Build for a home server
A home-built router and firewall running OPNsense or pfSense, with ad blocking and VPN for the whole house.
Budget
Goal: Gigabit routing and ad blocking
$899
- 6C/12T processor: plenty for gigabit routing and ad blocking
- About 140 W at full load
- Add a dual-port 2.5 GbE network card (Intel i226) for your internet and home network
- Processor
- 6C/12T
- Graphics
- Built-in
- Memory
- 16 GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1 TB
- Peak power
- ~140 W
- ProcessorRyzen 5 7600$274 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- MotherboardASRock A620M-HDV/M.2+$119 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- MemoryTeamGroup T-Create 16GB (2×8) DDR5-5600$199 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- StorageCrucial P3 Plus 1TB$104 at Scorptec (opens store in a new tab)
- Power supplyMSI MAG A650BN$79 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- CaseJonsbo D31 Mesh$124 at Centre Com (opens store in a new tab)
- CPU coolerIncluded with the Ryzen 5 7600
Mid-range
Best valueGoal: VPN at full speed
$1,108
- 8C/16T processor: fast enough for gigabit VPN and intrusion detection
- About 140 W at full load
- Add a dual-port 2.5 GbE network card (Intel i226) for your internet and home network
- Processor
- 8C/16T
- Graphics
- Built-in
- Memory
- 16 GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1 TB
- Peak power
- ~140 W
- ProcessorRyzen 7 9700X$439 at Centre Com (opens store in a new tab)
- MotherboardASRock A620M-HDV/M.2+$119 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- MemoryTeamGroup T-Create 16GB (2×8) DDR5-5600$199 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- StorageCrucial P3 Plus 1TB$104 at Scorptec (opens store in a new tab)
- CPU coolerDeepCool AK400$44 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- Power supplyMSI MAG A650BN$79 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- CaseJonsbo D31 Mesh$124 at Centre Com (opens store in a new tab)
High-end
Goal: Intrusion detection and multi-gig
$1,408
- 8C/16T processor: fast enough for gigabit VPN and intrusion detection
- About 140 W at full load
- Add a dual-port 2.5 GbE network card (Intel i226) for your internet and home network
- Processor
- 8C/16T
- Graphics
- Built-in
- Memory
- 32 GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1 TB
- Peak power
- ~140 W
- ProcessorRyzen 7 9700X$439 at Centre Com (opens store in a new tab)
- MotherboardASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi$199 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- MemoryKingston Fury Beast 32GB (2×16) DDR5-6000$374 at Mwave (opens store in a new tab)
- StorageCrucial P3 Plus 1TB$104 at Scorptec (opens store in a new tab)
- CPU coolerDeepCool AK400$44 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- Power supplyCorsair RM750e (2023)$124 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- CaseJonsbo D31 Mesh$124 at Centre Com (opens store in a new tab)
What matters
- Low power and quiet, since it never turns off.
- At least two network ports: add a dual-port Intel network card (about A$60–120).
- A processor with AES support (every modern one) for fast VPN.
What to skip
- A graphics card and lots of memory: routing needs very little of either.
- A big case: a small micro-ATX case is plenty.
Good to know
- Rigsmith doesn’t list network cards yet; Intel i226 (2.5 GbE) or X550 (10 GbE) cards are the usual picks.
- Second-hand small business PCs (Dell OptiPlex, HP EliteDesk) make cheap firewalls too.
BUDGET_FINDERPro
The best build for your budget
For Firewall and network box: set exactly what you want to spend and we find the complete, compatible build that suits it best at that price.
Sign in and upgrade to use the budget finderEach build is the cheapest complete, compatible PC from current parts that meets its goal, priced at the best Australian store prices as of 12/11/2026. Speed comparisons are Rigsmith estimates, not benchmarks. Open a build in the builder to swap parts or buy second-hand.