We Got Served - The Windows Home Server Site

German system builder, Hush Technologies, has built a reputation for high-quality, low power machines over the past few years with great design that would look good in any home (or office, if you work somewhere funky enough!). Like the UK’s Tranquil PC, they’ve specialised in fanless chassis which are flexible enough to work in a number of scenarios, from standard XP/Vista desktops, through to dedicated HTPCs running Windows Media Center, with almost silent running thanks to an innovative cooling system that transfers heat from inside the system through to aluminium fins on the exterior of the chassis - a trick we’ve seen prviously with Tranquil’s T2-WHS-A3 model.

Back in November, Hush announced that they would be releasing a Windows Home Server system, the Hush HS1. It’s certainly the most beautiful home server hardware we’ve tested, but it’s also one of the most expensive - after a long wait, we finally had a chance to test it out in the real world this week.

What’s in the Box?

Certainly, the Hush is one of the more succinct home server packaged we’ve opened up - in our case, the system came with no installation guide, and not even any Windows Home Server CDs! (Hush clarified that they usually bundle the standard WHS installation discs and Quick Start guide). Luckily we have a few WHS Connector CDs knocking around, so we were able to get the Hush installed correctly.

The system comes well packed and protected in a Hush branded carton. The Hush HS1 package consists of:

• Hush HS1 Home Server
• Power Supply
• Motherboard Manual and Driver CD (not required for initial Windows Home Server installation)
• Windows Home Server OEM Installation Discs and Quick Start Guide

You’re out of luck if you’re expecting copious amounts of support materials - you get a thick slab of high quality anodised aluminum with some silicon inside, and a plug. Job done. For the price you’re paying, I’d expect to see a decent installation guide as well as an Ethernet cable bundled in the system, so whilst the hardware looks fabulous, Hush haven’t been as generous as they could be with the overall package.

First Looks

So, let’s take a look as that chassis - it’s Hush’s standard HTPC chassis, which is available across their product range. Whilst I say “standard” don’t let that word detract from the quality of the design - it’s a beautiful looking system, made out of a heat-conducting aluminium alloy, brushed and anodised all over. The environmentalists amongst you will be pleased to hear that it’s fully recyclable too.

As a HTPC, the system could sit underneath a TV if required, but would look great in any room and is available in a choice of silver, black or bronze. It’s not one to be hidden away.

Along the sides, thick aluminium fins allow heat to be dissipated from the chassis without the need for internal fans.

Around the Back

Hush, like a few system builders who have released Windows Home Server hardware eschew Microsoft’s logo requirements for a headless unit and include VGA and PS2 connectors for keyboards and mice. You’ll also find four Ethernet connections (the most we’ve seen on any home server - do they not have routers in Germany?) if you need extra networking support (this is a 40 euro paid upgrade), 2 USB ports, a firewire socket and various unnecessary audio and video connectors.

Around the Front

The front of the HS1 is a minimalist but quality affair, with the Hush logo engraved into the front panel, which looks very cool indeed. No nasty Windows stickers here thank you very much. Elsewhere, a large power button glows with a blue ring when the unit is switched on, and you get a further two USB ports at the front. In case you needed to be reminded what format of motherboard the HS1 uses, Hush have also handily engraved mini-ITX on the front panel also - who knows, it may make for entertaining dinner party conversation. Meanwhile, don’t be fooled by that slot in the front panel - there’s a blanking plate behind it, rather than the DVD drive you’re expecting.

Clearly, this is a frontplate from Hush’s E1 Media Center systems - you can understand them reusing components, but i can’t help but think it would have been nicer if they could have tooled a specific front panel for the HS1 without the DVD slot and extraneous IR sensors. The aesthetics are a little compromised at the moment, and bear in mind, you’re paying for the aesthetics as well as the build quality with the HS1.

Certainly the HS1feels very solidly built - it has the highest quality “feel” of any of the home servers we’ve reviewed to date. However, future expansion is not helped by the use of non-standard screws which hold the unit together - swap your screwdriver for an allen key, and you’ll be fine.

Under the Hood

Let’s take a look at the HS1’s specification, putting up against Tranquil PC’s T2-WHS-A3i, which is probably the most similar unit currently available.

The HS1 is based around the popular Via combination of the C7-D processor (although the faster of the two C7 processors is selected here) plus the Jetway CN700 Mini-ITX motherboard - we’ve seen this combination used in a variety of home servers, including the previous revisions of Tranquil PC’s home server hardware. Tranquil have subsequently refreshed their specification to the new Intel Atom processor which gives strong performance at very low power, which may explain the difference in power consumption. That said, the Via processor and chipset is absolutely fine for running Windows Home Server.

You’ll see in other areas, there’s a few differences - you’ll get more memory with the HS1 (and if you’re likely to install add-ins and other software on the home server, the extra juice is needed), and you also get the benefit of a firewire socket which is handy if you want to use an existing firewire drive.

What you can’t miss though is the price differential - the HS1 is over twice the price of the Tranquil unit, coming in at £699. Add taxes and shipping on and you’re looking at well over 1100 euros (£860 | $1700) to get your hands on a well-built, exquisitely made home server. Unfortunately, other than those aesthetics, there’s very little value-add to justify the additional cost. The Hush HS1 Home Server is certainly built and priced for the professional installer market.

Final Verdict

Hush have certainly produced the finest looking Home Server in the market with the HS1, and if aesthetic qualities are your number one criteria for choosing a home server, you’ll certainly fall in love with this machine - it has a great spec, is well-built and oozes class. But those looks will cost you a pretty penny.

If Hush had included more value-adding features to their package, in the way of premium add-ins, or a higher specification of components, then there would be a lot more to recommend the HS1 than a great looking chassis. Cutting corners in the lack of bundled Ethernet cables and a DVD drive is, at this price point, pretty unforgiveable. I’m sure it will do very well in the professional installation market - but, at the current price, for everyday users, there are home servers out there that do a better job at a cheaper price.

More Info: Hush Technologies