This a good deal for a Dell BI build?

[nbstl68]

Thoughts on this local Craigslist Dell XPS. Private so no warranty of course.
Dell XPS 8900 Desktop Computer - $465

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/sys/5709045555.html

I read a lot of recommendations to have the OS (and BI) on SSD for better performance.
Is there really that much of a benefit using SSD worth the cost?

It is only 32GB SSD but for a dedicated Win10 / BI build, wouldn't that be more than enough space?

Pricing out other Dells, even refurbs on ebay w/ i7-6700 chip then having to add a SSD and/or 1-2TB purple HDD for d2d recording, my cost kept getting nearer $800-$1000+


My objective is to have a competent system that would eventually handle FT recording and motion recording for 12-20 cams up to 4mp each.
I won't start out with that many cams but want the room to grow/upgrade cams and not worry about the overall system needing replacement other than more drive space of course.


Specs
[FONT=&amp]Dell XPS 8900 Desktop Computer (Current Model)[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]Intel Core i7-6700 Processor 3.4GHz (Socket 2011) [/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]16GB DDR4-2133 RAM (2 Slots Open)[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]32GB M.2 SATA SSD (Socket on Motherboard) Upgradable.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]1TB SATA 7200 RPM Main Hard Drive[/FONT]


Any thoughts or other recommendations to handle my planned needs is apreciated.

 

[PSPCommOp]

For another 200 u can get a newer computer that will do a better job of handling all the cameras and could possibly come with a 3 year warranty.

Check out eBay. Optiplex or Elitedesk are the common i7s.

Also, i have a 120GB SSD on mine and ive already used about 25GB with Win10, BI, BI Tools and a few other pieces of software. 32gb will be cutting it pretty close. And yes there is a pretty big benefit to using an SSD. When i purchased my Optiplex, it was using a standard HDD with about a 51 second boot time. Now im at about 15 seconds. WIth a processor running 24/7 that will save you energy usage as well as performance.

 

[fenderman]

For another 200 u can get a much newer (2015) computer that will do a better job of handling all the cameras and could possibly come with a 3 year warranty. Plus if u really don't wanna have to worry about upgrading down the road, get one that isn't 5 years old already.

Check out eBay. Optiplex or Elitedesk are the common i7s.

Also, i have a 120GB SSD on mine and ive already used about 25GB with Win10, BI, BI Tools and a few other pieces of software. 32gb will be cutting it pretty close. And yes there is a pretty big benefit to using an SSD. When i purchased my Optiplex, it was using a standard HDD with about a 51 second boot time. Now im at about 15 seconds. WIth a processor running 24/7 that will save you energy usage as well as performance.

That is a modern skylake... but a skylake optiplex with win 10 pro and i76700 can be had for 580 with 3 year warranty...

 

[PSPCommOp]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DELL-OptiPlex-7040-MT-Core-i7-6700-8GB-DDR4-1TB-Win-10-Pro-/112079815567?hash=item1a187a438f:g:72AAAOSwwo1XfvEX

Just an example but browse around. And fenderman knows his CPU's and models so listen to him there.

 

[PSPCommOp]

or http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Optiplex-5040-Mini-Tower-i7-6700-8GB-500GB-DVDRW-HDMI-Win10-Pro-3Y-Warranty/291815750900?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=2&asc=37470&meid=d8173c986fb64e819cb1322bfc4619ca&pid=100005&rk=2&rkt=6&sd=112079815567

 

[fenderman]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DELL-OptiPlex-7040-MT-Core-i7-6700-8GB-DDR4-1TB-Win-10-Pro-/112079815567?hash=item1a187a438f:g:72AAAOSwwo1XfvEX

Just an example but browse around. And fenderman knows his CPU's and models so listen to him there.

That's a great deal...

 

[nbstl68]

Thanks for the links!...Wow, at $549 adding a 128GB SSD would still be a pretty good deal I think. esp with 3 yr warranty.

Just random looking I saw a Kingston 128GB SSD for $43.Kingston Digital 120GB SSDNow V300 SATA 3 2.5 (7mm height) Solid State Drive (SV300S37A/120G)

https://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Digital-SSDNow-SV300S37A-120G/dp/B00A1ZTZOG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1470144796&sr=8-2&keywords=128gb+ssd

I am new to SSD so have some Google research to still do...is there a minimum size \ specs \ brand anyone would recommend over the masses out there?
Any particular specs to look for or avoid in a SSD?

 

[PSPCommOp]

Most of what I've read here recommend you go with a decent brand name. Granted you can't avoid a minimal amount of lemons with any brand but it seems Crucial is popular as is Samsung. I have no experience with anything Kingston, just SanDisk, PNY, Toshiba and Samsung. Minimum I'd say is 120 or 128 GB but you could prob go a little smaller. Larger won't hurt either if you get a good name.

As I posted above, I have Windows 10, BI, BI Tools, multiple browsers and some Android software stuff as my BI machine is the only Windows PC in my home. I have just over 90GB available now as I only keep the OS and software programs on the SSD. BI records directly to the HDD so save CPU power and for space.

Also, I recently learned this but when you set up BI, keep the software files on the SSD AND the database files there too. Everything else should go on the larger HDD.

 

[nbstl68]

Thanks on the SSD info.

This looks like a really good deal too then I guess?..more drive, ram, Radeon HD R9 360 video card,(I reard the V card is good if using a big monitor w\ BI saving the CPU for BI processing ) for roughly the same price. (short 90 day warranty...but anyone here ever have to call on the Dell 3 yr warranty?...My computers either break quickly or not for years.)


Anyone know the diff really between Optiplex and Inspiron. most of the ports\options etc. look pretty comparable.

