1U build

[KM]

As promised here are the specs on my new pfSense build.

Celeron G550 2.6Ghz (SB)
Cheapo Foxconn MB
Scavenged 4GB DDR3 1333Mhz RAM module (1x 4GB) - I can upgrade to 8GB later if I want more.
Dell X3959 (intel) dual port server NIC
Dynatron K2 CPU cooler for 1u case
Scavenged 2.5" 250gb HDD
16x PCIe riser card
iStarUSA 1u case with 220W 80+ PSU
A couple of 40mm fans.
Final cost was about $390 all in. A little on the expensive side but I'm getting a lot of use and fun out of it. I'm using a Netgear GS108E switch as well so I can play around with multiple VLAN configurations. Current services include snort, HVAP, pfBlocker, and nmap.

[matguy]

Very nice.  How's the noise?

[KM]

Quite good actually. When it is going full speed it is a little on the loud side but this application will basically never see that sort of thing so I am quite happy. My phone says about 50db where I sit but that is for the whole rack so its not bad at all. When I get a few spare minutes I'll measure the power usage and post it here.

[KM]

I should probably clarify that last statement. 50DB is for an entire 12U rack that I sit pretty much on top of with 4 computers running. Building a new desk and organizing the office is the next project on the list.

[KM]

I don't understand what you mean?

[stephenw10]

Ridiculous number of links in post: Yes.
Only joined today: Yes.
1st post on the forum: Yes.
Barely comprehensible language: Yes.

Conclusion: Spam!  ;)

[chpalmer]

@stephenw10:

Ridiculous number of links in post: Yes.
Only joined today: Yes.
1st post on the forum: Yes.
Barely comprehensible language: Yes.

Conclusion: Spam!  ;)

Yep-    Spambot!

Back on course- Nice Job!  :)

[KM]

Hilarious. I'm only used to seeing such things on forums with a political bent.

[cmb]

@KM:

Hilarious. I'm only used to seeing such things on forums with a political bent.

Unfortunately spam bots like every kind of forum out there. The amount of spammers we block is absurd, sometimes upwards of 1000 a day. A handful get through. Reported and deleted that one formerly in this thread.

[KM]

Not to derail my own thread, but what are your thoughts on ECC ram for a pfsense build?

[matguy]

Luckily, pfSense is just transferring data, so any corruption of memory would be transient and possibly picked up at the receiving end.  But, at the same time, you'd rather not have that anyway, plus it could quite likely make your router pretty darn flaky.

Un-detected single bit errors aren't all that common, though, so it'll all depend on your needs.  If this is a very important installation, then, sure.  But, I certainly wouldn't spring for it on a converted desktop if it cost a lot extra (of course, assuming the motherboard supports it.)

Most "server" level equipment probably already has ECC RAM, which, if you're doing an "important" installation, you may already be using.

[KM]

I have heard that single bit flips are more common than.. ugh.. commonly thought.