The best pfSense Mini PC combines robust processing power, multiple high-speed LAN ports, and efficient thermal management. The CNCTION 8505/U300 stands out with its 12th-gen 5-core Intel CPU, six 2.5G Ethernet ports, and DDR5 memory support, making it ideal for high-bandwidth routing and firewall applications. For budget setups, the Mi19N-S1 offers quad Gigabit LAN and fanless design, though its older Celeron J1900 chip limits throughput. Pro Tip: Prioritize models with ≥4 LAN ports and AES-NI encryption support for VPN acceleration.
What Is the Specs of MinisForum HX100G?
Table of Contents
Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
What hardware specs matter most for pfSense?
A pfSense mini PC requires multi-core CPUs (e.g., Intel i3/i5), ≥4GB RAM, and ≥4 LAN ports. The CNCTION 8505’s 6×2.5G ports handle 10Gbps aggregate traffic, while DDR5 ensures low-latency packet processing. Pro Tip: Avoid ARM-based systems—x86 architecture guarantees full pfSense feature compatibility.
How do 2.5G ports enhance pfSense performance?
2.5G Ethernet future-proofs networks, supporting 2500Mbps per port versus standard 1Gbps. The CNCTION 8505’s I226-V controllers reduce CPU load through offloading, crucial when running IDS/IPS. For example, a 4-port 2.5G setup can manage 5Gbps WAN aggregation without packet loss. Pro Tip: Pair with LACP-capable switches for seamless traffic distribution.
| Feature | CNCTION 8505 | Mi19N-S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Port Speed | 6×2.5G | 4×1G |
| CPU | Intel N95 (12W TDP) | Celeron J1900 (10W) |
| VPN Throughput | 800Mbps (IPSec) | 150Mbps |
Is fanless design better for 24/7 operation?
Fanless pfSense boxes like Mi19N-S1 eliminate dust buildup risks but throttle performance under sustained loads. The CNCTION 8505 uses hybrid cooling—passive heatsink + low-RPM fan—balancing noise (<25dB) and thermal headroom. Pro Tip: Deploy fanless units in clean environments; avoid attics/garages where ambient temps exceed 40°C.
Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Yes, but dedicate physical NICs via PCI passthrough. Hypervisors like Proxmox work best with Intel VT-d/AMD-Vi enabled systems.
Do 2.5G ports consume more power?
Marginally—I226-V controllers add ~1.2W/port vs 1G chips. Use energy-efficient modes during low-traffic periods.