OPNSense 22.1 - storage issues on IBM x3650 M4

[badkuk]

Good day,

So I tried to install OPNSense on a spare IBM x3650 M4...didn't get very far :p

During installation, I encountered errors during the formatting of the target drive -- single 300GB SAS drive(JBOD) -- something about missing directories. I tried both UFS and ZFS, same result. Funny thing is, I was able to install version 21.7 with no issues at all.

Right this moment i am reinitializing the disk will try to install again. In the meantime, any suggestions? Thanks

[badkuk]

Here are some screenshots of the errors. This is right after confirming to proceed with the format. Same error whether i choose UFS or ZFS:

[badkuk]

continued...

[cookiemonster]

First thing I would do is run the checksums on the install media, to ensure is not a corrupted download.

[badkuk]

Hi, checksum came out OK.

I failed to mention that i made a usb bootable using Rufus, same way i did with the older version. Hmm let me try it with a new flash drive...

[badkuk]

So I tried it again with a new flash drive, I used dd this time...same result.

[badkuk]

I'm starting to think this is an issue with 22.1, not the image or flash drive.

I was able to install 21.7 on the same machine, and was able to upgrade it to 21.7.8 via the Web UI.
Upgrade to 22.1 went smoothly, but after the reboot, I got this:

Any suggestions on how to proceed?

[Patrick M. Hausen]

Don't use anything using the mfi(4) driver. These controllers are known not to work well. Get a different HBA or if possible connect a SATA disk to a port on the mainboard.

If you need more information search the TrueNAS forum  ;)

[badkuk]

Bummer.

The way I see it, there are two alternatives:

1. Attach an SSD via the Optical drive bay
 
   Not familiar with SATA-ODD. Can I but this, slap in a 2.5in SSD on it, and swap it in for the optical drive?

https://www.amazon.com/Highfine-Universal-SSD-HDD-Enclosures/dp/B01MRI8YFN/ref=sr_1_3?crid=WHTC0UK60C42&keywords=sata-odd+ssd+bay&qid=1646880739&sprefix=sata-odd+ssd+b%2Caps%2C404&sr=8-3

   Are these all standard sizes?


2. Get a completely new server

    Any suggestions on server brands/models that play well with OPNsense? Old/new is fine.

Thanks for the replies btw ^_^

[Patrick M. Hausen]

I have seen a USB Ethernet in that screen photo. That won't go well, either. So probably a better suited system.

[cookiemonster]

For verifycation it should be easy to plug an SSD to that standalone SATA port. i.e not connected to the hba. Saves you having to replace the whole server just for experimenting.
Brings me to the question. That is a lot of server for OPN. Are you planning on using it OPN bare metal or virtual on it? The point being, the problem seems to be freebsd driver for the hba. So you will still have trouble with it for the storage element.

[badkuk]

I have seen a USB Ethernet in that screen photo. That won't go well, either. So probably a better suited system.

That's odd, i don't have a USB ethernet attached. Apart from the onboard NICs, the only things installed are

1 x 4-port copper NIC
1 x 2-port fiber NIC

[badkuk]

For verifycation it should be easy to plug an SSD to that standalone SATA port. i.e not connected to the hba. Saves you having to replace the whole server just for experimenting.
Brings me to the question. That is a lot of server for OPN. Are you planning on using it OPN bare metal or virtual on it? The point being, the problem seems to be freebsd driver for the hba. So you will still have trouble with it for the storage element.

Bare metal. Just so happens it was the only spare  "server grade" machine here in the office.
I'll try to install it on one of our higher end workstations.

Pardon me for veering off-topic: what kind of CPU and RAM do i need for a 1Gbps link, with IPS enabled? tia

[badkuk]

Just an update:

- I've managed to set up OPNSense on a workstation grade PC and some spare NICs we have at work. Works like a charm. Just trying to tweak the IDS/IPS and playing around with zenarmor at this point.

- I've also ordered a SATA-ODD drive bay adapter online. Just curious if it will work on the x3650.