Can a Thinvent mini PC run pfSense?
Yes. pfSense runs on a 64-bit x86 processor, and the Thinvent Aero Mini PC uses an Intel N5095A processor, which is a 64-bit chip. Netgate's documented minimum for pfSense is a 64-bit CPU, 1 GB of RAM, an 8 GB disk, and one supported network interface. The Aero Mini PC has 16 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 128 GB SSD, so it exceeds that minimum on memory and storage.
Key specifications for pfSense use
The Aero Mini PC uses an 11th generation Intel Celeron-series N5095A processor with 4 cores, a maximum frequency of 2.9 GHz, and 4 MB of cache. Each unit includes 16 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 128 GB SSD, and it is powered by a 12V 5A adapter. The mini PC does not include WiFi.
Hardware sizing guidance for pfSense separates a minimum build from a practical build. The minimum covers basic routing. Heavier workloads, such as intrusion detection with Suricata, pfBlockerNG, or VPN tunnels, need more CPU and RAM. Before you choose a configuration, check the NIC count and speed you need, because the Aero Mini PC specifications on this page do not list its network port count or type.
Use cases
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Home or small office router and firewall
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Lab network routing and segmentation
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Edge firewall for branch sites
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VPN gateway for remote access
Comparison of Thinvent Aero Mini PC configurations
| Configuration | Operating system | Included accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Aero Mini PC | Windows 11 IoT | None |
| Aero Mini PC with keyboard and mouse | Windows 11 IoT | Thinvent keyboard and mouse set |
| Aero Mini PC | Windows 11 Professional | None |
| Aero Mini PC with keyboard and mouse | Windows 11 Professional | Thinvent keyboard and mouse set |
| Aero Mini PC | Windows 11 Pro | None |
| Aero Mini PC with keyboard and mouse | Windows 11 Pro | Thinvent keyboard and mouse set |
| Aero Mini PC | DOS | None |
| Aero Mini PC with keyboard and mouse | DOS | Thinvent keyboard and mouse set |
| Aero Mini PC | Thinux Embedded Linux | None |
| Aero Mini PC with keyboard and mouse | Thinux Embedded Linux | Thinvent keyboard and mouse set |
All configurations share the same hardware: Intel N5095A, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, 128 GB SSD, and 12V 5A adapter.
Thinvent products for pfSense
The Thinvent Aero Mini PC range is built on the Intel N5095A processor with 16 GB DDR4 RAM and a 128 GB SSD. Choose a configuration with the operating system that suits your setup, and add the keyboard and mouse set if you need local management. Confirm the NIC requirements of your pfSense deployment against the Aero Mini PC port specifications before ordering.
