Assessing the X33

[reinderien]

Not having a clear understanding of the hardware requirements of pfSense (or, even, that pfSense was a better alternative than Ubuntu), I bought a Hystou N3050 dual-core miniPC with 4GB RAM, a 32GB SSD, wireless with external antennae, and dual gigabit ethernet. In May it cost me CAD$199.95 (USD$148.68).

If I were to buy again, I think I would scale down. Shopping around I've found the X33:

• 4x gigabit ethernet
• no wifi
• quad-core Celeron
• 2G RAM and 16G SSD makes it cost USD$121.82 total, but this is configurable
• specifically mentions pfSense suitability

Price from here:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4-Ethernet-RJ-45-Lan-Ports-Mini-PC-Celeron-J1800-Dual-Cores-2-41Ghz-Pfsense-Firewall/32810774479.html

My questions are:

• Has anyone tried and used this successfully?
• Can this handle a load where all four interfaces are saturated?
• Are there any problems (heat, stability, compatibility, etc.)?
• Are there better or cheaper alternatives if you only need 2x gigabit ethernet?
• Is it OK (authorized) for the vendor to call it a "pfSense firewall"?

[reinderien]

Reading https://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/Can_I_sell_pfSense , I'm concerned as to whether that vendor is using the pfSense name in a legitimate manner. Though I suppose that's a separable concern from whether the hardware itself is good.

[ivor]

A lot of sellers on Aliexpress, eBay and Amazon call their stuff "pfSense firewall" without our permission. A lot of them preload pfSense, which is also against our policies. Including Qotom and their Protectli reseller.

• Is it OK (authorized) for the vendor to call it a "pfSense firewall"?

Not OK.