DIY pfSense Rackmount Router Build Log - Part 2
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Turns out this was... much harder than I thought it would be.. Massdrop link: dro.ps Sponsor link: linustechtips.com Pricing & discussion: linustechtips.com Support us: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Hyperfun by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (creativecommons.org Source:incompetech.com Artist: incompetech.com Aunt Tagonist - Silent Film Dark by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org Source:incompetech.com Artist: incompetech.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com
Part 2 of the DIY pfSense rackmount router build continues the hands on hardware challenge of assembling a custom router server. The creator starts by outlining a graveyard of failed motherboards and explains the motivation to push beyond a simple off the shelf unit, choosing a xeon based platform and Jupiter style 3D printed components to tailor the build. The footage then pivots to systematic hardware testing, first booting the motherboard with known good components and gradually swapping RAM, CPUs, and coolers to identify what is killing the boards. Early tests reveal quirks such as memory compatibility and BIOS limitations, prompting a shift to alternate CPUs and configurations while documenting each post code or lack thereof with a focus on safety and measurement. The host continues by validating power delivery and connector layouts, discovering a tricky four pin fan power issue that complicates power sequencing and input devices. After resolving several electrical gremlins, the video moves into reassembling the system inside a case and integrating a PCIe x16 riser, intending to maximize bandwidth to the network card while maintaining stable operation. The narrative then centers on refining cooling with a custom 3D printed shroud designed to channel airflow efficiently through the CPU heatsink, testing both open and closed configurations to observe thermal improvements. Finally, with the hardware stabilized, the video demonstrates booting into pfSense and planning deployment in a server room with a gigabit internet upgrade, sharing insights into deal sourcing and community engagement for future parts and upgrades.
Topics · technology · diy · networking · hardware · computing · servers · pc_building
Questions answered
- What motivates the choice of a xeon based router build rather than a cheap off the shelf system?
- The creator aims for a more interesting, hands on project and to push hardware beyond typical consumer setups, documenting the challenges and learning along the way.
- What caused the initial boot issues that led to swapping components?
- Several factors were tested, including RAM compatibility, CPU compatibility with the motherboard BIOS, and power delivery wiring, with a four pin power connector issue identified as a potential contributor.
- How was cooling addressed in this build?
- A custom 3D printed shroud was designed to improve airflow through the CPU heatsink, tested in open and partially closed configurations to measure thermal improvements.
- What was the final outcome before deploying pfSense?
- After resolving multiple hardware and cooling issues, the system booted into pfSense and was prepared for deployment in a server room with a gigabit connection.