@NetWorker..what are the specs on the cameras? 1mp? 2, 3?
the intention is a 3mp setup for most of the cameras but right now it's a combination of 1 - 3 until I can get the proper equipment in place.
Why not go with an i7-4790K? It's four cores, runs at 4ghz with 4.4 ghz turbo. And rated at a low 88 watts. While the i7-5820K might be six cores but is rated at a whopping 140 watts and only 3.3 Ghz(3.6Ghz turbo). Both CPus do two threads per core. The i7-4790K seems like a much better deal.
Great info! After reading others input on this subject it sounds like this might be the best CPU to go with right now. I really appreciate you pointing out these facts.
Always look at cpubenchmark.net
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Xeon+E5-2420+v2+@+2.20GHz
This reveals that the xeon e5 2420 is slower overall than haswell i7 despite having more cores because each core is much slower. It is also more expensive!
i7-4790k is plenty for 20 of just about any cam in
Blue Iris as long as frame rates are kept under control and direct to disk is used. I use an older i7-3770k (not overclocked) to run 20 cams, about about 60-70 total megapixels and ~5 fps average. And I do this under 50% CPU usage. Well, under 50% normally but the current
BI update actually has it higher at the moment due to some CPU-sucking bug.
I've been there in the past but clearly didn't do my research to find out those facts. Guilty as charged. The xeon e5 2420 definitely loses this battle.
Impressive setup you have there and the i7-3770k (Sandy Bridge?) is doing it's job and doing it well! Really good information, thanks for sharing.
@fenderman's question needs to be answered first because the number of cameras is irrelevant - it's the bandwidth (think pixels) you'll be pumping that matters. It will also matter if your plan is to use motion detection for recording/alerts or using continuous recording.
Since most NVR's are on 24/7 the amount of power you are using is EXTREEMLY important, your electric bill WILL go significantly up if you're running a high powered machine 24/7 that is not power efficient.
You will want a CPU with integrated graphics and that can scale itself as needed to conserve power - basically Intel is your option of choice (but stay away from the xeons). Any money you save on the machine purchase will not make up for the money it will cost you on your power bill.
Awesome post, electricity efficiency is the primary concern after making sure the CPU is capable of what I use it for. I intend to use motion detection recording/alerts instead of continuous recording. Continuous recording seems like it would be really resource intensive resulting in high power consumption, true?
Really glad I asked this question, from what I have learned so far an Intel with intergrated graphics seems like the best choice for that balance of 24x7 surveillance server. Definitely not a Xeon, yikes!
"it's the bandwidth (think pixels) you'll be pumping that matters."
Noted! I'll make sure to spread this important piece of knowledge.
To @aaronwt and @Zxel's points, the 5820k does not only consume way more power, it does not have integrated graphics, necessitating a discrete card which will add more power consumption, heat and point of failure..
Thanks for confirming these important points. Power consumption and heat are my top concerns for this server so thank you again for showing me the right path to take.
@all
Now that I'm headed in the right direction, I think it's time to get some parts.
Since I want to save as much as I can on electricity but still have the capability to handle a high megapixel setup (60- 70mp), would the i7-4790K paired with the right motherboard and power supply meet those needs?
I have building experience but mainly in gaming rigs and standard users at work, friends and family. I've always just used a standard desktop as a server but never really had a need for 24x7 uptime until now.
I'm having a hard time deciding what I actually need for this build instead of what I think I need. With gaming rigs I usually splurge for a fancy CPU cooler like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO and a case plenty of fans for adequate cooling with power hog video cards. I also go for a heavy duty power supply like a Seasonic 700w.
From what you guys have taught me, it's time to change my thinking on this project.
Here is what I have in mind right now :
CPU : i7-4790K
*Microcenter has some decent prices on a CPU/Mobo combo but the nearest location 100 miles away and I get taxed so I'm not sure if the savings is worth the drive. Additionally The motherboards with these bundles seem a bit overkill for the server needs? I'm still trying to take this all in so maybe there is a gem in there, not sure yet.
http://www.microcenter.com/site/brands/intel-processor-bundles.aspx
Motherboard : I have no idea what to go with?? I should probably avoid anything geared towards gaming (my weakness in building) but still have quality basics like USB 3.0, ethernet chipset, etc. I usually go with a high end ASRock or Gigabyte brand.
Power Supply : Once again looking for some suggestions. I don't mind investing in a quality make/model I just don't think it should be rated for high output. Is a 300w a good choice?
RAM : Wit the new 64bit 4.x version of BI it can utilize more ram. Would 16GB be a good choice or overkill? Does speed matter?
Case : Not sure what to go with. Doesn't have to be full of eye candy and space is not an issue right now. Go with a small, mid or large tower? I plan to use 2HDDs (2.5" ssd for OS and 4TB WD purple for storage) but don't plan on any expandability other than another HDD down the road but I'll probably go with an external HDD for redundancy.
HDDs : SSD for the OS and WD Purple for the storage (Samsung Evo 840 or 850 are good choices?)
Fans / Cooling : Seems like I should have some for cooling but since they are spinning 24x7, the more I have the more electricity it will use. Are larger 120mm and above or small 80mm fans better to use?
Looking forward to some more replies. Thanks guys!
