Building BlueIris Box: Best CPU Bang/Buck?

[oguruma]

I am looking to migrate from a DS-7604 to a Blue Iris box and trying to price out components.

I understand that I need an Intel Quicksync capable CPU. This system will have a maximum of 8 3MP cameras for the foreseeable future.

Does anybody have any input on what will provide the best bang per buck by way of CPU? So far the best I have come up with is a Refurbished Dell Workstation with an i5 6600 for about $300 (including Windows).

I have tried checking that famous online auction site for similar PCs for less, but came up empty-handed.

Anybody have any suggestions to save some money?

 

[fenderman]

You won't do much better than 300...

 

[oguruma]

Which generation CPU will allow hardware decode for H.264? Will the skylake processors do this?

 

[fenderman]

Which generation CPU will allow hardware decode for H.264? Will the skylake processors do this?

yes...anything gen 2 and above with hd graphics...skylake will also support h.265 hardware decoding but I dont believe blue iris supports h.265 hardware decoding yet (it does support h.265 streams)

 

[oguruma]

Anybody ever use anything like a Pentium G3258?

 

[hmjgriffon]

yes...anything gen 2 and above with hd graphics...skylake will also support h.265 hardware decoding but I dont believe blue iris supports h.265 hardware decoding yet (it does support h.265 streams)

Do you know if the 6700's do h265?

 

[fenderman]

Do you know if the 6700's do h265?

yes, skylake supports hardware acceleration for h.265 but I dont believe its built into BI yet...

 

[hmjgriffon]

yes, skylake supports hardware acceleration for h.265 but I dont believe its built into BI yet...

I don't think so either, I suppose I could test it out later, I was just curious if my computer would be good to go when it did lol.

 

[oguruma]

So is there any benefit to using a current generation CPU? Or would I be better off just saving the money and finding a used Skylake CPU?

 

[hmjgriffon]

So is there any benefit to using a current generation CPU? Or would I be better off just saving the money and finding a used Skylake CPU?

there won't be all that much difference, just a little faster, no need or point in trying to get a used one, just get a 6700 or so and you'll be fine.

 

[oguruma]

An i7 6700 for 8 cameras? Seems like a bit of overkill, does it not?

 

[hmjgriffon]

An i7 6700 for 8 cameras? Seems like a bit of overkill, does it not?

Sure, but they don't cost that much, to be covered for probably any future expansion you might do, and if you decide to do things like crank up the frame rates, start doing post processing and stuff you'll be covered, for 500-600 bucks why not get something that should last you many years.