Low cost, low power pfSense build

[BurntToast]

I'm looking to build a pfSense box for my home.

I'm looking for a low power, low cost, low heat build. Something that I can replace my router with for 24/7 operation.

There are always the iTX options from places such as Acer or Zotac. Just looking for other options.

Thanks.

 

[Metraon]

Netgate got some basic Alix Routers for sale, perfect for pfSense. Check if the performance they offer is what you want, because they can be ''limited''.

Here is the link : http://store.netgate.com/Desktop-Kits-C82.aspx

 

[Metraon]

There is other alternatives and some are not that expensive, they can offer more performance like this system :

http://www.mini-box.com/Mini-Box-M350-Barebone-System

 

[Lames.]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856205007

Bought this a year ago with a 60gb SSD and 4gig memory and has been running great with a few pfSense addons without any hiccups

 

[koolaidkitten]

Don't forget that if you already have a fileserver, you can combine the fileserver and pfsense together with the magic of virtualization.

 

[timreichhart]

I am getting ready to build an pfsense box out of an HP thin client.

 

[bds1904]

I am getting ready to build an pfsense box out of an HP thin client.

done that a few times, USB NIC's meant for mac's work great for WAN.

you could also build yourself a atom pfsense box with 3 gigabit nic's for about $260 shipped to your door.

 

[BurntToast]

Do basically any intel dual port nics work? What about cf card adapters? Either sata or pci.

I think I may actually just use an old Intel P4 box that I have laying around. It will use more power than an atom, but since would take a long time to make up the savings with purchasing an atom rig.

 

[bds1904]

just about any intel nic will work, but check out this find on ebay.

That's something I've also done with thin clients, they work great and are silent.

 

[timreichhart]

I only bought 2 hp thin clients like 20 dollars an piece.

 

[BurntToast]

I only bought 2 hp thin clients like 20 dollars an piece.

I just hooked up my kill-a-watt to my space box. At nearly 0.31 cents kwh I'm connived to use a thin client

Where did you find thin clients for that cheap and what are the specs?

 

[RocketTech]

For pfSense 2.x you only need one physical NIC- you can then VLAN everything, if you care to go that route and your NIC supports VLANs.