I built this as a quite home server. Its running Windows Server 2012 Essentials R2. Its primary purposes are file storage and backup, media server, torrent/downloading, light VM usage.

I have Plex Media Server installed, Drivepool, Lights out, uTorrent, Filebot, AVG File Server.

Its setup to use anywhere access (ms hosted portal site), i have a domain assigned to plex for remote access, can wake the server from sleep remotely, and manage uTorrent via remote app or website. It backs up my Windows 8.1 client and wakes automatically when the client is on. It also wakes to run backups.

Very happy with all the parts. No issues with the hardware at all. CPU may be slightly overkill for its use but it can easily handle transcoding for plex.