DEC750 Questions

[pfry]

[...]I wouldn't update the bios nor install a microcode plugin[...]

I concur, if consensus matters. Although I do update my BIOS, as I use consumer motherboards.

[...]3. Is there any value in enabling HyperThreading? AMD CBS -> Zen Common Options -> Core/Thread Enablement -> SMTEN[...]

It depends on your workload. SMT is generally not detrimental. You could always test it, although conclusive results might be hard to come by.
I leave it enabled on mine, but I use overpowered consumer hardware.

[ProximusAl]

There is something wrong with the web shop.

It created me an account (still no emails about my order), but when I set a password for the web shop it says it's always weak and won't let me set it

Apparently niOpzEY$3Rie`3-G2`TQT6<(bTS1*Ejysu~4{K0v is a weak password.

So neither can I log in to check my order, or had any emails regarding the shipment of my order, only an acknowledgment email.

[Monviech (Cedrik)]

Just contact sales and they will help you. Email is at the bottom of the page

https://shop.opnsense.com/

[ProximusAl]

No response from that email either :(

It's like the shop doesnt have anyone working there.

It let me place an order, and crickets since the order acknowledgement.

[ProximusAl]

Joy. Shipped email received, should get it tomorrow. Happy days

[ProximusAl]

Device received.....
Nice bit of kit...

I decided to ride the lightning and ignored previous advice and:

1. Updated the BIOS to .35 (Was on 33)
2. Formatted the NVMe and installed Community 25.7 from serial image (ZFS)
3. Added the AMD microcode plugin
4. Updated to 25.7.9_7
5. Did *not* enable HyperThreading in BIOS.

I ran out of time, so will play with importing (after modifying interfaces) my existing config.

If it runs stable and nice, I'll order another 3 to replace other Chinese devices :)

The only oddity I found, was when updating from 25.7 to 25.7.9, I did get an error throw on the screen to check the log (blueish background popup), but I found nothing and it installed and rebooted as expected anyway with no intervention. (This wasn't the original pkg update error...I got that first as expected)

Health checks all pass after the reboot.

Really looking forward to getting this into prod..

[ProximusAl]

Well....thats was easy....popped into work today.

Just manually edited the config.xml to change mlxen0/1 to ax0/1.
I also removed the intel microcode plugin from the xml.

Imported....plugged it in, now in production.

I am now officially a massive fan of Deciso hardware :)

One last question if I may...

After import, the AMD microcode plugin shows (misconfigured).
I didn't realise there was anything to configure, so for now, I've just removed the plugin.

I'll be placing an order for 3 more next week.  Brilliant hardware..

[Seimus]

That (missconfigured) next to the packages doesn't mean its a configurable package. You usually see it when its out of repo (or something like that cant remember exactly).

Yes DECs are sexy. Plus each sold unit support the company thus development of OPN ;)

Regards,
S.

[passeri]

I am now officially a massive fan of Deciso hardware :)

I made a journey from "too expensive" to "massive fan", with the bonus support reason cited by Seimus. It is great that you can get a Community Edition of Opnsense and stick it on what you have (as I first did), or a VM, or cheap fancy-spec new hardware (as I next did) but for anyone for whom DEC hardware is in reach, I suggest the plunge is most rewarding.

[Patrick M. Hausen]

Even running community edition on Deciso hardware is great. For some installations I want CE "where the action is". Frequent updates, easy contributions via merge requests. Awesome.

[ProximusAl]

Well, the DEC750 has been absolutely rock solid in production now, including upgrading it tonight to .10 CE release.

I've ordered 4 more DEC750s from the shop :). FedEx says arriving Monday.

I honestly wish I'd done this sooner. They are more expensive than other Chinese alternatives but so worth it in terms of stability and issues.

For anyone in the UK considering ordering from the web shop, make sure you have an EORI number. (Google it)

I had a small issue with customs because I didn't have an EORI number, but was easy to apply due to my company being VAT registered. (We've never imported anything before to the UK)

Over the next few weeks, all of my OPNSense routers will be running on official Deciso hardware.

The major thing I noticed, was the 750 (which is fanless) runs consistently at about 37C, whereas my Chinese alternatives (with a cpu fan) run about 55C! This is on a 10G leased line with SFP+ optics.

If you can afford to get a DEC.....you won't regret it.

One last thing.....and I'm going to ask it, even though I think I know what the response will be :)

The DEC750 has the i226V. Should I...(I'm going to try anyway on one of them) do @BrandyWine firmware update on them to the latest firmware? I successfully did my Chinese device ones, but don't know where I would stand with Deciso on warranty if I did it.

The one currently in prod is using SFP+, so I won't touch it, but one of the others isn't, using all 3 i226 ports.

[Patrick M. Hausen]

One advice: if you ever have to open one of their desktop units, e.g. because you need to swap a defective SSD, make sure you have fresh thermal paste and some alcohol for removing the old one ready. They rely on contact of the CPU to the case for heat dissipation.

[DEC670airp414user]

To the original poster.

The appliance came with a 180 dollar business licenses that last a year. 

 Why did you decide to wipe and go to the community version?

[ProximusAl]

To the original poster.

The appliance came with a 180 dollar business licenses that last a year. 

 Why did you decide to wipe and go to the community version?

I don't need business edition, and these 750s are replacing devices already running CE.

I considered using BE, but then I have just increased my annual running costs x 4.

I've had zero issues running CE for the last 5 or so years, so why change.

Plus...CE gets cool things sooner than BE.