SG 4860 Purchase
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Hi - I am thinking about buying the SG 4860.
However, looking at the CPU, its pretty dated (2013).
What plans are there for refreshing this box to something more recent?
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While the Atom C2558 is a bit dated in the PC world, with recent announcements from Netgate/pfSense and the direction of versions 2.4 and 2.5 requiring 64bit and AES-NI, it is still very relevant and appears to be viable for the next few releases - https://www.netgate.com/blog/pfsense-2-5-and-aes-ni.html - http://ark.intel.com/products/77983/Intel-Atom-Processor-C2558-2M-Cache-2_40-GHz
That said, I'm sure I read a recent announcement about some new models in the lower ranges so perhaps a replacement for the 4860 could be in the works as well. Sorry, I went looking but just couldn't find that page/blog again. Perhaps someone here will chime in with it.
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While the Atom C2558 is a bit dated in the PC world, with recent announcements from Netgate/pfSense and the direction of versions 2.4 and 2.5 requiring 64bit and AES-NI, it is still very relevant and appears to be viable for the next few releases - https://www.netgate.com/blog/pfsense-2-5-and-aes-ni.html - http://ark.intel.com/products/77983/Intel-Atom-Processor-C2558-2M-Cache-2_40-GHz
That said, I'm sure I read a recent announcement about some new models in the lower ranges so perhaps a replacement for the 4860 could be in the works as well. Sorry, I went looking but just couldn't find that page/blog again. Perhaps someone here will chime in with it.
I want to buy something that will last me more than the next few releases so buying something that has a 2013 CPU in it has me concerned that it is only good for a year or two more.
As you say, there is a refresh at the lower end. Here is the link -> https://store.netgate.com/SG-2320.aspx
So given that the current SG 4860 is long in the tooth (2013), I would be expecting an update to it. Just wondering when?
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I want to buy something that will last me more than the next few releases so buying something that has a 2013 CPU in it has me concerned that it is only good for a year or two more.
As you say, there is a refresh at the lower end. Here is the link -> https://store.netgate.com/SG-2320.aspx
So given that the current SG 4860 is long in the tooth (2013), I would be expecting an update to it. Just wondering when?
4860 "refresh" won't happen soon. We plan on introducing new units in the following months, however we will continue to sell 4860's. The "older" CPU should not worry you, most networking appliances from other vendors don't always use the latest and greatest CPU's. We launched SG-4860 in 2015.
SG-4860 is future proof.
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Thanks for replying - I really appreciate it. Can I follow up with a couple more questions:
1. Will the new units being introduced in the coming months perform better than the 4860 or will the 4860 still be the best performing desktop unit available?
2. In relation to my other thread about the SG 8860, can you still make them if I wanted to buy one?
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Thanks for replying - I really appreciate it. Can I follow up with a couple more questions:
1. Will the new units being introduced in the coming months perform better than the 4860 or will the 4860 still be the best performing desktop unit available?
2. In relation to my other thread about the SG 8860, can you still make them if I wanted to buy one?
Sure, glad I can assist. To answer your questions:
1. New units will be faster (based on new chipsets), some with more features than 4860. The SG-4860 will still have its place, you will not be making a mistake if you purchase one today.
2. Sorry, no. It won't be possible because 8860's are discontinued. As an example, if we could deliver desktop 8860's the order volume would have to be very large (likely 10,000/mo).
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I agree the 4860 does look like a good, powerful unit.
That said, I don't need to buy today, and will wait for the new unit. I can see based on the two port versions you've recently announced that the interface has changed from serial USB to HDMI - that alone is a reason to wait as I think its a safe assumption to assume the 6 port version will also be HDMI.
Also, a 6 port pfsense unit that is faster than the 4860 is also too tempting not to buy.
I will buy though - count me in as soon as it goes on sale. Keen to support you guys!
Thanks for being transparent too about your future release - that also gives me confidence that I am buying a product from a decent company!
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Thank you!
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There's also the RCC-VE-4860. That's the route I went and just installed pfSense myself.
