Hardware recommendations for new user
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One other thing... If you have to build a server anyway, and I know that Supermicro board isn't cheap, you might as well buy the Netgate 5100 instead. It would be different if you already owned it. It uses the came C3558. If I had the money to start over, I'd do that.
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Thanks for the info!
@valnar said in Hardware recommendations for new user:
You won't need 16Gb but with the price of RAM it won't hurt. Any SSD will be fast enough but I can't be sure about M.2 support in FreeBSD since I haven't tried it (and have no use for that speed on a firewall). SATA definitely works of course.
My thinking was that if I fail to implement pfsense for whatever reason, I can use the hardware for a backup freenas device - hence the extra RAM. I've subsequently found M.2 to PCIe adapter cards that may work, so I could go that route as well...
I'm not sure if you've played with pfSense much but it looks to be the best firewall for your needs. I recommend it to everyone who is technically inclined and likes to have a separate switch & WiFi WAP. You definitely fit in that category. An ASUS router running the Asuswrt-Merlin firmware goes to all my other friends.
Haven't even had a chance to play with it. I tried creating a VM but without dual nics I got stumped. I'm waiting for a used dual nic card to arrive and I'll have a play. I have to be careful though, the missus won't tolerate downtime on the inter webs, so it has to be up and running quickly!
Why do you say you'd just get the 5100? Unfortunately in Australia Netgate is hard to come by and there's even more of a premium price to pay for it. While I'd love to support the project, and I might (if I go the 3100) the 5100 is too expensive here...
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@calgarychris said in Hardware recommendations for new user:
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I only mentioned the Netgate hardware since you did too. Can you get it in Australia? The SG-5100 might be overkill, but it would have the same speed as the Supermicro. Here in the US, that Supermicro board is over $300.
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@valnar said in Hardware recommendations for new user:
@calgarychris said in Hardware recommendations for new user:
A2SDi-4C-HLN4F
I only mentioned the Netgate hardware since you did too. Can you get it in Australia? The SG-5100 might be overkill, but it would have the same speed as the Supermicro. Here in the US, that Supermicro board is over $300.
I can get the Netgate hardware but the SG-5100 is $900USD before shipping unfortunately.
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@calgarychris
Unfortunately in Australia Netgate is hard to come by and there's even more of a premium price to pay for it.listen to this, quote... @johnpoz
Just out of curiosity... Did you check with any of the 8 sellers that show for au?
https://www.netgate.com/partners/locator.html#australiaI clicked on the premier listed one website, they show they have 3100's and ship within 24 hours.. And says they ship express post (next day)..
original thread:
https://forum.netgate.com/topic/153890/time-always-slow-2-4-5/31Otherwise, based on what you’ve described about your system, these are a perfect fit for you (SOHO):
First: https://www.netgate.com/solutions/pfsense/sg-3100.html
Second: https://www.pcengines.ch/apu4d4.htmMore powerful hardware is unnecessary and just a waste of money
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@DaddyGo said in Hardware recommendations for new user:
@calgarychris
Unfortunately in Australia Netgate is hard to come by and there's even more of a premium price to pay for it.listen to this, quote... @johnpoz
Just out of curiosity... Did you check with any of the 8 sellers that show for au?
https://www.netgate.com/partners/locator.html#australiaI clicked on the premier listed one website, they show they have 3100's and ship within 24 hours.. And says they ship express post (next day)..
Thanks - yes, I checked out the resellers - Eclipse seems to be the only one that sells the units, that's who I would be going through if I decide to go with a Netgate appliance.
Do you know if the 3100 would do what I'm hoping to achieve?
Cheers
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I show the 5100 here in AU for 1219 AUD..
https://www.etsau.com/shop/product/sg-5100-sg-5100-pfsense-security-gateway-appliance-3#attr=
Per that other thread.. with the price for the 3100 being 750, this seems to be a fair pice vs just looking at the exchange rate of currency..
Here in the us the 5100 from netgate is currently 700 USD.. on sale ;)
But that AU sites says it certified for AU, and comes with AU power supply.
edit: If you internet is only 100mbps.. The sg1100 would prob work just fine, or the 3100... I would think a 5100 a bit over the top ;) Which is fine to do... I run a sg4860 on my home 500mbps internet.. Its more than need to do 500 ;) But I like the discrete nics vs switch ports..
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If one of your requirements is route at gigabit speeds (#6) internally, and not just be limited to the 100Mb Internet speed, then some of the smaller units won't suffice. That said, I do have a PC Engines APU2 myself for my pfSense box it's great, but it won't go much more than 600-700Mb.
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I do not agree with that
edit: This is not about the APU and Netgate hardware battle ...
but about the description of the original system of the OPI recommend the Netgate hardware as it has built-in support (include!) and it's original topic launcher: "Hardware recommendations for new user" - need support -
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many times a lot of muscle, beyond showing strength
Sorry, really
you want to suggest that, he buy something (big)
for example, what you already have and you are proud of it
but he, as a beginner, does not need it -
just think about electricity consumption (SOHO!)
BTW, I have 40 APU boards in my system and they correspond exactly to the endpoints (in most cases (FTTH 500/100 and DOCSIS 250/100))
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@valnar said in Hardware recommendations for new user:
If one of your requirements is route at gigabit speeds (#6) internally, and not just be limited to the 100Mb Internet speed, then some of the smaller units won't suffice. That said, I do have a PC Engines APU2 myself for my pfSense box it's great, but it won't go much more than 600-700Mb.
Yeah, I would definitely want to keep internally routing at gigabit speeds. My understanding from watching some of the Lawrence Systems reviews is that it isn't an issue with the 3100 and above. My concern with that unit is whether is can reliably do OpenVPN at > 100Mbps and secondly, if it's up to the task if I were to start installing packages. The LS review suggests it is, but I've seen some posts suggesting it might not be.
Thanks
