25 Gigabit Linux internet router PC build (michael.stapelberg.ch)

Article summary

The article describes a custom PC build for a 25 Gigabit Linux internet router, with goals of high performance, low noise, and low power consumption. The build uses an AMD Ryzen CPU, an ASRock B550 Taichi mainboard, and two Intel-based network cards. The author also considers alternatives, such as using a laptop motherboard or a rackmount server, and discusses the power consumption of the build. The router is also used as a server, replacing two existing devices.

Main themes

• custom PC build
• power consumption
• router performance
• alternative hardware
• server usage
• energy efficiency

What commenters say

• Some commenters question the power consumption of the build, citing the potential for high electricity costs.
• Others argue that the power consumption is not a significant issue, especially for those with low-cost electricity or who use the device as a server.
• The use of a custom PC build as a router is seen as overkill by some, while others argue that it provides flexibility and performance benefits.
• There are discussions about alternative hardware options, such as using a Raspberry Pi or a managed switch, which may offer similar functionality at lower power consumption or cost.
• Some commenters suggest using virtualization and SR-IOV to make use of the device's capabilities and reduce waste.
• The build's power consumption is compared to that of other devices, such as lightbulbs and laptops, to put its energy usage into perspective.
• The idea of using renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to mitigate the environmental impact of the device is also mentioned.