Computer

[Don Schultz]

I am running 15 cameras at our site with BI and a small acer laptop. As you probably suspect even with pretty low FPS BI pushes the processor to the max. I want to purchase and INEXPENSIVE windows desktop to better handle these cams. Does anyone have ideas on something inexpensive that would handle my needs?

 

[fenderman]

I am running 15 cameras at our site with BI and a small acer laptop. As you probably suspect even with pretty low FPS BI pushes the processor to the max. I want to purchase and INEXPENSIVE windows desktop to better handle these cams. Does anyone have ideas on something inexpensive that would handle my needs?

We need to know what cameras you are running. Im going to assume its VGA cameras. If they are megapixel you need to specify. Also you don't state what inexpensive is...for some that may be 300 for others 1000. You also have to look beyond initial cost. Better systems will be more efficient and consume way less power which is important as the system is running 24/7...there can be a 200 yearly difference between an inefficient system and a modern efficient one.
Your best bet is a refurbished BUSINESS system. Dell and Lenovo have the best outlets. These systems are built exceptionally well. You can also find great systems on ebay from hp business here is an example, http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-EliteDesk-800-G1-Ultra-slim-desktop-1-x-Core-i5-4570S-2-9-GHz-RAM-4-G-/301239743692?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item462349b4cc
Note that is an ultra slim desktop so there is no room to add additional drives. The SFF small form factor does. http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-EliteDesk-800-G1-i5-4570-3-2GHz-8GB-500GB-DVD-SuperMulti-Win7pro-Sealed-/181462254384?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item2a3ffe4330
you want at least an i5 (you want ivy bridge or haswell, not the older i5's)
IF you cameras are HD jump to an i7.

 

[Don Schultz]

Many of my cameras are very low end and I am gradually replacing them with Dahuas in the $140 range. I would call myself more of a hobbyist and am not building a high end system. I do have a rather large property, residence, retail and manufacturing all in one building so I do have some need. Your post (fenderman) is very helpful. I want to stay under $400 if I can. Since I am a mac guy I don't understand the windows processor speeds very well. In addition to the two suggestions you made I was looking at this: http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Dell-745-Interlaced-Performance/dp/B00ABMTV98/ref=pd_ybh_2

 

[fenderman]

Nooo do not buy that system. That is a VERY old 2006 processor and very slow and cannot handle what you need. That system is a total ripoff, you can get a much better system even at that low price.
See this link indicating the processor is from 06.
http://ark.intel.com/products/27520/Intel-Pentium-D-Processor-945-4M-Cache-3_40-GHz-800-MHz-FSB
Here is the benchmark of that system http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Pentium+D+950+@+3.40GHz&id=1129
its way too low at 755. The new i5 and i7 range at 5000-9000 or more.
Its important to ignore the clock speed, because a 3.4ghz is meaningless if its an older processor.
Here is the gist of the processor numbers http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/processor-numbers.html
You want at least an i5 and if you are going to eventually go with all 15 hd an i7 cant hurt. The processor you get should have a four digit suffix or (gen indicator + sku numeric digits) and the first number should be a 3 or 4. so for example i7-3370 and NOT i7-920.

 

[Don Schultz]

Okay, got it. i5 minimum, i7 better. If anyone has links to other possible systems, please post. Thanks for the help!!

 

[mycoma]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HP-ELITEDESK-800-G1-BUSINESS-PC-INTEL-I7-3-40G-4GB-500GB-E1Z82UT-ABA-/121377542900?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item1c42aa52f4

 

[fenderman]

Yes, you can easily run on the i5, even if you get the dahuas for all your cams (im assuming they are the 1.3mp version).Here are some links, and if you wait for sales they will be cheaper.
this is 476 a tad over budget. http://www.techbargains.com/dell-inspiron-3000-deals
http://outlet.lenovo.com/outlet_us/itemdetails/10A8X03700/445
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-ProDesk-600-Intel-i7-4770S-3-1Ghz-8GB-500GB-Win7Pro-Warranty-2016-E1Z73UT-ABA-/111373704838?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item19ee63de86
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-EliteDesk-800-G1-PC-Desktop-Core-i5-3-2-GHZ-4-GB-RAM-500-GB-HD-DVD-ROM-NEW-/151349502253?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item233d22212d
The hp's should have the remainder of the 3 year next business day warranties. If 400 is your absolute max then let me know ill find you something else though it would be as good, but please dont by that junk on amazon.

 

[Don Schultz]

Fenderman: Thanks for all of your help. Yes, 400 is my max.

 

[Don Schultz]

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/sys/4563389688.html

 

[fenderman]

350 is a decent deal on that desktop and it has the long warranty. I think that model has room for one additional drive if you choose to add it. It is third gen which is good. The dell optiplex systems are built exceptionally well. The monitor is overpriced dont buy it.