Intel Core i3-N300 Fanless Firewall Mini PC
6x Intel i226-V 2.5GbE | pfSense / OPNsense
PLEASE READ THE CONFIGURATION AND RAM INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE ORDERING.
This is a fanless Intel Core i3-N300 8-Core Mini PC with 6x Intel i226-V 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, designed for use as a powerful pfSense or OPNsense firewall/router appliance.
The Intel Core i3-N300 features 8 CPU cores, speeds up to 3.8GHz,.
These systems use a heavy-duty aluminum fanless chassis for passive cooling and silent operation.
IMPORTANT — NO-RAM OPTIONS
Due to the significantly increased cost of DDR5 RAM, I am temporarily offering configurations WITHOUT RAM for customers who already have compatible DDR5 laptop memory.
If supplying your own RAM, I strongly recommend memory using chips from:
Samsung
SK Hynix
Micron
Other DDR5 memory may not be compatible with this system.
A system purchased without RAM will require compatible DDR5 RAM before it can boot.
The Intel Core i3-N300 officially supports up to 16GB of RAM. Some N300 systems have been reported to operate with 32GB, but 32GB operation is not guaranteed.
QUALITY COMPONENTS
I intentionally source these systems without factory-installed RAM or SSDs so that I can select and install components from reputable manufacturers rather than relying on unknown components supplied with the Mini PC.
Depending on configuration and availability, RAM may use components from manufacturers such as:
SK Hynix • Samsung • Micron • Timetec
SSD manufacturers may include:
SK Hynix • Samsung • Micron • Kingston • Kioxia • Timetec • Union Memory • TeamGroup
SSDs are 3D TLC NAND — never QLC.
Some SSDs may be OEM surplus and may have contained a previous Windows installation or image before being prepared for this system.
CONFIGURED SYSTEMS ARE INDIVIDUALLY TESTED
For pre-built configurations, I manually configure and test each device before shipment.
Testing includes verifying:
System powers on correctly
Installed RAM is detected
Installed SSD is detected
Operating system installs and boots successfully
Ethernet interfaces are detected
USB functionality
Video output for manual configuration
This is not simply an unopened Mini PC being resold. Configured systems are assembled and tested before shipment.
pfSense / OPNsense
This hardware is well suited for use as a pfSense or OPNsense firewall/router.
I do not sell, license, or provide software support for pfSense or OPNsense.
However, as a convenience, installation of either operating system is included with compatible configurations at no additional charge.
pfSense is installed by default.
If you would prefer OPNsense, please send me a message when ordering.
Systems purchased without RAM cannot be fully configured or tested in their final configuration and may ship without an operating system installation.
HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS
Processor: Intel Core i3-N300
CPU: 8 Cores, up to 3.8GHz
Ethernet: 4x Intel i226-V 2.5GbE
Memory: DDR5
Storage: M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD support
M.2 Sizes: 2230–2280 depending on configuration
Video: HDMI + DisplayPort
USB: 2x USB 3.0 + 2x USB 2.0
Additional Storage: SATA3 connection
BIOS: American Megatrends
Cooling: Fanless heavy-duty aluminum chassis
Wi-Fi: Not included
Power Adapter: Included
DEFAULT FIREWALL CONFIGURATION
When pfSense or OPNsense is installed, the default interface configuration is:
Port 0 = WAN
Port 1 = LAN
The remaining Ethernet interfaces are available for configuration as needed.
WI-FI
This model does NOT include built-in Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi hardware can potentially be added, but wireless adapter support under pfSense and OPNsense is limited.
For most installations, I recommend using a standalone wireless access point (AP) connected to the firewall rather than using the firewall itself as a Wi-Fi access point.
I am happy to provide general hardware recommendations upon request.
RETURNS & HARDWARE ASSISTANCE
Please contact me if you experience any problem with your system. I am always happy to assist with legitimate hardware issues.
Returns are accepted for items that arrive damaged, DOA, or not as described, subject to the listing terms and applicable policies.
First-Year Hardware Assistance
If you experience a hardware issue during the first year, please contact me.
You are welcome to ship the device back to me for troubleshooting. There is no troubleshooting labor charge other than your shipping cost.
If replacement hardware is required, replacement components can be provided at my cost, plus applicable return shipping.
