You need to buy and add a domain controller to AD 2008 - which version to choose a server?

Question

Windows Server

In connection with the territorial division of the office into 2 parts, it was required to add one more domain controller to the running AD 2008.

Which version of Windows Server to buy for this, in order to minimize the cost and difficulties of adding to the domain?

Only the controller, DNS and DHCP are planned on the domain.

The purchase must be legal, not on ebay, etc.

Answer 1

Windows Server 2019 Standard

Answer 2

in order to minimize ... difficulties in adding to the domain

No problem, the 2008 domain level is supported in 2008, 2008R2, 2012, 2012R2, 2016 and 2019. And 2022 isn't coming out anytime soon.

in order to minimize the price

You need to find out the price from the dealer from whom you will buy. Different dealers may have different prices. Discounts can appear and disappear at the will of someone's left heel. Someone can make a personal discount, etc.
If I were you, I would choose only the latest version (i.e. 2019), because. her support will end later .

Answer 3

The purchase must be legal, not on ebay, etc.

I'll add to the already existing answers - do not forget about CALs, 2008s are not suitable for use with later versions. Of course, this is "just a piece of paper", but if license purity is important in cases of inspections / audits, you should keep this in mind.