A rackmount firewall device needs to match both the network load and the way you plan to maintain it. My strongest modern-hardware pick is the FakestarPC N150, with four 2.5GbE ports and optional 10G SFP; for a more ready-to-configure six-port setup, the Partaker R15 includes memory and an SSD. The 128GB Atom D525 appliance offers a simpler storage starting point for a modest Gigabit network. The main tradeoffs are clear: newer connectivity versus older, lower-capability processors, and a barebone configuration versus a system that already includes basic memory and storage. I rank these options by their practical fit as rackmount firewalls, not by port count alone.
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Key Takeaways
- FakestarPC is the only listed option with four 2.5GbE ports and optional 10G SFP, but its 10G capability requires an optional module.
- Partaker R15 is the most balanced Gigabit choice here because it includes 4GB RAM, a 128GB SSD, six Intel LAN ports, and a hardware bypass switch.
- Ayemlpoi RS01 ships without RAM or storage, so its low-power appeal comes with extra build and setup work.
- The two 4GB Atom D525 systems are close relatives; choose the 128GB version when firewall logs, packages, or local data need more room than 32GB allows.
- None of the listed processors is a strong match for demanding encrypted VPN throughput; plan around workload and verify software compatibility before deployment.
| rackmount firewall device | Form factor | Processor | Memory | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FakestarPC 1U Rack-Mounted Fir | 1U rack-mounted | Alder Lake N150, 4 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.6GHz | 1 DDR5 SODIMM slot, up to 4800MHz; included capacity not specified | M.2 NVMe and SATA 3.0 support; included capacity not specified |
| Partaker R15 1U Rackmount Netw | 1U, 19-inch rackmount | Intel Pentium G3250 | 4GB DDR3, maximum 32GB | 128GB mSATA SSD |
| 1U Rackmount Firewall with Int | 1U rackmount | Intel Atom D525 | 4GB DDR3 | 128GB SSD; optional HDD support listed |
| 1U Rackmount Firewall with Int | 1U rackmount | Intel Atom D525 | 4GB DDR3 | 32GB mSATA SSD |
| Ayemlpoi Rackmount Firewall | 19-inch 1U rackmount | Intel Atom D525 | Not included | Not included |
More Details on Our Top Picks
FakestarPC 1U Rack-Mounted Firewall Appliance Mini PC with Alder Lake N150
The FakestarPC N150 is my overall pick for buyers who want a rackmount firewall with room to grow beyond ordinary Gigabit links. Its four 2.5G LAN ports are a meaningful step above the six 1GbE ports on the Partaker and Atom-based appliances: they can better serve a multi-gigabit broadband connection or faster local segments, depending on firewall workload and configuration. Optional 10G SFP adds a possible high-speed uplink, but it is not included as standard, so buyers should confirm the exact configuration rather than assume the ports are ready.
The Alder Lake N150, DDR5 memory support, NVMe and SATA storage options, and AES-NI support give this model a newer platform than the Atom D525 devices. That makes it the most forward-looking choice in this lineup, particularly for a small office or home lab that may add faster switches over time. I also value its PCIe expansion and SIM slot support for optional 4G LTE, although those features do not automatically make it a failover-ready appliance; the required modules and software setup still matter.
The tradeoff is a less complete picture of the delivered configuration. The listing does not specify included RAM or storage capacity, and several attractive capabilities depend on optional parts. Compared with the Partaker R15, this is the better fit for faster interfaces, but the R15 gives a clearer out-of-box starting point with 4GB RAM and a 128GB SSD. I would choose FakestarPC for network speed and platform flexibility, not for buyers who want every component specified in advance.
Pros:- Four 2.5GbE ports are faster than the Gigabit interfaces on the other listed appliances.
- Optional 10G SFP, PCIe expansion, NVMe and SATA support provide upgrade paths.
- Alder Lake N150 and DDR5 support offer a newer platform than the Atom D525 models.
- SIM-slot support allows an optional LTE-related configuration.
Cons:- 10G SFP connectivity is optional, not a confirmed standard feature.
- The supplied description does not state the included RAM or storage capacity.
- Actual firewall and VPN throughput is not specified.
Best for: Small offices and home labs moving to multi-gigabit Ethernet that can verify the included configuration and add optional modules as needed.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a clearly specified, ready-to-configure system or require proven high-throughput encrypted VPN performance.
