Hi,
I am faced with the same situation. If you use the 64 GB hidden memory using PrimoCache's hidden memory feature it may not be a big change. However, I personally feel better by not using "hidden memory" but being able to use the entire memory within the OS itself. It feels safer - that alone is enough reason for me
The step from 2008 R2 to 2012 R2 (or soon 2016) is in itself a big step. It sounds you are using this as a server - right?
Then 2012 R2 brings your some neat additions:
- SMB3 protocoll
It allows your server to transfer faster and via multiple links to any Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 client connected. If you have a Windows 10 client and connect it via dual 1 GBit cables to your network switch, it will immediately use 2 GBit transfer speed. If you have an additional 10 GBit link, it will use the faster 10 GBit link alone, but fail over automatically if the 10 GBit link is lost.
- ReFS
A new filesystem that is superior to NTFS in many ways. Most important: Disk corruptions - if any - can be resolved without the need of using CHKDSK command, its rather "self healing" on the fly.
- Storage spaces
Some kind of teared storage model. You can add a SSD and a bunch of HDDs and make it ONE drive. Windows 2012 R2 will automatically move the most recent used data to the faster part of the drive, ie. the SSD part.
I am just about to install the free trial version of "Windows Server Standart 2012 R2" here on my system as I want to upgrade our server. I considered "Windows Storage Server 2012 R2" as well, but it seems its minor to the other version.
Best
Axel