Workload guide · Networking
Firewall: hardware requirements guide
Stateful packet filtering, IDS/IPS (pfSense/OPNsense).
Hardware requirements by tier
Three tiers for every workload: the minimum that works, the recommended sweet spot, and the comfortable headroom level. These are the same tiers the WisePC decision engine uses when it plans a build around your goal.
| Tier | CPU cores | RAM | Storage | GPU | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 2 cores | 2 GB | 0 TB (ssd) | None | 1 GbE |
| Recommended | 4 cores | 4 GB | 0 TB (ssd) | None | 2.5 GbE |
| Comfortable | 6 cores | 8 GB | 0 TB (ssd) | None | 10 GbE |
Which tier do you need?
- Pick Minimum (2 cores, 2 GB RAM) only for a single-purpose machine on a tight budget — expect little headroom.
- Recommended (4 cores, 4 GB RAM) is the sweet spot: enough for the workload plus the usual side-services, without overspending.
- Pick Comfortable (6 cores, 8 GB RAM) when this workload shares the machine with others or will grow — you pay for headroom, not for anxiety.
- GPU rule for this workload: None.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does firewall need?
2 GB is the sensible minimum, 4 GB covers most real setups, and 8 GB gives comfortable headroom for growth and extra services.
How many CPU cores does firewall need?
A 2-core CPU is the minimum, 4 cores is the recommended sweet spot, and 6 cores is comfortable when it shares the machine with other workloads.
Does firewall need a dedicated GPU?
No — integrated graphics or a headless setup is enough.
What storage and network does firewall expect?
Storage: 0 TB of SSD is the recommended baseline (0 TB minimum, 0 TB comfortable). Network: 2.5 GbE is the recommended baseline.
What runs well alongside firewall?
It pairs naturally with: Router / gateway, VPN.