Should there be an entry level hardware sticky, for cheap, simple, low power?

[NetGobbler]

I'm probably not the only one who is curious what the best piece of cheap hardware is for OpnSense, I've seen dozens and dozens of posts asking this for, well years, for both OpnSense and the 'other' Sense software.


Does anyone run an ongoing thread for the best, cheapo hardware?

I know of a few boxes on Amazon in the $200 US range, I know of the T620 HP thin client (though the prices have gone through the roof thanks to a few articles)

It surprises me over the past 2 or 3 years I've been reading about hardware for a firewall, the price hasn't really dropped, it still seems to be, around $200 US.     No new Pi-like products or anything in the very cheap range.

[lilsense]

I think you are very confused...

you are asking for the "best, cheapo hardware" whatever this means and then you contradict yourself with "no new Pi-like products..."

Are you looking for a Quad Opetron Server for 50USD?

[errored out]

What your looking for probably does not exist.  Most hardware is discontinued after a few years, if that.  So, what ever is being recommend would not be around for long.  Not to mention the hardware requirements change.  Case in point, many users that were using "APU"? were okay; then I started seeing posts that those can't handle the OS since the demand has increased and the hardware is overtaxed. 

Also the OS is essentially Freebsd (still based off Hardened)  and typically, newer hardware is not recommended as the new technology has not been tested / deciphered as to driver availability, compatibility, functionality, etc. 

[dwasifar]

I don't know about low power, but an EOL Watchguard XTM 5 can be obtained cheaply on eBay.  Pop in a used Pentium E5800, 4GB of RAM, and a small SSD, and you've got a capable OPNsense box for about $100.

[biggreydog]

I personally like the Intel NUCs and find they work really well.

[chemlud]

I personally like the Intel NUCs and find they work really well.

Price and flexibility the big MINUS of these devices, in my opinion...

[biggreydog]

I got a great deal on several over the years.  What specifically about flexibility do you not like?

[jimjohn]

I don't know about low power, but an EOL Watchguard XTM 5 can be obtained cheaply on eBay.  Pop in a used Pentium E5800, 4GB of RAM, and a small SSD, and you've got a capable OPNsense box for about $100.

I only found them for >200 EUR. They are loud and weak and pull a lot of energy. Why not use an APU or IPU board instead of old hardware that requires BIOS reflashing.

[dwasifar]

I don't know about low power, but an EOL Watchguard XTM 5 can be obtained cheaply on eBay.  Pop in a used Pentium E5800, 4GB of RAM, and a small SSD, and you've got a capable OPNsense box for about $100.

I only found them for >200 EUR. They are loud and weak and pull a lot of energy. Why not use an APU or IPU board instead of old hardware that requires BIOS reflashing.

For €200 I wouldn't buy it either, but the last one I bought was $50 US.  I paid $5 for an E5800 and $15 for 4GB of RAM, and used an SSD from my parts box.  With shipping and taxes I was at about $85 all told, which is about €72.  Just the system board alone for an APU costs more than that, without case or power supply. 

The APU's AMD GX-412 CPU runs at 1.2GHz clock and has a Passmark performance score of 1065, whereas the E5800 outperforms it at 3.2GHz clock with a Passmark score of 1145.  You're right about the power consumption and the noise, but it will be several years before it burns enough additional power to offset the cost savings of the hardware, and I don't care about the noise because it's with my other network and server hardware, not located in my workspace.

BIOS does not need to be reflashed.  A reflashed BIOS makes certain things easier but it is not a requirement.  I have not reflashed the BIOS on mine.

[Wirehead]

I'm pretty happy with my Odroid H2+'s.. but due to the chip shortages sold out  .. uses 2.5Gb Realtek nics, but manage a 1Gbit WAN perfectly. 3W idle power is hard to beat by a lot of devices..

[NetGobbler]

I think you are very confused...

you are asking for the "best, cheapo hardware" whatever this means and then you contradict yourself with "no new Pi-like products..."

Are you looking for a Quad Opetron Server for 50USD?

Chip manufacturers produce new SOCs yearly, these improve all the time.
10 years ago it cost $300 to $1000 to have a machine to play 1080p video on your TV.
Now tiny machines can do this for $99, maybe less.


I am interested in an x86 SOC (intel or AMD) which supports multiple NICs, low power, low price, has crypto.

Obviously I do not want 350 cores, for $11 but the cost of a 'base level' xSense box seems to not be moving too much.

[NetGobbler]

I personally like the Intel NUCs and find they work really well.

They are lovely pieces of hardware but multiple NIC support (or low profile, PCI-e slots) aren't an option.
My understanding is USB is a big no no.
Thank you for the reply!

[NetGobbler]

Anyhow, I've ended up locating a used

HP G800 G3 machine, they only use 35 watts, it's tiny.   I had to add the second NIC using an A+E Key, M.2 Ethernet card.  It's a bit sloppy with bits hanging out, but it is at least 2 NICs, non USB.

Intel 7500T processor, with 8GB memory.  AES-NI
Praying I don't thrash the processor too much so the fan whirs up.