The Home Server I've Been Wanting

Summary

The WT Pro from AAR is a compact, efficient home lab alternative that doesn't require a hefty price tag or excessive space. It boasts impressive performance with an 8-core Ryzen 7 5825U CPU, offering multiple expansion options and no reliance on proprietary software. Despite the lack of 10 gigabit Ethernet and non-hot-swappable drives, it delivers excellent value for its price point under $500, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between a DIY build and a locked-in ecosystem.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The WTS Pro from AAR is a compact and powerful device that could potentially replace an entire home lab.
• 💾 It offers impressive performance, reasonable expansion options, and does not rely on proprietary software.
• 🔄 AAR's WTS Pro is an evolution from the R1 model, providing more features at a still reasonable price.
• 🛠️ The device has a unique I/O placement on the side, which might be beneficial depending on its placement in the user's setup.
• 💡 It comes with swappable drive bays, but they are not hot-swappable, which could be a downside for some users.
• 🔌 The WTS Pro has a variety of connectivity options including USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, and a USB-C port that supports power delivery.
• 💻 It is shipped with Windows 11 pre-installed, but the reviewer suggests a fresh install for security reasons.
• 🔥 The AMD Ryzen 7 5825U CPU in the WTS Pro provides strong performance, especially in multi-threaded tasks.
• 🔋 The system is energy efficient, drawing very low power at idle and during heavy workloads.
• 📺 The WTS Pro's hardware-accelerated transcoding capabilities are decent for single streams but might struggle with multiple simultaneous streams.
• 💡 AAR focuses on unique systems at good prices without proprietary software, striking a balance between DIY builds and locked-in ecosystems.

Q & A

What is the WT2 Pro from AAR used for?

The WT2 Pro from AAR is a compact device that can serve as a home lab replacement, suitable for running a Plex server, a home theater PC, or even for small business use, without relying on proprietary software.

What are the advantages of the WT2 Pro over other mini PCs?

The WT2 Pro offers impressive performance, reasonable expansion options, and does not rely on proprietary software. It also has a unique design with I/O on the side, making it potentially easier to access.

What is the pronunciation of AAR according to the script?

The pronunciation of AAR is not specified in the script, but the presenter invites viewers to share their favorite pronunciation in the comments.

What is the role of ODU in the video?

ODU is the sponsor of the video, and it is described as an all-in-one business management software that streamlines various aspects of company operations such as CRM, accounting, sales, and inventory management.

What are the specifications of the WT2 Pro mentioned in the script?

The WT2 Pro features a Ryzen 7 5825U CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB NVMe SSD, two Intel I226V 2.5GbE NICs, and multiple USB ports including USB-C.

What is the price range for the WT2 Pro with the mentioned specifications?

The version of the WT2 Pro with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD is priced at $450, while a version without RAM and storage can be purchased for just under $400.

What is the performance of the WT2 Pro like according to the script?

The WT2 Pro performs well, especially in multi-threaded tasks, and is efficient with a low power draw of 7 watts at idle.

What operating system comes pre-installed on the WT2 Pro?

The WT2 Pro comes pre-installed with Windows 11, but the script suggests that a fresh install or using a different operating system like Proxmox might be preferable.

What is the performance of the WT2 Pro's hardware-accelerated transcoding?

The hardware-accelerated transcoding on the WT2 Pro's Ryzen 7 chip is decent for a single stream but may not be suitable for multiple streams due to some artifacting issues.

What are some potential drawbacks mentioned about the WT2 Pro?

Some drawbacks include the lack of hot-swappable drive bays, no 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and subpar hardware-accelerated transcoding compared to Intel or Nvidia solutions.

What is the script's final verdict on the WT2 Pro?

The script concludes that the WT2 Pro is an impressive system for a home server, offering a good balance between a DIY build and a locked-in ecosystem, despite some drawbacks.