2 Candidates for a Blue Iris Computer

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I want to install BI on a computer with 4 to 6 cameras, potentially growing to 8 or 10 in the future. I have found two potential options for SFF machines: a Dell Optiplex and a Lenovo Think Center:

ThinkCentre M910s SFF - Refurbished
Outlet Price: $428.03
You save:
$63.96
Processor:Intel® Core™ i5-7500 Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.80 GHz)
Operating System:Windows 10 Professional 64 - English
Memory:8 GB DDR4 2400MHz UDIMM Memory
Hard Drive:256GB Solid State Drive M.2
Warranty:1 Year On-Site Warranty


Dell OptiPlex 3000 (3050) $497.00

Processor: Intel Core 7th Generation i5-7500 Processor (Quad Core, up to 3.80 GHz, 6M Cache, 65W)
Windows 10 Pro
128GB 2.5-Inch SATA Class 20 Solid State Drive
8GB DDR4 Non-ECC UDIMM 2400MHz (1x8GB)
Tray load DVD Drive (Reads and Writes to DVD/CD)
Intel Integrated Graphics
Dell Outlet OptiPlex 3050 Small Form Factor
Certified Refurbished

Would either one or both of these be adequate? With either one, I would add a large HDD.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.
 
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Both of those are way overpriced...
Is $425-$500 really that overpriced for a machine with an 7th generation processor (compared to the 4th generation i5-4570) and a 3 year warranty? Or does the processor generation not really matter? I have seen lots of posts that recommend an i5-6500 with a 2-3 year warranty for $300, but I can't find anything like that.
For example this would be nearly as good for BI (arguably better since its HDD is a lot more useful for a low budget BI build than either of those SSDs), just without a warranty, at $130. * Lenovo ThinkCentre M73 Intel i5-4570 3.20GHz, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, Win 10 Pro | eBay
I understand that it is desirable to have both SSD and HDD drives, so I have to add a drive either way. Could I add an SSD to this machine?
 
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mat200

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Is $425-$500 really that overpriced for a machine with an 7th generation processor (compared to the 4th generation i5-4570) and a 3 year warranty? Or does the processor generation not really matter? I have seen lots of posts that recommend an i5-6500 with a 2-3 year warranty for $300, but I can't find anything like that.

I understand that it is desirable to have both SSD and HDD drives, so I have to add a drive either way. Could I add an SSD to this machine?
Hi @socalsharky

The price would be good if they were new - however they are not, so I would definitely follow bp's and fenderman's recommendations and look for a better deal from a 3rd party.

Other option - if you want to spend that much - is to look at BF deals for new systems. ( of course most of these deals will have windows 10 home instead.. which should be fine )
 

fenderman

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Is $425-$500 really that overpriced for a machine with an 7th generation processor (compared to the 4th generation i5-4570) and a 3 year warranty? Or does the processor generation not really matter? I have seen lots of posts that recommend an i5-6500 with a 2-3 year warranty for $300, but I can't find anything like that.

I understand that it is desirable to have both SSD and HDD drives, so I have to add a drive either way. Could I add an SSD to this machine?
yes its that overpriced...that is new 8th gen pricing..8th gen are significantly more powerful than 7th.
 

fenderman

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Thanks for the post. So how much should I expect to pay for a 7th gen i5 with 8GB RAM, small SSD, 1TB HDD, and Windows?
ignore the ssd. you can add a good quality 250gb for 50bux. I would not pay more than 300, considering that I picked up two i5-6500 systems for 185 each. After adding the ssd you are at 235 and the performance is similar to a 7500. You can chat will the dell outlet rep and get more discounts than are listed.
 

looney2ns

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Thanks for the reply, but no OS on that one, and a pretty small HDD. By the time I add OS and a 1TB HDD, I am well over $400. Might as well go refurb from Dell at that point.
Using the MS Media Creation tool, you can install windows 10 at no charge, since it was already on that computer once upon a time.
For BI, you want the OS, BI and the database on an SSD $50 or less 128gb is sufficent, then recordings should go on a WD Purple Hard drive, as big as you can afford.
Edit $28: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G3L3DRK/ref=sr_ob_7?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1542640240&sr=1-7
 
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Thanks for the help guys. I found a 1-year old Lenovo Think Center SFF computer with 7th gen i5, 8GB RAM, Windows 10 Pro, and 1TB HDD for $200 shipped. I am in the process of adding a 256GB SSD that I had laying around.

The HDD is a WD Blue. Will that be OK for BI, or should I replace it?
 

fenderman

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Thanks for the help guys. I found a 1-year old Lenovo Think Center SFF computer with 7th gen i5, 8GB RAM, Windows 10 Pro, and 1TB HDD for $200 shipped. I am in the process of adding a 256GB SSD that I had laying around.

The HDD is a WD Blue. Will that be OK for BI, or should I replace it?
it will be fine.
 
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