S1200KP 4-Nic build - Feedback wanted

pipati

Hi all,

I am looking to build a 4-nic build and want a dedicated appliance looking box.
I do not want to combine it with other stuff such as NAS or ESXi.

So far I am thinking:
Intel S1200KP or S1200KPR main board
Intel i3-2120T (low wattage!)
HP NC380T 2-nic PCIe card.
2-4GB ECC memory
USB stick for embedded pfSense, I might consider an old laptop HD or a small SSD instead.

Will the proposed HW give my any headaches? Especially the Nics?
I cannot find a decent looking Mini-ITX case with room for one expansion slot!

Proposals are much appreciated, I need max 30 cm depth, and so far my best candidate is Chieftech BT-02B, but it is a bit on the large side.
I also like the Silverstone FT03 Mini, but I found it too flashy/costly for a FW / Router build.

pipati

Hi again,

Noone that has experience with this motherboard and the card adding two more nics?

Can I expect it to work fine?

Thank you for your support.

tirsojrp

Try with a low profile card, there are tons of small itx case you can use if you do so.

Legion

I'm building a similar specced system. I chose a Jetway NF9D-2550 with AD3INLANG daughterboard giving 5 NICs all up (3 Intel, 2 Realtek*).

The case I chose was the Antec ISK 300-150. It's marginally bigger than your requirements, at 96mm x 222mm x 328mm. Connections out the back extend it even more. I'm not sure how fixed your size requirements are. The case can fit a half-height PCI card. Or the Jetway motherboard can fit a Jetway daughterboard + mini PCIe card at the same time, which gives a few expansion options.

My first attempt at pfSense didn't seem to recognise the Realtek NICs on 2.0.2. I didn't investigate because I only need the Intel ones. I since installed a 2.1 snapshot and it recognised the Realteks.

pipati

Hi,

Thank you for the feedback.

I will look for a low profile card with Intel or Broadcom nics.

I am a bit fixed on the i3, so I do not think I go for the Jetway board.