2.5GbE pfSense Router under $25 with HP T630 Thin Client

This is a guide to build a 2.5GbE pfSense router with an HP T630 Thin Client for under $25. This documentation includes detailed guide for choosing hardware, installing pfSense, to setting it up!

Why the HP T630?

• Cost-Effective: Purchased for $14.99 on eBay.
• Low Power Consumption: 12W idle, 28W max with passive cooling.
• AES-NI Support: Ideal for pfSense performance.
• Compact & Silent: Small form factor, no fan noise.
• Upgradeable: Supports 2.5Gb LAN via M.2 NIC.

🔗 HP T630 Info: Parky Towers

🔌 Choosing & Installing the NIC

The HP T630 lacks PCIe, but it has an M.2 2230 slot (typically for WiFi). The best fit:

• Realtek RTL8125B 2.5Gb NIC ✅
  • Confirmed compatible (Source).
  • Purchased for $7 on AliExpress (Link).

🔧 NIC Installation

1. Removed the detachable VGA port.
2. Installed the Realtek RTL8125B NIC in the M.2 2230 slot.
3. WAN: Integrated 1Gb Ethernet, LAN: 2.5Gb NIC.

🖥️ Installing pfSense

1. Download pfSense & write to USB using Etcher.
2. Boot from USB and install pfSense.
3. Issue: Realtek NIC not detected initially.

🔹 Fixing Realtek NIC Detection

1. Complete initial setup using only the 1Gb NIC.

2. Access pfSense console (option 8: Shell).

3. Install the Realtek driver:

   1	pkg add net/realtek-re-kmod

4. Enable the driver on boot by editing /boot/loader.conf:

   1 2	if_re_load="YES" if_re_name="/boot/modules/if_re.ko"

5. Reboot and reassign network interfaces (option 1 in the console menu).

✅ Final Thoughts

With pfSense running on an HP T630 + 2.5Gb NIC, I now have a power-efficient, silent, and cost-effective router. This setup supports network segmentation via a managed 2.5Gb switch, ensuring optimal performance for home, guest, and IoT devices.

🚀 Total cost: Under $25 for a high-performance pfSense firewall!

💡 Need a budget-friendly router for your homelab? The HP T630 + pfSense is an excellent choice!