Introduction:
I've got a SuperMicro SuperServer 5018A-FTN4, which I bought specifically to use as a gateway for my network. I intended to use pfsense on it, and have been attempting to install pfsense2.4.5-RELEASE-p1 on a pair of SATA SSDs.
Hardware in question:
The system in question runs an Atom C2758 processor (Rangeley) and has full UEFI support. Motherboard model is: A1SRi-2758F and I have it running with 32GB of ECC DDR3. I've updated the motherboard firmware and the IPMI firmware to the latest versions.
Storage is a pair of Samsung 860 Evo drives, connected to SATA0 and SATA1, which are on the SATA gen 3 controller. Controller is configured for ACHI.
My intention was to use ZFS-on-root and install to the dual SSDs as a mirrored setup. I configured the system for full UEFI mode (minus secure boot), and my pfsense thumbdrive (with the above version image applied) booted right up in EFI mode.
Things I've already tried:
I installed the OS using GPT(UEFI) partition scheme, no errors, and then rebooted the system. Nothing. Motherboard doesn't even see that there's an OS installed.
So, I downloaded the ISO, and mounted it via IPMI, and performed another install. No difference.
I tried putting the system into full BIOS mode (CSM on, all OpRoms set to Legacy mode), and MBR(BIOS) partition scheme. Nothing.
I tried AUTO(UFS) mode, to a single disk, in MBR mode, that's as compatible as I could muster. Still can't boot.
I then downloaded FreeBSD12.1-RELEASE and attempted to install that. Once again, the ZFS install completed successfully but the OS wasn't found by the motherboard, EFI couldn't boot it.
So I switched to a Windows 10 ISO, put the system into complete UEFI mode. OS installer boots just fine, and installs just fine, boots just fine.
What I need now:
I tried searching on the STH forums and saw a whole lot of folks discussing using this specific model for pfsense. Also, NetGate themselves sold a version of the server, nearly identical to my configuration. I'm at a loss for what to do next.
EDIT: I've spent a few years working on this system without no success. I'm ready to give up.
I've got a SuperMicro SuperServer 5018A-FTN4, which I bought specifically to use as a gateway for my network. I intended to use pfsense on it, and have been attempting to install pfsense2.4.5-RELEASE-p1 on a pair of SATA SSDs.
Hardware in question:
The system in question runs an Atom C2758 processor (Rangeley) and has full UEFI support. Motherboard model is: A1SRi-2758F and I have it running with 32GB of ECC DDR3. I've updated the motherboard firmware and the IPMI firmware to the latest versions.
Storage is a pair of Samsung 860 Evo drives, connected to SATA0 and SATA1, which are on the SATA gen 3 controller. Controller is configured for ACHI.
My intention was to use ZFS-on-root and install to the dual SSDs as a mirrored setup. I configured the system for full UEFI mode (minus secure boot), and my pfsense thumbdrive (with the above version image applied) booted right up in EFI mode.
Things I've already tried:
I installed the OS using GPT(UEFI) partition scheme, no errors, and then rebooted the system. Nothing. Motherboard doesn't even see that there's an OS installed.
So, I downloaded the ISO, and mounted it via IPMI, and performed another install. No difference.
I tried putting the system into full BIOS mode (CSM on, all OpRoms set to Legacy mode), and MBR(BIOS) partition scheme. Nothing.
I tried AUTO(UFS) mode, to a single disk, in MBR mode, that's as compatible as I could muster. Still can't boot.
I then downloaded FreeBSD12.1-RELEASE and attempted to install that. Once again, the ZFS install completed successfully but the OS wasn't found by the motherboard, EFI couldn't boot it.
So I switched to a Windows 10 ISO, put the system into complete UEFI mode. OS installer boots just fine, and installs just fine, boots just fine.
What I need now:
I tried searching on the STH forums and saw a whole lot of folks discussing using this specific model for pfsense. Also, NetGate themselves sold a version of the server, nearly identical to my configuration. I'm at a loss for what to do next.
EDIT: I've spent a few years working on this system without no success. I'm ready to give up.
Last edited: