Pfsense first build suggestions

ToXZiN 1

Hey guys,

Looking for advice on my first build. I have 4 WAN connections I am trying to combine via load balancing so I need something that could handle a combined throughput of 600Mbps. I already have 2 dual gig pci-e nic cards I purchased about a year ago. I like the idea of a smaller machine like a mini ITX but am open to suggestions. What would you guys recommend as far as mobo, processor, power supply…ect. I've never done a build of my own before but have been messing with computers and repairing RROD 360s for years so I'm confident I'm up for the challenge. Let me know if you need pics of the nic cards or any other information from me.

Thanks in advance, ToXZiN 1.

Guest

Hello ToXZiN 1,

there are some things you might be knowing first to build up a appliance that is fitting your needs and is helping
you to reach all your goals. It mostly depends on things such;

WAN Bandwidth and expected or needed throughput
all services that should be running smooth and liquid
needed VPN throughput and connections
how many users should be served
What is your budget!?

To come closer this site is telling you in a larger frame what is needed

like the idea of a smaller machine like a mini ITX but am open to suggestions.

Do you mean really mini ITX or mini ITX in 1U rack mount case? The pfSense store offers both.

I already have 2 dual gig pci-e nic cards I purchased about a year ago.

On the most mini ITX boards are mostly only one PCIe slot is soldered on.
In some other cases Supermicro is offering you also boards in the mATX dimensions, but special
cases are then needed, but those boards comes with two PCIe slots. This are Intel Atom C27xx
boards from the "Rangely" platform.

What would you guys recommend as far as mobo, processor, power supply…ect.

Supermicro C2558 or C2758 Board
Supermicro mini ITX or 1U rack mount case
Intel I210-T1
ECC RAM
SSD

Would do the job, but at the pfSense store you will be able also to get your hands on devices
that will be comes with a pre installed pfSense, 3 mini PCIe & SIM slot, that will be sufficient
enough to handle the entire WAN load and speed.

If cheaper hardware will be on the need you can also try out a Intel P3220 CPU @3,0 GHz.

Mr. Jingles

Browse this board for posts by Stephenw10 (Admin): Steve has advised around 7 billion people ( ;D ) on hardware.