New computer build - Recommendations?

gr8scotto

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Greetings!

Just joined, been lurking for some time. This will be my first foray into IP cameras, and I am going big. Well, OK, it feels big to me. Just ordered up the following:

7 x IPC-HDW5231R-Z
3 x IPC-HDW5431R-Z
2 x IPC-HFW5431E-Z5
2 x IPC-HDBW4231F-AS as indoor cams

I will have all this running thru a tp-link JetStream T1600-28PS POE switch with 192W available power budget. I'm running DD-WRT on my home router, so will isolate all this onto it's own subnet. Will do POE with Cat6 cable. No individual cable run should be beyond 100'.

So now I need to build a dedicated system to support the Blue Iris install. I've spent a bunch of time researching cameras, placement, POE, PPF, etc but have neglected the dedicated box part so far. The IPVM calculator has been a godsend, as has the excellent info put together by someone on the forum here in Word doc form. Would really appreciate some assistance, as I am officially on info overload.

Looking for recommendations on Processor/Mobo/RAM. Will do an SSD for the OS and large platters for the storage. And dual GB NIC for LAN. I could go up to $1K USD for the system (software excluded), but would like to keep it under if possible. Not opposed to going over if necessary. In perusing this subforum, I gather that I should be looking at an i7, but most of the threads I read seemed to be older and not sure if new processors have been released in the meantime that would change the recommendation. It's been a few years since I have built a from-scratch system so I have fallen behind in the latest/greatest.

One other note, this will go into a space that won't have the best airflow, so should I consider going liquid cooled? I could route the rad to a place with better airflow in theory. This will be in a basement, so in general it will be cooler at all times... maybe I shouldn't worry about that aspect? The closet it will reside in is 126 cubic feet in volume, but would rarely be opened.

Anything else I should consider (or reconsider)? I am married to the camera selection at this point (since I just paid the invoice to Andy), but could change out the switch if there is something about it that would be a boneheaded mistake.

Thanks in advance for the input
 

mat200

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..
One other note, this will go into a space that won't have the best airflow, so should I consider going liquid cooled? I could route the rad to a place with better airflow in theory. This will be in a basement, so in general it will be cooler at all times... maybe I shouldn't worry about that aspect? The closet it will reside in is 126 cubic feet in volume, but would rarely be opened.
..

Hi Gr8scotto,

Sounds like you're off to a good start.

Note:

1) A PC will generate more heat than an NVR
2) For equipment, airflow is very important - plan on idea on how to vent the closet. I would rather see you invest in a this than spending the money on a liquid cooling for the PC.
 

fenderman

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Dont build...see threads about optiplex/elitedesk/precision systems...you can get an i7-6700/7700 for 450-600....
no need to liquid cool...modern pc's run very cool...you wont have any problems in a closet..
 

Stanley71

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Gr8scotto

Right now Dell Outlet has 20% off some XPS models and one model Inspiron up to an I7-7700 for some models. $50 for Optiplex.
 

gr8scotto

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Great info, thanks folks!

I will look into venting the closet, there may be a way to do it.

I read a bunch on the systems fenderman suggested, thanks for that. I'll look into the Dell outlet deal too.
 

gr8scotto

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There is an XPS 8920 with 460W chassis, i7-7700 for $620, or a Optiplex 3668 240W chassis, also i7-7700 for $720. Both seem to have HDD only, so I would have to add an SSD.

Should I be staying away from the XPS? Or is that a legit deal?

Would I get additional off if I talk to rep?

Thanks!

Edit to add: the Optiplex has one 16GB stick of DDR4, the XPS has two 4GB sticks for a total of 8GB DDR4. I'm guessing that accounts for most of the price difference.
 
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Stanley71

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The Inspiron 3668 is $702 without 20% off. The price is $576 with discount not a bad price I would guess.
 

gr8scotto

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Ah you're right, it is an Inspiron not an Optiplex. On the phone will Dell outlet now...
 

mat200

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Great info, thanks folks!

Hi gr8scotto,

I will look into venting the closet, there may be a way to do it.

I read a bunch on the systems fenderman suggested, thanks for that. I'll look into the Dell outlet deal too.
FYI - this is what i am finishing up on.

You may not need the fans, and perhaps your closet is cool enough - if more than 80 degrees I would take the time to cut a vent hole at the top to allow better air flow out. You can make it look fairly nice.
 

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