Build Advice - pfsense and proxmox tinypc

[seaverd]

Three years ago I found on this site the HP 620 plus pfsense build. This unit continues to serve me well, so I am coming here for some advice. We just bought a second property that is serviced with 500 Mbps fiber and I need to configure a pfsense box and a proxmox server to run home assistant vm and a few dockers. Please not I do not want to run pfsense as a VM, as I like pfsense on its own box.

I have no problem buying used hardware and see that hp EliteDesk/Prodesk/Optiplex/Lenovo boxes with i5-6600t to 8400t in the $100 to $150 price range.

Also, in my main home I have an HP290 configured as a Plex Server to leverage quick sync hardware transcoding. I mention this as I know people use these as pfsense builds…should I use this for pfsense and upgrade my Plex server?

What is the current budget king for either of these builds?
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

 

[elvisimprsntr]

Plenty of used Qotom's on evilBay that run pfSense just fine. I have a Q305P running pfSense for a dedicated GPS NTP time server. You might need a higher end quad core model for 500 mbps fiber. qotom in PC Desktops & All-In-Ones for sale | eBay

Or pick up a Protectli: Trusted Firewall Appliances with Firmware Protection for pfSense

I also have a few used QNAP's running TrueNAS CORE/SCALE, and one running Proxmox for a few low demand VMs qnap ts-453a in Network Attached Storage for sale | eBay