What hardware does pfSense need?
pfSense runs on standard x86 hardware. Netgate's documented minimum is a 64-bit CPU, 1 GB of RAM, an 8 GB disk and one supported network interface card (NIC). The minimum is not suitable for every environment. Routing, Suricata intrusion detection, pfBlockerNG filtering and VPN tunnels all add CPU and memory load, so the required capacity depends on the throughput and features you plan to run.
Key requirements for a pfSense PC
When you choose a PC for pfSense, check these points:
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CPU: A 64-bit processor with enough cores for packet processing. Multi-core Intel Core processors handle routing and VPN workloads with headroom.
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RAM: The 1 GB minimum covers basic routing only. Packages such as Suricata and pfBlockerNG need more memory.
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Storage: An 8 GB disk is the documented minimum. An SSD gives faster logging and updates.
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Network interfaces: Each WAN, LAN and optional VLAN needs a NIC. Dual LAN models suit a separate WAN and LAN without a USB adapter.
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Throughput: Required throughput is the main sizing factor. Higher gigabit or multi-gigabit traffic needs a faster CPU.
Comparison of Thinvent PCs for pfSense
| Model | Processor | Cores | RAM | Storage | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial PC IPC5 (i7-1255U) | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Dual LAN |
| Industrial PC IPC5 (i7-1255U) | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 32 GB | 1 TB SSD | Dual LAN |
| Industrial PC IPC5 (i5-1240P) | Intel Core i5-1240P | 12 | 32 GB | 1 TB SSD | Dual Band WiFi |
| Aero Mini PC (Core 5 120U) | Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Dual Band WiFi |
| Treo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7430U) | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Dual Band WiFi |
Thinvent PCs suited to pfSense
The Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5 with Intel Core i7-1255U and Dual LAN is a practical choice for a pfSense firewall. It has 10 cores and two LAN ports. The 32 GB, 1 TB SSD configuration gives room for Suricata, pfBlockerNG and VPN services. The Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5 with Intel Core i5-1240P, 12 cores and 32 GB RAM is also suited to heavier workloads. The Thinvent range does not include a model with a pfSense-specific build; these are general industrial and mini PCs that run pfSense as a standard x86 installation.
Thinvent® PCs for pfSense firewalls
Thinvent has industrial and mini PCs with 10 to 12 core Intel and AMD processors, up to 32 GB RAM and up to 1 TB SSD storage. Choose the Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5 with Dual LAN for a dedicated firewall, or the Thinvent Aero Mini PC or Treo Mini PC for a compact router.