I have two systems that I need to replace. One is my backup server, which runs FreeBSD and uses some USB attached drives. Really that could be done with anything that is like a Pi, except amd64/x86.
The other is my pfSense router. It is having some hardware issue, which isn't surprising, I pulled parts out of my scrap pile to make it. For that, I need something that can take an pcie card for my dual 10g network card. Does anyone have any ITX or smallish machines they like? Actual smallness doesn't matter so much as not being expensive.
How do people go about finding things these days? I used to use newegg, but mostly now it seems to be a trap of accidentally ordering parts from the moon. Amazon is fine if you know exactly what you want already. Pcpartspicker works well, if you are building a full system from parts (which I do for bigger machines) but I don't know where to get barebones boxes.
Personally I like the Lenovo Mini Systems. Have three right now. Mostly use the AMD ones with built in Radeon and my kids do Minecraft on them. But they also make great mini servers. Lots of folks use the Intel versions for Plex servers with quicksync. Some versions will also fit a pci card for 10gb or quad nics.
Optiplex 3070, it’s made a good box for jellyfin, truenas etc. SFF is goof for my needs but if i didnt move often i’d get a regular size to hold more HDD
I don’t use PFSense anymore. But I do use opnsense. And while I have iterated through all sorts of appliances, including back to PFSense when I used it and from an atom box, to a I5 base setup to another super micro mini box etc etc.
For the last two years I have been using a DEC 750 from deciso for opnsense. It’s pretty solid.not cheap tho.
I’ve always considered one for a router. In fact my last one was an e200-8d for a while. Wont do 10 Gb or even 1 gb with Suricata/snort tho and they are still way too pricey.
I do have a rando dell SFF/mini tower I use in a pinch.
I still use a couple of HP N40Ls for NAS. They're not fast but they hold up just fine and are as reliable as a brick. The newer models look pretty interesting if you can pick one up used.
The Optiplex micro workstations are also pretty awesome for servers.
Maybe see if your local area has any swap meets? In my home town, there are quite a few computer enthusiasts and I've gotten some pretty good deals on stuff from Windows users that will no longer cut the mustard for Windows but do great for Linux and BSD.