Why, and what do we need
Thought I'd share this with everyone, it may be interesting for some (though for most, a bit of an overkill). I wanted some more storage available on my Firebox x750e, but didn't like the idea of installing a very expensive IDE SSD (with a very low throughput), or a bigger CF card. CF card just aren't built for a lot of IOPS, and wear levelling isn't really strong on those things either. I wanted a solution that will last for years. I decided a regular SATA would be perfect (although a little expensive).
Needed:
- Firebox x750e (this guide may be compatible with other fireboxes as well. Also, this guide assumes you already flashed the bios. Not sure if it works without flashing the bios first... Pretty sure it doesn't. Guide can be found here)
- Small PCIE SATA controller (needs to be supported by pfsense/FreeBSD. I used a Si3132 card)
- SATA SSD
- SATA power connector
- CF Card for installation
- Null-modem cable
- small gauge wires
- soldering iron
- some sort of plastic card, such as a customer loyalty card
- a few screws
- screwdriver