either, although these can always be updated in future or just replaced with alternatives of your choosing. The sluggish performance is particularly disappointing though, limiting the TS Mini's usefulness.

You may want to think twice before filling a small room with TS Minis in an attempt to run your own data centre, but it certainly is highly recommended as a home media server. Windows Home Server may be too restrictive for the hardcore Nas boxer, but for average Joes, Asus has crafted a fine server which will fulfil the needs and requirements of most to a highly satisfactory level.

The Asus Home Server TS mini's performance shows that not all Windows-based NAS devices are slow. The impressive online storage platform and external hard drive manager also make it a better choice than similarly capable alternatives, although the lack of Mac and Linux support is a little disappointing.

It lacks polish, but the mini is an affordable and practical choice to serve any home

The TS mini targets home users who are looking for a simple and easy way to share files between household computers, back up PCs, and access content remotely. Given that this box is designed to be used by people who may or may not have experience managing a network and/or a server, we expect the TS mini to be simple to set up, manage, and use on a daily basis.