- Form factor:1U rack-mounted
- Processor:Alder Lake N150, 4 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.6GHz
- Memory:1 DDR5 SODIMM slot, up to 4800MHz; included capacity not specified
- Storage:M.2 NVMe and SATA 3.0 support; included capacity not specified
- Network:4x 2.5GbE; optional 2x 10G SFP
- Video:HDMI and VGA
- Expansion:PCIe 3.0 x4, Mini PCIe, SIM slot for optional 4G LTE
- Other features:AES-NI, uEFI BIOS, watchdog, auto power on, RTC, PXE boot, Wake-on-LAN
Our verdict“I recommend the FakestarPC for buyers prioritizing multi-gigabit ports and a newer platform, provided they confirm the exact options and included components.”
Partaker R15 1U Rackmount Network Appliance with Intel Pentium G3250, 6x Intel Gigabit LAN, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD
The Partaker R15 is the most balanced option here for a buyer building a conventional six-port Gigabit firewall. It arrives with 4GB RAM and a 128GB mSATA SSD, which removes some of the shopping and assembly work required by the Ayemlpoi barebone. Its six Intel Gigabit interfaces suit a network split into several segments, and the hardware bypass switch is a distinguishing feature for deployments where a bypass path matters. The description does not specify exactly how bypass behaves in every failure condition, so I would check the implementation before relying on it for continuity.
Compared with the Atom D525 models, the Pentium G3250 gives this appliance a different processor platform, while the supplied 128GB SSD offers more working space than the 32GB Atom variant. It also supports up to 32GB DDR3 according to the listed specifications, giving it a stated memory upgrade path that the 4GB Atom listings do not provide. Those are practical advantages for a firewall build that may accumulate packages, logs, or additional services.
There are real limits. The G3250 does not support AES-NI, which can constrain encrypted VPN workloads, and the included 4GB RAM may be modest for heavier filtering or add-ons. The operating system is not pre-installed, and the listing warns that the CPU model may vary with inventory. The FakestarPC is the stronger choice for faster-than-Gigabit links; I would favor the R15 when six Intel Gigabit ports, included starter storage, and a bypass switch matter more than modern interface speeds.
Pros:- Includes 4GB RAM and a 128GB mSATA SSD, unlike the Ayemlpoi barebone.
- Six Intel Gigabit interfaces support multiple network segments.
- Hardware bypass switch adds a feature absent from the other listed models.
- Listed memory capacity supports upgrades up to 32GB.
Cons:- No AES-NI support, limiting its appeal for demanding encrypted VPN use.
- No operating system is pre-installed.
- CPU model may vary according to inventory.
Best for: Firewall builders who want six Intel Gigabit ports, included starter RAM and SSD, and a hardware bypass feature for a modest network.
Not ideal for: Users needing multi-gigabit interfaces, AES-NI-assisted VPN workloads, or a preinstalled and fully configured firewall system.
- Form factor:1U, 19-inch rackmount
- Processor:Intel Pentium G3250
- Memory:4GB DDR3, maximum 32GB
- Storage:128GB mSATA SSD
- Network:6x Intel 82574L Gigabit Ethernet
- Bypass:1 hardware bypass set
- Other ports:VGA, 2x USB, COM
- Operating systems:FreeBSD, Linux, Windows; firewall OS not pre-installed
Our verdict“I would choose the Partaker R15 for a well-equipped six-port Gigabit build, but not for high-speed VPN or multi-gigabit links.”
1U Rackmount Firewall with Intel Atom D525, 6 Gigabit LAN, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, OPNsense Compatible
This 128GB Atom D525 appliance is the more storage-ready of the two closely related D525 systems in this roundup. It pairs 4GB RAM with a 128GB SSD, a more comfortable starting point for installations that keep local logs, add packages, or need room for system updates than the 32GB version. Six Gigabit ports make it a straightforward choice for dividing a small network into several interfaces, and the listing names pfSense, OPNsense, and Untangle among compatible firewall systems.
Its closest comparison is the 32GB Atom appliance: the core processor, memory, six-port layout, 1U form, and lack of AES-NI are similar, while this model has four times the listed SSD capacity. Against the Partaker R15, the advantage is local storage space and stated compatibility with common firewall platforms; the Partaker counters with Intel NIC identification, a bypass switch, and a specified memory upgrade ceiling. Neither older platform should be treated as a high-throughput VPN solution on the information provided.
The main limitation is the Atom D525 itself. The product description calls it suitable for high-traffic networks, but does not provide measured throughput, and 4GB RAM plus an older processor suggests keeping expectations moderate. Setup also requires technical skill, and the listed fan means this is not a fanless appliance. I would pick it over the 32GB sibling when the larger SSD is useful, but skip both Atom choices if the network depends on demanding encrypted tunnels or substantial traffic inspection.
