Will Server 2012 R2 work (properly) with a i5-8400?

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ir0nw0lf

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Sorry if that is a stupid question but I got a client who [for whatever hellin' reason] wants to re-purpose a newly acquired Dell Inspiron 3670 desktop (!!) into a 2012 R2 server. Before I even tell them sure and before trying to find the OS on the cheap, will it install/run on a i5-8400? I don't know if there are any issues with that server product + 8th gen Intel CPUs. I don't want to commit to them if it might have issues with drivers/Windows Updates, etc. Appreciate any info you folks might have. (y)

CPU: i5-8400 6C/6T
RAM: 12 GB DDR4 (8+4, thanks Dell ROFL)
HD: 1 TB 7200 RPM
Video: assuming on-board
 
First you need to know if it's licensed correctly. You would install that OS if you need one of the Roles or Features that are not available on the desktop OS. But otherwise, yes it will run and will accept 8.1 drivers if you need to use them.
 
Thanks for the info. I have only used actual server processors with 2012 R2 and was just making sure that something like this CPU was OK mostly on the hardware front. (y)
 
Don't be so sure.
As an OS it should run fine but drivers-wise you could run into problems. For example If the motherboard has an Intel NIC (lan card) it's very possible the drivers won't install out of the box because Intel drivers for "desktop" built-in lan cards are artificially limited to deny Server OS. I had this issue with Server 2016.
The solution was easy - adding some lines in an .inf file and then it runs fine. It depends on what you would want to install as devices and software. You just have to try.
 
The guy brought in the box, he said he got 2012 R2 on it, activated and all the hardware working. Taking his word on it over that, I have not turned it on yet. Guess he doesn't have the time to finish configuring it. (!?)
 
He wants to re purpose the box into a server, but already installed 2012r2 onto it?
Sounds fishy. . maybe a boot loader build, or kms trickery.
 
Maybe he just decided to take the plunge and install the OS before ir0nw0lf returned opinion? :)

If it's a new build and/or having a new/empty drive for the OS, it's always much faster and easier to just try to install the OS and drivers.
 
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This gets better and better. The knucklehead at the company who bought the machine installed the 2012 R2 w/key that was in use on their current server. He says it activated. I have to tell them on Monday they really screwed the pooch. Guess he thought he could install it on multiple machines. Going to tell him this is a mess of his own doing. o_O
 
I would have suggested 2016, but it sounds like it's too late for that. There shouldn't be any driver compatibility issues, as the OS, at it's core, is Windows 8.x. The main vendors, like Intel on a Dell, would be supported. I've installed server OSes on non servers hundreds of times in labs and home labs.

Licensing is a whole other topic.
 
DeaconFrost said:
I would have suggested 2016, but it sounds like it's too late for that. There shouldn't be any driver compatibility issues, as the OS, at it's core, is Windows 8.x. The main vendors, like Intel on a Dell, would be supported. I've installed server OSes on non servers hundreds of times in labs and home labs.

Licensing is a whole other topic.
Click to expand...

I just wouldn't do this if you are accepting payment for it. If you do, make sure you have plenty of commercial liability insurance if this thing shits the bed and spews his data all over when the presumably single consumer class drive in it inevitably dies.
 
ir0nw0lf said:
This gets better and better. The knucklehead at the company who bought the machine installed the 2012 R2 w/key that was in use on their current server. He says it activated. I have to tell them on Monday they really screwed the pooch. Guess he thought he could install it on multiple machines. Going to tell him this is a mess of his own doing. o_O
Click to expand...

Where did he get the key? If they are using a special license through a CAL or volume license agreement, there might only be 1 key that is used for all server installs.
 
AltTabbins said:
Where did he get the key? If they are using a special license through a CAL or volume license agreement, there might only be 1 key that is used for all server installs.
Click to expand...
OEM System Builder version that was on their current server that we built a few years ago. They had mentioned last year possibly needing another server and I told them they can't use the same key on a 2nd box. I hoped the kid understood that but as you can tell, he did not.
 
People that use Best Buy Sunday specials as servers aren’t likely to be (legallly) involved with any Microsoft volume licensing program.
 
sean53154 said:
I just wouldn't do this if you are accepting payment for it. If you do, make sure you have plenty of commercial liability insurance if this thing shits the bed and spews his data all over when the presumably single consumer class drive in it inevitably dies.
Click to expand...
I gave my disclaimer about licensing. The need for data backups don't change whether it is a consumer or enterprise-class hard drive. I stuck to the question asked by the OP.
 
sean53154 said:
People that use Best Buy Sunday specials as servers aren’t likely to be (legallly) involved with any Microsoft volume licensing program.
Click to expand...
Before virtualization, many test labs were built off of repurposed desktops, legally, in a corporate setting, using legal licenses. The client in question could potentially be in this situation and could be asking their IT consultant a simple question about compatibility.
 
I returned the box to the guy and told him I was done. He is going to have to find another copy of the product and finish setting it up. My washing of hands if you will LOL.
 
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