SQL on Server Core pitfalls

As for the limitations, some of the services would be unavailable. But I doubt they are critical. Here you can learn more: https://logicalread.com/installing-sql-server-2016-on-server-core/#.WKOlJfL5MTA Also take a look at this article that is described all the supported features and an installation process of SQL on Server Core: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh231669.aspx And here it is a short step-by-step guide: https://www.starwindsoftware.com/blog/install-sql-server-2016-on-windows-server-2016-server-core Hope it helps.

Core has smaller installation footprint, less binaries to patch, less services etc. Still all tech except GUI and GUI-dependent is available (Nano is somewhere limited, say with SR-IOV support). P.S. We either do a full GUI or POC Nano. Core is somewhere in the middle, and will fade out eventually. IMHO.