Pros:- 128GB SSD provides more local space than the 32GB Atom D525 alternative.
- Six Gigabit Ethernet ports support a multi-segment network layout.
- Listed compatibility includes pfSense, OPNsense, and Untangle.
- Standard 1U chassis can fit a rack or be wall mounted.
Cons:- Atom D525 has no AES-NI support for hardware-assisted encryption.
- 4GB RAM may limit heavier workloads and add-on services.
- Fan cooling and hands-on configuration may not suit every installation.
Best for: Technical users building a modest six-interface Gigabit firewall who want more SSD space than the 32GB Atom model supplies.
Not ideal for: Buyers running demanding VPN encryption, heavy security inspection, or workloads that need extensive memory and current-generation processing.
- Form factor:1U rackmount
- Processor:Intel Atom D525
- Memory:4GB DDR3
- Storage:128GB SSD; optional HDD support listed
- Network:6x Gigabit Ethernet
- Dimensions:430 x 250 x 50mm
- Power and cooling:50W power supply; fan cooling
- Compatibility:FreeBSD-based systems, Linux, Windows, pfSense, OPNsense, Untangle
Our verdict“I favor this Atom model over its 32GB sibling when local storage matters, while keeping its workload to modest Gigabit firewall duties.”
1U Rackmount Firewall with Intel Atom D525, 6 Gigabit LAN, 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD, OPNsense Compatible
The 32GB Atom D525 appliance is a simple route to a six-port 1U firewall when the workload is light and local storage needs are small. It arrives with 4GB of RAM and a 32GB mSATA SSD, unlike the Ayemlpoi barebone, which requires the buyer to source memory and storage. Its six Gigabit ports offer the familiar layout needed for WAN, LAN, guest, and other separated networks, while VGA, USB, and COM give installers basic local and management connections.
Against the 128GB sibling, the principal compromise is storage capacity, not a different class of networking: both list an Atom D525, 4GB RAM, and six Gigabit interfaces. If the firewall will run a lean installation with little local logging, the smaller SSD may be sufficient; if it will hold more packages or logs, the 128GB model is the more comfortable choice. Compared with the Partaker R15, this device lacks the specified Intel NIC model and bypass switch, and it does not list a memory upgrade ceiling.
The older Atom processor and absence of AES-NI make this a poor match for intensive VPN encryption or resource-heavy inspection. Its 4GB memory ceiling as supplied also leaves little room for growth unless upgrade support is confirmed. This is a basic appliance, not a high-traffic performance promise: the listing provides no benchmark data to back that claim. I would choose it for a deliberately modest firewall build where the included SSD is adequate, and avoid it when traffic demands or future expansion are uncertain.
Pros:- Includes 4GB RAM and a 32GB SSD, so it is more complete than a barebone system.
- Six Gigabit LAN ports allow separation of several network segments.
- Supports listed FreeBSD-based firewall platforms and other operating systems.
- Chassis supports rackmount use and is also described as wall-mountable.
Cons:- 32GB storage is considerably less than the 128GB sibling provides.
- Atom D525 lacks AES-NI and is an older processing platform.
- No measured throughput or clear memory upgrade ceiling is provided.
Best for: A technically capable user who wants an included 1U six-port Gigabit appliance for a lean firewall installation.
Not ideal for: Networks with heavy VPN use, extensive logging, many add-on services, or a need for a clear upgrade path.
- Form factor:1U rackmount
- Processor:Intel Atom D525
- Memory:4GB DDR3
- Storage:32GB mSATA SSD
- Network:6x Gigabit LAN
- Dimensions:430 x 250 x 50mm
- Weight:6.5kg
- Power and cooling:50W, 110–240V; fan cooling
Our verdict“I would choose this model only for a light, storage-conscious firewall build; the 128GB sibling is the safer pick when local space matters.”
Ayemlpoi Rackmount Firewall, VPN, Network Security Appliance, Router PC, Atom D525, 6 Gigabit LAN, 2 USB, COM, VGA, Fan, Barebone (No RAM/Storage)
The Ayemlpoi RS01 makes the most sense for a buyer who wants to choose the memory, storage, and operating system rather than accept a preset configuration. Its six Gigabit ports give it the same basic interface count as the Partaker and Atom appliances, and its 1U chassis includes rack ears and a power cord. Listed power consumption is 50W, and a turbo fan handles cooling; those details make it a compact rack option, but they do not establish actual energy use or noise under a firewall workload.
