Thanks to networkcameracritic and his review of the Intel NUC, I was immediately glued to the idea of using the latest Intel NUC i5 mini-PC for my NVR. However, it was tough to overcome one shortcoming: only ONE gigabit ethernet interface. Actually, this isn't really a shortcoming (The NUC is nothing short of awesome). It's just what I'm used to in my current setup. Rather than using a programmable switch to create a VLAN, I'm running two separate networks. My NVR server connects to my main network with one NIC, and also connects to my cameras with a second NIC on a different network.
It's going to take a bit of modification, but I found a half-mini-PCIe gigabit-ethernet NIC on Amazon (SD-MPE24031) that works well with the NUC. I've included a picture that shows how low-profile this network interface ISN'T. But I've confirmed that it works well with this NUC and Windows 8.1, so I'm ready to solder my own wires onto it so I can make it low profile. I eventually plan on using the other mini-PCIe interface for an SSD so I can use the 2TB 2.5" HDD solely for NVR recordings, so I'll really have to make it low profile.
I'm not sure yet how or if I'll mount the RJ45 circuit board. Maybe I'll find a little project box at RadioShack (if they're still around!) with the wires coming out of the plastic bottom of the NUC. I'd rather not drill through the metal. I'll post more as I continue this project.
It's going to take a bit of modification, but I found a half-mini-PCIe gigabit-ethernet NIC on Amazon (SD-MPE24031) that works well with the NUC. I've included a picture that shows how low-profile this network interface ISN'T. But I've confirmed that it works well with this NUC and Windows 8.1, so I'm ready to solder my own wires onto it so I can make it low profile. I eventually plan on using the other mini-PCIe interface for an SSD so I can use the 2TB 2.5" HDD solely for NVR recordings, so I'll really have to make it low profile.
I'm not sure yet how or if I'll mount the RJ45 circuit board. Maybe I'll find a little project box at RadioShack (if they're still around!) with the wires coming out of the plastic bottom of the NUC. I'd rather not drill through the metal. I'll post more as I continue this project.
