Is this a good device for Opnsense?

[RouterGuy2019]

I am just wondering if anyone has used this device or has an opinion on this device, as to weather it is a good device for Opnsense?

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807641761893.html

[meyergru]

Not that specific model, but generally, those N100 boxes are nice.

This specific offering has two red flags for me, though:

1. It contradicts itself in saying once the box has 2 NICs and once it has 4.
2. Those boxes are better (and often also more expensive) in a larger case with big cooling fins if they are passively cooled. This one looks like it was designed for a cooler, but seems to have none...

You should go and view some YT videos by ServeTheHome on the topic.

[RouterGuy2019]

Is something like this better?

https://www.amazon.com/MOGINSOK-Firewall-Appliance-Computer-OPNsense/dp/B0CY8FLFVR

[meyergru]

I have not tested thus many variants, as I said, you can see many of those things on ServeTheHome's YT channel.
The one case I remember specifically as being "good" in his videos was this: https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/B0CW1BXZHK (although that is a 6-port model).

These things are sold under different brand names, on Aliexpress, Topton and Kingnovy dominate the scene.

[passeri]

I have some of these boxes, for different purposes. I strongly endorse searching carefully for the best quality heatsinking in these passively cooled machines. My 4 port Hunsn (another CWWK box) is the size of a 6-port, with more space taken by cooling metal and fins.

[AhnHEL]

A Lenovo M920q is about $140.  Add the PCIE16 Riser Card 01AJ940 with baffle for $35 and attach that to a Intel i350-t2 or t4 and you'll have something much better and dependable than those Aliexpress boxes in my opinion.


https://forums.servethehome.com/index.php?threads/lenovo-thinkcentre-thinkstation-tiny-project-tinyminimicro-reference-thread.34925/