Where the RS01 differs most is what it does not include. There is no RAM, storage, or operating system, so the buyer must select compatible parts, install them, and configure the firewall. That makes it less convenient than the Partaker R15, which includes 4GB and a 128GB SSD, and less ready to deploy than either Atom D525 model with memory and storage already listed. In exchange, a builder can select components to suit a specific lab or reuse parts already on hand.
The older Atom D525 is still a substantial constraint. Six Gigabit ports are useful for network segmentation, but they do not make the system a strong choice for high-throughput routing, intensive filtering, or encrypted VPN work. The description names FreeBSD, Linux, and RouterOS support, though buyers should confirm that their chosen release recognizes the hardware. I rank it below the ready-equipped models for most buyers because its flexibility comes with added setup effort, but it is the natural pick when barebone control matters most.
Pros:- Six Gigabit ports provide a flexible interface layout for a custom firewall.
- Barebone design lets the buyer select memory, storage, and operating system.
- Includes rack ears and power cord for a standard 1U installation.
- Listed support includes FreeBSD, Linux, and RouterOS.
Cons:- RAM, storage, and operating system are not included.
- Atom D525 performance may be limited for demanding security tasks.
- No supplied benchmark confirms high-throughput firewall or VPN performance.
Best for: Experienced builders who already have compatible RAM and storage, want to choose their own software, or are assembling a custom lab firewall.
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a ready-to-configure appliance, modern multi-gigabit networking, or strong performance for encrypted VPN traffic.
- Form factor:19-inch 1U rackmount
- Processor:Intel Atom D525
- Memory:Not included
- Storage:Not included
- Network:6x Gigabit Ethernet
- Other ports:2x USB, COM, VGA
- Cooling and power:Turbo fan; listed power consumption 50W
- Included accessories:Rack ears, power cord, warranty card
Our verdict“I recommend the RS01 only to hands-on builders who value component choice more than a ready-equipped system.”
How We Picked
I ranked these devices as rackmount firewall appliances, not as general-purpose mini PCs. That means I put weight on the 1U form factor, number and speed of network interfaces, practical readiness for firewall software, and the maintenance compromises a buyer inherits. A six-port device can be useful for separating WAN, LAN, guest, and lab networks, but port count alone does not make an older processor suitable for heavy inspection or encrypted VPN traffic.
I also compared what arrives in the chassis. The Partaker R15 includes 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD, while the Ayemlpoi barebone requires the buyer to source both, as well as an operating system. The two Atom D525 models include memory and storage, but their 4GB RAM and older CPU set a modest workload ceiling. FakestarPC takes the lead on interface speed, though its 10G SFP connectivity is optional rather than standard. I treated these distinctions as central because they change both setup effort and the kind of network each device can reasonably serve.
Descriptions do not provide measured firewall throughput, power draw under load, or a complete compatibility matrix for every software release. I avoid treating broad compatibility claims as proof of performance. Buyers should confirm the exact hardware configuration, supported drivers, and firewall platform requirements before putting a device in the path of business-critical traffic. My ranking favors the clearest use cases and flags uncertainty where the supplied information leaves a gap.
| rackmount firewall device | Processor |
|---|---|
| FakestarPC 1U Rack-Mounted Fir | Alder Lake N150, 4 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.6GHz |
| Partaker R15 1U Rackmount Netw | Intel Pentium G3250 |
| 1U Rackmount Firewall with Int | Intel Atom D525 |
| 1U Rackmount Firewall with Int | Intel Atom D525 |
| Ayemlpoi Rackmount Firewall | Intel Atom D525 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Rackmount Firewall Device
Choosing a rackmount firewall starts with the traffic and software you need to support, then moves to rack fit and included components. I would not treat six ports as proof of speed: a 1GbE interface count says how many links are available, while CPU capability, driver support, and firewall configuration shape real performance.
Match port speed to the network
For standard Gigabit links, the six-port Partaker and Atom systems can provide useful separation between WAN, trusted LAN, guest devices, and lab networks. The FakestarPC is the only listed model with four 2.5GbE ports, giving it a better interface match for multi-gigabit broadband or faster local switching. Its 10G SFP capability is optional, so confirm the chosen configuration and required modules before planning around a 10G uplink. Also check how many physical interfaces your firewall software needs; a port used for management or a dedicated segment is not available for another purpose.
