dell optiplex 780 usff + mini pcie network interface
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hello - i am going to try a pfsense build on a dell optiplex 780 ultra small form factor. the machine has only one network interface, and no expansion card slots, but it does have a mini pcie slot intended for wifi expansion. so i am going to try the jetway ADMPEIDLB, because i think the second card will fit in the front bezel exactly.
any advice would be appreciated. i did see this thread from two years ago (PfSense i7-4510U + 2x Intel 82574 + 2x Intel i350 (miniPCIE) Mini-ITX Build) so at least i won't be the first to try something like this.
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E8600 (3.33GHz, 6M, 1333MHz FSB)
Memory: 4 GB DDR3 NON-ECC SDRAM 1066MHz (2 DIMMs)
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this is a no go. the processor (Intel E8600) doesn't support AES-NI. so it seems the pfsense cannot be installed.
the socket and processor could be upgraded (lga-771-to-775-adapter) but the system board is not compatible with Intel 5xxx series.
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@wfx3 said in dell optiplex 780 usff + mini pcie network interface:
this is a no go. the processor (Intel E8600) doesn't support AES-NI. so it seems the pfsense cannot be installed.
pfSense 2.5 will not run on this. But it's still some time till it's released and support for 2.4 will be dropped even later. So if you already have the hardware you can use it till then and plan an upgrade for later.
As for the mini pci card, make sure you can return it to the seller if the Dell doesn't work with it.
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@grimson : thanks that is good advice. i am wary of the mini pci network card. i may try a regular card and mini pcie cable adapter cable but there is not much space in that ultra small case.
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You can always use a smart/managed switch and VLANs, in that case a single network interface is enough for pfSense.
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@grimson : that's an interesting idea. it would certainly make for a simpler physical install but i am not sure about managing the switch and firewall together. my first thought is that they could be less secure in that arrangement, and i should have a single wan interface managed by the firewall.
