Intel C3558
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Hi Guys,
I have been tasked to explore options for pfsense using Intel C3558 series processor. What I need to know is that it comes with SOC based x553 NICs. Are those integrated when we say SOC?
Lets say I don't want to use the integrated SOC based NICs. Can I add NICs of my own or I am limited to using the integrated ones?
I have seen x553 is a converged access adapter which means it works on 1G and 10G modes and the drivers it uses are ix not igb like I am used to. Can anyone explain usually ix drivers are for 10G right or am I wrong here? Please correct me.
Can these drivers be modified to work with 1G only?
Lets say If I wish to use i350 AM-4 instead of the SOC based x553 what steps will I need to take make it happen? Please let me know.
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@smrehan00 said in Intel C3558:
Can I add NICs of my own
Yes
@smrehan00 said in Intel C3558:
Can these drivers be modified to work with 1G only?
Automatic backwards compatible
@smrehan00 said in Intel C3558:
Lets say If I wish to use i350 AM-4
Buy one or if you already have, just plug in the PCIe slot...pfSense comes with all drivers needed and it's best to use Intel NIC.
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Yup that^.
There is no problem running pfSense with C3K CPUs. It will use the built-in ix NICs at whatever speed they are configured for if they're present.
Just add a card into the system if you want other NICs.Steve
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Hi guys! Sorry for the delayed response as I had a family emergency.
I have a system with CPU c3558 quadcore with SOC based Intel X553 NICs. When I install pfsense, NICs are not recognized. I don't get any sort of connectivity.I would like to know how can I overcome this problem? Is there a way to compile drivers for it and integrate with the pfsense kernel. Will the drivers persist upon reboot. I am aware if I reinstall from the drivers will need to be loaded all over again.
Anyone has ever tried this method? I would like to know the method and steps to get started? I am looking forward to the response.
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Do the NICs appear in the output from
pciconf -lv
at the command line?Do you see the driver failing to attach in the boot log?
Steve
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@stephenw10 I'll get the output of the command from shell and get back to you. I need to know how to check the boot log?
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It's in /var/log/dmesg.boot
Or just run
dmesg
if you've just booted. -
Which version of PfSense are you trying to install?
Have been using the same nic on a supermicro xeon d-1521 board for a couple of years now and haven't seen any problems so far with various versions of 2.4 or 2.4.5 and 2.5 snapshots either. -
Yup, that's certainly what I would expect.