Assessing the X33
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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:
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"?
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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.
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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.
