Continued update on the new PfSense router.
Continued update on the new PfSense router.
Consider your choices carefully. You can either purchase a Dell PowerEdge R410 and install PfSense, or opt for refurbished regular hardware to build a rackmount router. Avoid using new Dell or Acer motherboards. Also, keep in mind that standard i5 and i3 processors aren’t recommended for continuous 24/7 use.
We’re using a gigabit internet connection. The Quanta LB4M switch has enough Ethernet ports for it. I’m curious about port prioritization in PfSense—does it support it? I’d like to run PoE VoIP phones later. Previously, I had the Linksys 3200 ACM router, but I don’t need its Wi-Fi features since I already have two access points. I need a rack-mountable solution.
Because you don’t require advanced features like deep inspection or a VPN, your router won’t need a lot of processing power. Consider using an edge router instead.
Plan for a smooth experience starts with gathering information, choosing the best driver support, and opting for faster performance. The i3 model is a bit excessive but should function adequately. Stick with the original cooler—no need for aftermarket upgrades. Select a PSU featuring a rear-mounted fan for optimal cooling. If you prefer used options, consider this listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-PoweEdge-R...ctupt=true For SSDs, look for a refurbished Intel S3500 or similar. Cheaper models often have higher failure rates.
I can share some insights about the R410 based on my experience setting it up with PFsense. In my tests, a Dell R410 paired with a non-redundant PSU, a single L5630 processor, one SSD in the DVD-ROM port, two DIMMs, and using Dell’s Active Power Management should keep power draw around 70-75W when idle—most of the time. I noticed that adding extra PSUs can raise consumption by about 10-20W, while a second CPU adds roughly 30-40W, depending on the models. More drives, memory, or peripherals will also boost usage.
Keep in mind my tests used a non-calibrated setup with a kill-a-watt meter and were connected to a UPS. These tools aren’t fully precise, so results should be taken as general guidance rather than exact measurements.
The main advantage of the R410 is that PFsense works smoothly on it without any issues. It’s also very affordable—there are eBay listings for CPUs, RAM, HDDs, and even SSDs for under $100. The L5630 CPU often comes for less than $10, which is great if you’re aiming to minimize power use. Swapping the DVD-ROM tray for an SSD costs around $8 on Amazon, making it a cost-effective upgrade.
One downside is that the R410’s PCIe slot is limited (only one usable), and running 10Gb networking means you’ll have to manage two ports—one for the PCIe card and another for the network. If you plan for higher speeds, you might need to adjust your setup accordingly.
I wasn't able to locate any options with a rear fan. Have you come across anything recently? I'm avoiding the Dells mainly due to high power draw, and I'm wondering if the standard cooler will provide sufficient cooling during continuous operation.