I want to build a new server to run multiple instances of Router/Firewall VMs. The purpose is to have all the networking and a few other VMs running on the box so when i need to bring down a server for maintenance i dont lose networking.
VMs so Far
Build Out Desires.
CPU: 4+Core/ 2.8Gh+ or Higher Freq(prefer 3-4 Ghz base)
RAM: 64 Min - 128 Max DDR4
Nics: 8-12 ports either onboard or via intel nics.
Features:
Build out Options.
1. Recycle Server - Intel S2600CP w/ Intel P4000 Case
I have my retired intel server. Currently i have a cheap e5-26xxx v2 cpu and a few sticks of RAM. The Motherboard only has 2 ports. With one CPU installed I lose access to 1 PCIE slot. I also have an older intel 4port nic installed. I can also take another intel 4port nic from current server running PFsense images and move it into this server.
Pros: - Cheap option, might need to hunt down faster base CPU and possibly another intel 4 port nic.
Cons: Idles easily around 130-150watts as configured.
2. SuperServer 1019C-FHTN8 Server Build. The cost of building this out with 4/6 core e-2100 CPU and 128GB Ram will be around 2k give or take. I like that the MB has 8 intel nic ports built in. I would use the extra pcie slot for another 4port nic or 1 sfp+ 10GB. Storage would be a local 3-4TB SSD setup.
Concerns:
3. Setup a new 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen based server using Asus Pro WS X570-ACE motherboard. I would need to use 3 pcie slots for Nics. I would also get ECC Ram. I havent priced this out but figuring about 2k as well. maybe less depending on memory/cpu and if i reuse the two intel 4port nics i have.
Concerns:
So Im still in research mode and figured i put this out there for community to discuss. Let me know your thoughts.
VMs so Far
- ATT PFsense - I replaced my gigafiber router with pfsense VM recently. This VM connects my network to ATT service and provides WAN in. It also provides subnet for IOT wireless AP.
- Sophos UTM9 - I use this for home network to reduce/control/block internet garbage. I have a lot of rules setup so I dont plan on replacing it with something else anytime soon.
- PFSense_External1-4: I want to setup between 1-4 pfsense vms for each of my external IP adddress. I have 5 available. Each PFsense will deal with it's own DHCP and firewall rules for services running on that IP.
- Backup WS2012R2: Provide home network DNS
- WS2012R2 Essentials: Provides main DNS and backup/storage access. Storage is iSCSI attached back to freenas vm.
- W10 tester: Just to access various Pfsense images.
Build Out Desires.
CPU: 4+Core/ 2.8Gh+ or Higher Freq(prefer 3-4 Ghz base)
RAM: 64 Min - 128 Max DDR4
Nics: 8-12 ports either onboard or via intel nics.
Features:
- IPMI supported.
- CPU acceleration that helps pfsense, etc.
- Runs ESXI
- Allows Pass-through
Build out Options.
1. Recycle Server - Intel S2600CP w/ Intel P4000 Case
I have my retired intel server. Currently i have a cheap e5-26xxx v2 cpu and a few sticks of RAM. The Motherboard only has 2 ports. With one CPU installed I lose access to 1 PCIE slot. I also have an older intel 4port nic installed. I can also take another intel 4port nic from current server running PFsense images and move it into this server.
Pros: - Cheap option, might need to hunt down faster base CPU and possibly another intel 4 port nic.
Cons: Idles easily around 130-150watts as configured.
2. SuperServer 1019C-FHTN8 Server Build. The cost of building this out with 4/6 core e-2100 CPU and 128GB Ram will be around 2k give or take. I like that the MB has 8 intel nic ports built in. I would use the extra pcie slot for another 4port nic or 1 sfp+ 10GB. Storage would be a local 3-4TB SSD setup.
Concerns:
- Long term reuse ability. This is very specific for network applications. If i change my setup down the line, this would be limited use item.
- Costs
- I dont know power idle consumption. I assume less then option 1? but by how much?
- I dont know if i can pass through the onboard nics.
3. Setup a new 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen based server using Asus Pro WS X570-ACE motherboard. I would need to use 3 pcie slots for Nics. I would also get ECC Ram. I havent priced this out but figuring about 2k as well. maybe less depending on memory/cpu and if i reuse the two intel 4port nics i have.
Concerns:
- Power usage for idle
- ESXI issues
- Newer tech - havent played with
- MB IPMI maybe more limited then server board?
So Im still in research mode and figured i put this out there for community to discuss. Let me know your thoughts.
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