pfSense build help (future guide)

AnIgnorantPerson

Alright, so I am starting to research the dive into a pf sense build. I assume I will do custom via spare parts and or new PC. I figure custom will be cheaper/better overall.

I will need 3x 10GbE and ~2x1GbE
10GbE to server
10GbE to Desktop
10GbE to 10GbE/1GbE switch I might switch to different switch but something like that
1xGbE to fiber modem (future could be 10GbE)

or

I will need 2x 10GbE and 5-10x1GbE
10GbE to server
10GbE to Desktop
5-10x 1GbE directly to all other parts of the house (modem, PC, TV, wifi AP).

I have 2 options to repurpose

Option 1
The real question does ECC matter and does this MB has enough slots for the network requirements

Intel Core i7 3770 @ 3.40GHz
32.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 663MHz (9-9-9-24)
MSI B75A-G43 (MS-7758) (SOCKET 0)
PCI Express 3.0 x16
1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16
PCI Express 2.0 x16
1 @x4
PCI Express x1
2 x PCI Express x1
PCI Slots
3 x PCI Slots

Option 2
Repurpose a TS140
E3-1200 v3
16-32GB of 2133 ECC (IIRC)
online says:
Slot 1: PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16-wired); full-height, half-length
Slot 2: PCIe 2.0 x1 (x1-wired); full-height, half-length
Slot 3: PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4-wired); full-height, half-length
Slot 4: PCI 32 bit / 33 MHz (5 V); full-height, half-length

I would prefer to repurpose the IB 3770 since its the slower build. But I am asking to make sure I make the right choices obviously.

For network adapters via PCIe. I would just go used or generic to save money. All my current 10GbE are used Intels from ebay on the cheap.

Intel(R) Ethernet Server Adapter X520-1

Any thoughts, input, and so on is always appreciated.

stephenw10

If you want close to actual 10Gbps throughput get the most powerful, per core, CPU you can.
What CPU do you actually have in the TS140?

Steve

NogBadTheBad

@stephenw10 said in pfSense build help (future guide):

TS140

Looks like 1 Intel Xeon E3-1200 v3 Series or Intel Core i3 Series

stephenw10

Yeah, but that's a wide range. May be comparable with the i7 3770 or not.
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/Intel-Xeon-E3-1285-v3-vs-Intel-i7-3770-vs-Intel-Celeron-G1820/2894vs896vs2129

Steve

AnIgnorantPerson

1225v3 is the CPU.
https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/75461/intel-xeon-processor-e3-1225-v3-8m-cache-3-20-ghz.html

The prebuilds usually have similar or slower CPUs no?

Is ECC really needed for pfsense and if you claim Single thread is that badly needed do you have any actual data to back that up because for my house even the 3770 should be faster than anything else I currently have set up or could reasonably buy.

Also what about the NICs? I heard there are issues with fake NICs and wondering on prices for NICs because I have to do the used/generic route.