Complete silent pc build / mini-itx firewall

Just completed my firewall computer built. I don't think you can really hear from the video but this is extreamly quiet! Its so quiet that the mic on the camera couldn't pick it up. Sorry about my mumbling voice :)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• computer
• rig
• build
• custom
• itx
• mini
• mini-itx
• firewall
• astaro
• hardware
• pc
• e5200
• pentium
• dual
• core
• dualcore
• 5200
• zalman
• cpu
• cooler

[fireballs399]

its not itx/micro-itx, its atx/micro-atx...

[stevyd10]

@fireballs399 no its definitely Mini-ITX

Unfortunately though just a few weeks ago it failed. I think the mobo died. Its a shame as it worked so wonderful and was so powerful.

[LeJimster]

Not to poke or anything, but that kit is seriously overpowered for a firewall, not to mention more expensive than other itx hardware that would do the job + be cheaper. Unless you are dual using it as a server + firewall, you don't need 2Gigs of ram, the SSD or more than a 1GHz cpu.

Personally I would have gone with something like a Via C3 processor, 256-512Mb ram and a Flash card preloaded with smoothwall/ipcop/m0n0wall whatever. With an external psu brick. Totally fanless. :)

[stevyd10]

I am actually using the astaro software. I believe it had a min spec of 1.5Ghz and 1GB of ram. Previously we had it on a p4 3Ghz/1GB ram/ Slow hdd. This setup worked fine but you could tell the firewall was slowing the connection down. The firewall's you suggested are consumer level - the astaro software is aimed at the enterprise level. it has to manage all the email that goes through our servers. (its alot!) We are hardly consumer level with the servers and computers...

[stevyd10]

...

I can see your point though it may be a little OTT but atleast it is not causing any lag when connecting to websites. The SSD is also amazing for the cache as my internet connection is not great so it certainly speeds up the page loading :)

[Fijnstein]

Nice firewall mate! Thanks for posting this vid.

I find it very strange I have a hard time finding a ready to go firewall system, that I'm considering to build one myself too. Or use a netbook even. Maybe my searching is failing. I know my 10 year old AMD-K6 200MHz Debian firewall will fail soon :-(

I see nice 8watt PC's for a 1001 purposes, except for the router/firewall functions I need. I'm curious what hardware you used (mainboard, NIC) and what OS/software you have/will put on this one.

[SportsboxTennis]

@LeJimster

Astaro has a lot more capabilities than smoothwall/ipcop/m0n0wall, hence it needs more power.

I have used all of them at one time or another.

[tarawh]

guessing your mobo died eventually, damn zotac

[lucatechxx]

@crazyredneckwifknife its an mini itx

[lucatechxx]

@DrewMusicc why?

[wwyk1993]

If you want a completely quiet build just passively cool all the components including the power supply.

[wwyk1993]

@fireballs399 Phail much? Don't you know that there are special standards like Mini-iTX, Pico-iTX and stuff like that? Get your facts right dude..

[caccaculomerdapipi]

i have the same lookin ram modules lol, exept i have 6gbs on the pc i use to play and do stuff. overkill indeed

[iToasterman]

@fireballs399 I belive he knows the mother board he bought better then you

[bigbignosedestroyer]

over kill lol

[crazyredneckwifknife]

@stevyd10 no Its ATX