Dell Inspiron 3650 Mini Tower $529
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Inspiron-3650-Intel-Core-i7-6700-X4-3-4GHz-16GB-2TB-Win10-Black-Certified-R/252470884935?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=35389&meid=c89631681e46429982b7f87c98108329&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=6&sd=112079815567

 

[PSPCommOp]

Thanks on the SSD info.

This looks like a really good deal too then I guess?..more drive, ram, Radeon HD R9 360 video card,(I reard the V card is good if using a big monitor w\ BI saving the CPU for BI processing ) for roughly the same price. (short 90 day warranty...but anyone here ever have to call on the Dell 3 yr warranty?...My computers either break quickly or not for years.)


Anyone know the diff really between Optiplex and Inspiron. most of the ports\options etc. look pretty comparable.

Dell Inspiron 3650 Mini Tower $529
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Inspiron-3650-Intel-Core-i7-6700-X4-3-4GHz-16GB-2TB-Win10-Black-Certified-R/252470884935?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=35389&meid=c89631681e46429982b7f87c98108329&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=6&sd=112079815567

fenderman is big on the Dell warrantys. luckily I haven't needed to use it but its nice to have.

Also for the video card, pull it out if you buy that particular PC. BI can't utilize secondary graphics cards, it utilizes the integrated graphics card for optimal CPU usage. It will just cause you to use more electricity with no benefit.

 

[Q™]

I purchased the Dell 7040 MT and I love it. No regrets.

 

[nbstl68]

Dell 7040 MT looks great and I like the form factor size...just looking for a better entry price point including adding an SSD \ larger HDD. I can easily go over $800 with these from what I have seen so far...and not yet even have any cameras.

I have run across several HP Z240 i7 workstation on eBay too....they have very similar specs typically more ram plus HDD and SDD often under $600-700 on occassion.
I have not seen a lot of talk about HPs here or their quality.
I mean a lot of the internal parts are going to be the same across mfgs. I imagine.

Am I missing something by not considering HPs?

 

[PSPCommOp]

Not to sound rude but if ur legit considering 12-20 IP Cams at 4MP or more and don't wanna worry about having to upgrade later on, you're not gonna be able to skimp on price. Decent sized 24/7 Security HDD, SSD for OS and software along with BI and a newer generation i7 processor to handle that many cams... $800-1000 range isn't a bad price at all my friend, its right in the ballpark for what you're asking.

- - - Updated - - -

And fenderman talks highly of some HP models, hed be the guy to ask on that particular model.

 

[nbstl68]

Not to sound rude but if ur legit considering 12-20 IP Cams at 4MP or more and don't wanna worry about having to upgrade later on, you're not gonna be able to skimp on price. Decent sized 24/7 Security HDD, SSD for OS and software along with BI and a newer generation i7 processor to handle that many cams... $800-1000 range isn't a bad price at all my friend, its right in the ballpark for what you're asking...

No worries..not offended...honest opinions is what I want. It will help me from making the upfront mistakes..even if that mistake is "going too cheap" at first.
I'm just starting out a system, don't have the serious experience a lot of folks here do, so I second guess myself and over-think some of this maybe too..Just so many more options and variables..it can be a bit daunting to figure out what is best for my situation while trying to stay on some sort of budget and hopefully avoid wasting $$ and time on the wrong stuff.
You all have been an invaluable resource for me for free and I really appreciate that.
..I just keep seeing new places where I think...hmm another blind spot or useful place for a cam before I even get my first one set up...:shame:

 

[PSPCommOp]

No worries..not offended...honest opinions is what I want. It will help me from making the upfront mistakes..even if that mistake is "going too cheap" at first.
I'm just starting out a system, don't have the serious experience a lot of folks here do, so I second guess myself and over-think some of this maybe too..Just so many more options and variables..it can be a bit daunting to figure out what is best for my situation while trying to stay on some sort of budget and hopefully avoid wasting $$ and time on the wrong stuff.
You all have been an invaluable resource for me for free and I really appreciate that.
..I just keep seeing new places where I think...hmm another blind spot or useful place for a cam before I even get my first one set up...:shame:

I made a spreadsheet when I first started so I could keep track of what I spent. Now I only went with an i5 processor (upgrade in the future I'm sure) but with a great deal on an OptiPlex on eBay, 120GB SSD, 4TB HDD, Sata power and connection cables, and BI, I'm at $538. I only plan on 7-10 cameras max so the i5 is more then enough for my needs right now but that should give u a good idea of what to expect to spend. It should be more but I got a great deal on the OptiPlex ($285) and SSD ($40) that I will prob replace with a more reliable brand.

 

[tr0ubl3Sh00t3r_24]

what is a BI ?

 

[fenderman]

what is a BI ?

Blue iris

 

[tr0ubl3Sh00t3r_24]

Blue iris

ahh thank you

 

[toejam]

Just curious if this is a good deal: includes the 256 gb SSD, and 16 gb ram.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-OptiPlex-7040-Mini-Tower-Intel-6th-Gen-i7-6700-16GB-256GB-SSD-4GB-AMD-Vid-/331940370325?hash=item4d49301795:g:GF0AAOSwd2xXQIQ8

 

[Q™]

Just curious if this is a good deal: includes the 256 gb SSD, and 16 gb ram.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-OptiPlex-7040-Mini-Tower-Intel-6th-Gen-i7-6700-16GB-256GB-SSD-4GB-AMD-Vid-/331940370325?hash=item4d49301795:g:GF0AAOSwd2xXQIQ8

That's a good price. You don't need the AMD graphics card though. I purchased my 7040MT (which I Love) from the same seller. He shipped it super fast and it arrived in "as new" condition. A+++ transaction IMO.