When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Repurposed enterprise-grade network appliance configured for OPNsense or pfSense. Hardware is OEM server-class equipment originally manufactured for commercial deployment. It is a compact desktop form-factor appliance powered by a 16-core Intel Atom C3958 processor (2.00 GHz, 16 MB cache) with Intel AES-NI and Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT) acceleration. Compared to the popular 8-core C3758 platform, the C3958 provides twice the CPU core count, making it especially well suited for demanding firewall deployments, high-speed VPNs, IDS/IPS, virtualization with Proxmox VE, Docker containers, and running multiple network services simultaneously while maintaining excellent power efficiency.Equipped with two DDR4 SO-DIMM memory slots. Installed RAM capacity depends on the selected variation: 16GB (1×16GB ECC Unbuffered SO-DIMM) or 32GB (2×16GB ECC Unbuffered SO-DIMM).Networking connectivity includes eight built-in Gigabit Ethernet ports consisting of:
- 2x SFP-based Intel I350 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- 2x Intel I350 RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- 4x Intel X553 RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports
Additional connectivity includes one RJ45 console port, two USB 2.0 ports, dual Mini-PCIe expansion slots, and dual M.2 2242 B-Key slots (one supports SATA while the other - USB 2.0/3.0), 7-pin SATA port and 4-pin power connector for an optional 2.5\" SATA drive (drive caddy and cabling are not included).Storage is provided by an M.2 2242 SATA 6Gbps SSD installed in the dedicated M.2 slot. Depending on the selected variation, the appliance includes either a 512GB or 1TB SSD. Both capacities provide ample space for OPNsense®, pfSense® Community Edition, Proxmox VE, virtual machines, containers, logs, and other network services.Although this hardware is well suited for Proxmox VE and other virtualization platforms, the appliance is sold with OPNsense® or pfSense® Community Edition pre-installed. Buyers wishing to repurpose the system for virtualization or other operating systems should be comfortable performing the necessary installation and configuration themselves.Unlike consumer plug-and-play routers, enterprise systems may:
- Display status LED colors during boot that differ from typical home devices
- Take longer to complete POST and operating system initialization
- Require manual network configuration depending on your environment
Console access is available through the included RJ45-to-DB9F serial console cable for advanced users who wish to monitor the boot process or perform low-level configuration, but it is not required for normal setup of the included software. For buyers who prefer a simpler console setup on modern computers, the standard cable can be substituted with a tested RJ45-to-USB-A console cable for additional $10. This eliminates the need for a DB9 serial port or a separate USB-to-Serial adapter and allows direct connection to most modern PCs and laptops.The appliance includes a Sierra Wireless EM7455 LTE modem installed in the dedicated M.2 slot (another M.2 slot supports SATA). Two external antennas are included for users wishing to configure LTE connectivity. Please note that the dedicated LOM module is not installed, therefore the LOM management port is inactive.Cooling and acoustics:
This appliance offers a configurable cooling profile via BIOS. Fan operation can be set to automatic temperature-controlled mode or manually adjusted to a fixed speed from minimum to maximum. This allows users to balance cooling performance and noise levels according to their deployment requirements. Note: Excessively reducing fan speed may increase operating temperatures and should only be done while monitoring system temperatures to ensure adequate cooling.
Unlike the single-fan version of this platform, this model features a dual-fan cooling system. The two fans operate at lower individual speeds while providing excellent airflow, resulting in quieter operation and improved cooling efficiency during continuous workloads.
Includes:
- Original 60W AC power adapter with locking barrel connector
- AC power cord
- Two 1Gbps RJ45 SFP transceivers
- RJ45-to-DB9 console cable
- Two LTE antennas
Condition: Excellent overall physical condition; may show minor cosmetic wear such as light superficial scratches from normal handling.This appliance is intended for networking enthusiasts, homelab users, virtualization enthusiasts, and IT professionals who are comfortable installing, configuring, and managing network operating systems or virtualization platforms. Documentation and community resources for OPNsense®, pfSense®, Proxmox VE, and related software are widely available online. If you are seeking a consumer router with automated mobile-app-based setup and manufacturer technical support, this may not be the right product for you.Looking for a lower-cost option?
Similar appliances with 8-Core Intel Atom CPUs, smaller SSDs, and other configurations are available. They\'re a great choice for home labs, VPN gateways, or gigabit Internet connections. See my other listings for available models:
Aes for sale | Warranty: 30-day warranty included.
Stock pictures.
