The cheapest box out there that can run pfsense?

[tommyboy180]

The cheapest you can find would be on craigslist. The other day I found a slim dell for only $15. It works perfect with pfsense.

[jasonlitka]

Try eBay.  Search for "Dell Optiplex GX".  The older P4 models routinely sell for about $50 and if you look around you'll find small form factor boxes at the same price point.  One thing to keep in mind though is that the P4 systems are power-hungry, so expect to see a trade-off on your electric bill.  Depending on how long you plan to keep them in service, spending the $150 for an Alix system may pay off.

[torontob]

Thanks for input but I am looking for something specific:

THE cheapest embedded box

• No moving parts
• MUST be able to run pfSense and I do intend to run pfsense
• Not be an end of life product or hard to find as I might want to get few hundred of time over time.

Thanks

[wallabybob]

Alix? see http://pcengines.ch
It might be worth asking about quantity discounts or asking a "local" distributor.

[jasonlitka]

@torontob:

Thanks for input but I am looking for something specific:

THE cheapest embedded box

• No moving parts
• MUST be able to run pfSense and I do intend to run pfsense
• Not be an end of life product or hard to find as I might want to get few hundred of time over time.

Thanks

Oh, then you want an Alix box.

[torontob]

Thanks guys. Using that already. Anything cheaper  ;D
I mean the boards can be much smaller and the technology shouldn't cost so much (~$150 for Alix + cover + adapter). I mean this can even run in a plug-computer type of environment - but at least 3 nic ports needed.

[jasonlitka]

@torontob:

Thanks guys. Using that already. Anything cheaper  ;D
I mean the boards can be much smaller and the technology shouldn't cost so much (~$150 for Alix + cover + adapter). I mean this can even run in a plug-computer type of environment - but at least 3 nic ports needed.

No, nothing smaller or cheaper.

[jimp]

Keep in mind that cheaper to buy does NOT mean it's cheaper to run.

Depending on your local energy costs, an ALIX could pay for itself in no time compared to powering a cheap older PC to do the job.

[torontob]

Thanks. Yeah, not going for PC at all. Believe in embedded systems.

I was just wondering if anything new has popped up that I am not aware of.

Thanks again,

[jimp]

Not cheaper, really. There are more coming up but they are more powerful and a little more expensive. The two newest that come to mind are the Netgate FW-7535 and the Soekris net6501

[mariosfx]

maybe some nokia ip110 firewall units???

[mrbostn]

an old laptop.

[torontob]

Nokia ip110 is more expensive than the PC Engine boards.
Old laptop is not an embedded board. ****That is important for me.

Also, just a quick look shows that Nokia ip110 is a PC Engine product after all but just branded to Nokia?!

[stephenw10]

Old laptop or Nokia box from eBay doesn't fulfil the requirements:

@torontob:

• No moving parts
• MUST be able to run pfSense and I do intend to run pfsense
• Not be an end of life product or hard to find as I might want to get few hundred of time over time.

Not that I can think of anything else!  ::)

Steve