Anti-static protection must be used throughout this procedure.
Warning
pfSense® Plus software must be reinstalled using a ZFS mirror configuration
to use a second M.2 NVMe SSD for redundancy.
Warning
The Netgate 8300 only supports PCIe-based M.2 NVMe storage devices. It does
not support M.2 SATA devices.
Danger
Take all appropriate precautions and exercise care when handling the exposed
system board and M.2 cards. There are many delicate components which can be
damaged during this process. Damage caused via physical contact and
electrostatic discharge while performing this installation is not covered by
the warranty.
Warning
This device includes an intrusion detection sensor which operates even when
the device is without power.
Opening the case on this device triggers an intrusion alarm which is logged
by the BMC and is visible in the IPMI sensors. This alarm must be reset
manually as described in Re-arm the Chassis Intrusion Switch.
When the intrusion alarm is active the fans run at a fixed speed of around
8500 RPM. Resetting the intrusion sensor alarm returns the fans to their
profiled speed.
Installing an M.2 NVMe SSD in the Netgate 8300 requires the following tools and
hardware:
Phillips screwdriver
Anti-static grounding strap and anti-static mat for handling bare M.2 card and
8300 system
1 x PCIe-based M.2 NVMe SSD, 2280 or 2242 size, B+M-key or M-key card
See also
The M.2 slot accepts both 2280 and 2242 size cards, but the device ships with
the retaining clip set for a 2280 size card by default. This clip can easily
be moved to accommodate a 2242 card without any tools.
The installation procedure has many steps which are broken down into related
groups in the remainder of this document. Follow all steps in the procedure
carefully.
If the system contains an existing configuration which should be carried over to
the new installation, then the first step is to take a backup of that
configuration.
If the existing configuration is not necessary, this section may be skipped.
For safety, before opening the case, the Netgate 8300 must be completely
disconnected. This includes power, network cables, USB cables, serial console
cables, and any other external cables or devices connected to the Netgate 8300.
Danger
Reminder:
Anti-static protection must be used throughout this procedure.
Any hardware damage incurred during this procedure is not covered by
the hardware warranty.
Turn power off to the unit by changing the power switch on the rear of the
unit to the off position.
The M.2 NVMe riser card is located under the fan duct. This duct can be moved
out of the way sufficiently enough to access the riser without completely
removing it from the case.
Danger
Reminder:
Anti-static protection must be used throughout this procedure.
Any hardware damage incurred during this procedure is not covered by
the hardware warranty.
Remove the screw retaining the side of the fan duct nearest to the PSU cages
using the Phillips head screwdriver.
Screw holding the fan duct in place, indicated with an arrow¶
Gently lift the side of the fan duct up and out of the way
Fan duct lifted out of the way to access the M.2 NVMe riser¶
With the device back together and ready to proceed, the next step is to
reinstall pfSense Plus software to the SSD. This procedure is covered in detail
in Reinstalling pfSense Plus Software.
Note
When prompted to select a ZFS Configuration during the installation,
choose mirror.
When prompted for drives, select both NVMe drives, which will be nda0
and nda1.
The installer may select these drives automatically, but double check to be
certain the selection is correct.
If there is no backup to restore, then no further steps are necessary. Login
to the firewall and configure it as normal (Initial Configuration).
Opening the case to install the new drive will have triggered the intrusion
alarm sensor, even when the device was removed from power. The intrusion alarm
causes the fans to run at a higher fixed speed until the sensor is re-armed.
