For $200 you can build [almost entirely] new ones. Go to any computer show in
your area, and you can pick up a mobo w/built-in AMD 1.2GHZ + case + 128MB
RAM for approx $120-$140 (see http://www.pcchips.com.tw/M810Lv71c.html as an
example of such mobo), then add a low end hard drive (even used one is OK in
this case, instead of the whole system beind used) and a CD-ROM for a total
of no more than $200. I have built a couple of systems for my kids this way,
and I even got from the vendor 256MB, instead of 128MB, for only $15 more
(because the built-in AGP card uses shared memory form the main RAM ... and I
wanted a slot only occupied with 256MB, for future possible growth). And I am
talking here gaming machines, with much more power needed than a firewall.
And they are [almost] new ... :) ... and they come with integrated NIC also
...
You can also get a lower end "kit" (< 1GHz CPU) for good prices from
www.tigerdirect.com.
I like things cheap, but I also like them new ... especially as they come with
some warranty :)
My $0.02,
Stef
On Friday 29 November 2002 09:01 pm, Jay D. Dyson wrote:
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> Hash: SHA1
>
> On Sat, 30 Nov 2002, ALBEE,RUSSELL. S FC2 (CV63 CS5) wrote:
> > Does anybody know of any good locations online to purchase old 486
> > machines or low end Pentium machines for use as a Firewall and/or IDS?
> > I've tried searching on google and just keeping getting links to Pentium
> > 4 computers. I will be using either a Linux or BSD flavor on these
> > machines.
>
> I'd say your best bet is to search on ebay.com. I've personally
> managed to find some relatively older eMachines (533i and 600is models) on
> there at very reasonable prices (~$200, including shipping). All machines
> I've purchased have been in fine working order and all now live happily
> running Linux as IDS, firewalls and -- on occasion -- full-fledged
> Xfree86-enabled workstations.
>
> The only caveat: pay close attention to the seller's history and
> feedback. A long list of happy buyers makes for a happier transaction in
> my book.
>
> - -Jay
Received on Dec 03 2002
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