Can a Thinvent Thin Client Run pfSense?
Thinvent Neo S thin clients use the Intel Celeron J1900 processor, with 4 cores running up to 2.4 GHz and 2 MB of cache. Each model has 4 GB or 8 GB of DDR3 RAM and 32 GB to 256 GB of storage. The Neo S range does not include a fan. Buyers can select the operating system at order time, including Ubuntu Linux, Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Professional, DOS, or no operating system.
pfSense Hardware Requirements
Netgate documents a minimum of a 64-bit CPU, 1 GB of RAM, an 8 GB disk, and one supported network interface card (NIC) for pfSense. Netgate's sizing guidance states that 1 GB of RAM is a minimum, and that some configurations need 2 GB or more. Routing, Suricata, pfBlockerNG, and VPN workloads need more capacity than the minimum. The sizing requirements depend on the traffic load and the packages in use.
How the Thinvent Models Compare
| Feature | Neo S (J1900) | Micro 5R (ARM Cortex A53) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Celeron J1900, 4 cores, up to 2.4 GHz | ARM Cortex A53, 4 cores, up to 2.0 GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB or 8 GB DDR3 | 2 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB to 256 GB | 16 GB eMMC |
| Wi-Fi | No | Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth |
| Operating system | Ubuntu Linux, Windows 11, DOS, or none | Thinux embedded Linux |
The Neo S models have more memory than the Micro 5R. The Micro 5R uses an ARM processor with a 2 GB memory limit, so the Neo S is the better fit for pfSense deployment.
Key Points for pfSense Deployment
Choose a model with at least 4 GB of RAM and enough storage for logs and packages. The Neo S 8 GB models with 128 GB or 256 GB of storage give the most room for pfSense and its packages. The Neo S range has one or more NICs depending on the model configuration; check the listed network ports before ordering. The Thinvent range does not include a cryptographic accelerator.
Thinvent Products for Firewall Deployment
Thinvent has the Neo S Thin Client with the Intel J1900 processor in several memory and storage configurations. The 8 GB models with 128 GB or 256 GB of storage suit firewall deployments that need more room for logs and packages. The Micro 5R Thin Client, with its ARM Cortex A53 processor, is better suited to light embedded workloads than to pfSense.
