Any good, reasonably priced small boxes that can also hold a 2.5" HDD?
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Posted this on the pfsense subreddit and didnt get any hits that worked for me.
I'm looking for a very small form factor host to put pfSense on. Must have at least 2 gigabit NICs, at least dual-core, preferably a VGA port, and be able to hold a 2.5" HDD. I would like something around the size of the netgate boxes.
This will be getting mounted to a 1.5'x2.5' piece of plywood in my utility closet where I am setting up my new network panel(just finished cabling the house), so small form factor is a must. I've come across a few on aliexpress but I'm not sure if I'm looking at garbage on there or not.
Any options fitting my requirements, preferably under $200?
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Pfsense store is full of stuff that can do that.
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Pfsense store is full of stuff that can do that.
The cheapest box in the pfSense store is $449.00. I'd prefer to keep the cost under $200.
ETA: Also looks like all those netgate boxes support CF or mSATA. I need 2.5" SATA HDD support.
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Why the specific 2.5" HDD requirement?
mSATA works really well (my desktop system is actually using an mSATA disk and it's extremely speedy)
Most cases that small wouldn't have proper heat dissipation for an older style spinning 2.5" disk, and if you're using a 2.5" SSD you may as well go mSATA, IMO.
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I agree. Unless your goal is pure money savings by combining some things you already have with a few cheap things you will buy, there is no reason not to use mSATA.
BTW - I like cheap. I like reusing stuff I have on hand.
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'At least dual core' is not a firm CPU requirement. ;)
What bandwidth packages etc are you going to be using?There are some mini-ITX dual core Atom boards that probably fit the bill.
Steve
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Do a search for BLKD2500CCE, it have 2 SATA and it should works for you, Dual NiC, Dual Core Atom with 2 SATA & VGA
One of those MOBO + Mems + M350 case should be right around your budget.
edit: Jetway NC9MGL-525 should work too.
