Thecus W5000 NAS Review

Before you even get started on what you may think is the correct method for configuring your NAS, throw any ideas you have out of the window.  Remember, this is a NAS based on Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 Essentials and not the typical Linux variant.  You must remember, RTFM (google it if you don’t know what that is).

Thecus advises to first connect a USB Keyboard and Mouse, then an HDMI or VGA cable to a monitor.  Then power on the system.  For me, HDMI didn’t work, had to be VGA.  When I asked Thecus about this, they informed me that if HDMI is connected before the system is powered on, it will not work.

Upon firing up this NAS for the first time, Microsoft presents you with the initial installation for Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 Essentials.  The basics like Accept Terms and Conditions, Enter Product Key, and press next a few times are all there.  Once you are thrust into the OS, a Configure wizard guides you through the rest.

For administration, Thecus relies on the strengths of Microsoft’s server platform instead of Thecus NAS OS for the W5000.

For more on the administration please see:

• Microsoft Storage Server 2012 R2 Overview
• Microsoft Storage Server 2012 R2 Essentials