The cpu supports AES-NI ;D, i can get an SSD drive
If we talk about this CPU here (Intel CPU Core i5-650 BOX 3,2GHz S.1156 4MB Clarkdale) it would be stronger then the smaller
4 core cpu or SoC in the APU2C4.
The SSD could be a real gain for pfSense!
and from what i can see the NIC is listed on the bay as the following but the seller states its only for an IBM server??
Don´t buy it please, there where in the past some models needed to be flashed with another BIOS or Firmware file and this
was able to realize at all models so if you are the lucky one it can be a cheap shot, but if not, you gets only your hands on
something that can not be really used under pfSense! So a refurbished Intel Pro/1000 PT Dual or Quad Port NIC is able
to get from ebay.com in the USA for something around ~$50 and a used cool server pulled Intel i350-T4 will be at ~$120.
But this are then cards you will be happy with and they do what you need and want from them!
45W1959 IBM OEM Intel PRO 1000 PT Quad Port PCIE GIGABIT Ethernet Server NIC
Intel Pro/1000 PT Dual or Quad Port NIC! Please trust my words!
Intel PT NICs on eBay.com
They are often not more expensive then ~$40 - $50 but working like a charm under pfSense.
Intel i350-T4 starting at ~$55 and really nice!
If I was to add these parts would it perform better than say an APU2C4?
If you get no BIOS Problem it would be really more strong and powerful then the APU2C4 Board for sure!
I only ask, as once i purchase these additonal parts its already added to 50% of the price of an APU2C4?
Be cool, with 8 GB and a 3,2GHz CPU there is nothing that you might be not realizing under pfSense, all is running for you!
Here are two other boards that will be also nice matching to your criteria:
Jetway NF952-Q170 best
ASUS Q87T budget
With this you will be getting mSATA Support and a free slot for a miniPCIe WiFI card, many Intel GB LAN Ports on Board or a real
PCI 3.0 x4 Slot for good and strong NICs. Both will be holding also between 8 GB and 16 GB and you will be also sized to mini-ITX.