Treat CPU and VPN demands as separate questions
Firewall throughput depends on more than Ethernet port speed. Encryption, intrusion detection, traffic shaping, and add-on services can place very different demands on a processor. The listed Atom D525 systems and the Partaker Pentium G3250 lack AES-NI, which is a drawback for workloads that benefit from hardware-assisted encryption. FakestarPC lists AES-NI and a newer N150 platform, but the supplied description does not include measured firewall or VPN throughput. I would compare your expected encrypted throughput with independent benchmarks for the exact hardware and software version rather than infer it from port labels.
Check what is actually included
The distinction between a complete appliance and a barebone box can change the work required before installation. The Ayemlpoi RS01 includes no RAM or storage, so you must source parts and install an operating system. Partaker includes 4GB RAM and a 128GB SSD; the Atom models list 4GB RAM and either 32GB or 128GB SSD. FakestarPC supports DDR5, NVMe, and SATA but does not specify the supplied capacity in the provided details. Confirm the delivered memory, storage, network options, and accessories before ordering, especially if you need the firewall online quickly.
Plan for software and upkeep
Compatibility claims are a starting point, not a guarantee that every release will support every network controller or storage arrangement. Confirm hardware support for the firewall distribution and version you intend to run, then check install media, boot mode, and driver requirements. More RAM and storage can help with logs and add-ons, but neither compensates for a processor that is undersized for encrypted traffic. A barebone build offers component choice but adds assembly and troubleshooting. A system with included components saves those steps, though it may give you less control over the exact parts.
Account for rack, cooling, and failure planning
All five options use a 1U rackmount form factor, but the descriptions do not supply complete information about rail compatibility, acoustics, or operating temperatures. Check your rack depth and mounting approach, and allow room for airflow around a fan-cooled device. The Partaker’s bypass switch is a differentiator, but confirm its behavior under power loss and the specific installation you plan. For a critical gateway, decide in advance how you will recover from a failed unit, preserve configuration backups, and restore service; a single compact appliance does not create redundancy by itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device is the best fit for a multi-gigabit connection?
The FakestarPC N150 is the clear interface-speed choice because it lists four 2.5GbE ports, while the other products list six Gigabit ports. Its 10G SFP ports are optional, not guaranteed in the base configuration. Port speed does not prove firewall throughput, so check independent results for your software and workload before relying on it for high encrypted traffic.
Which option is easiest to start configuring?
The Partaker R15 has a useful starter configuration of 4GB RAM and a 128GB SSD, so fewer parts need to be sourced than with the Ayemlpoi barebone. None of the supplied descriptions confirms a preinstalled firewall operating system, however. Plan to install and configure your chosen software, then verify that it supports the device’s network controllers.
Is the Ayemlpoi a complete firewall appliance?
No. The RS01 is a barebone system without RAM, storage, or an operating system. It can suit a builder who wants control over the parts and software, but the full build requires component selection, installation, and compatibility checks. Buyers looking for an appliance with memory and an SSD already specified should compare it with the Partaker or either Atom D525 model.
Which of the two Atom D525 models should I choose?
The 128GB SSD model is the more flexible choice when you expect to keep logs or install packages locally; the 32GB version is better suited to a lean setup with limited storage needs. Both list 4GB RAM, six Gigabit ports, and the same Atom D525 processor, so the larger SSD does not address the shared processor and encryption limitations. If those limits do not fit your workload, compare the FakestarPC or Partaker instead.
Can these devices handle demanding encrypted VPN traffic?
The supplied information does not establish measured VPN throughput for any model. The Partaker Pentium G3250 and Atom D525 appliances explicitly lack AES-NI, which makes them less appealing for encryption-heavy use. FakestarPC lists AES-NI and newer hardware, but I would still check benchmarks for the precise firewall platform, tunnel type, and target speed before choosing a gateway for demanding VPN traffic.
Conclusion
For a network growing beyond Gigabit, I would start with the FakestarPC N150, after confirming whether optional 10G SFP parts and the desired RAM and storage are included. For a traditional six-port Gigabit firewall with a useful starter SSD and a bypass switch, the Partaker R15 is the more balanced choice, provided its older CPU fits the workload. Pick the 128GB Atom D525 model over its 32GB sibling when local storage matters, and reserve the 32GB version for a lean installation. The Ayemlpoi RS01 is for experienced builders who want a barebone configuration and already know how they will supply and install its missing parts. For any of these, I would verify software compatibility and expected VPN throughput before placing it in a business-critical network.
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