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Hello, I am working on designing a new system to replace my 8ch Lorex system. I plan to build PC based system to run BI and would like some help with specifying the PC components. Here are my requirements and some of the existing equipment I will be using. -Mini ITX configuration in a rack mounted chassis (for example, http://www.servercase.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=D-118V2-ITX-22FX8&Category_Code=MS). -Blue Iris VMS -Run a minimum of 8 cams, prefer to have enough power to upgrade to 10-12 if needed in future. Generally, these will be 2-3MP cameras. (Actual cameras to be specified later, may use existing Lorex cams until new cams are added if possible) -One HDD on board to run OS and VMS. -Video will be recorded to a Synology RS815 running 4xWD Red drives in RAID (Existing) -Switchgear: Ubnt Edgeswitch 24 w POE (Existing) -All camera runs via Cat5e (no wireless) So, I am building for flexibility and reliability, but would like to make use of my existing infrastructure (switch and NAS). I plan to use BI as I do not want to be married to a single cam manufacturer. I am open to other VMS suggestions however. At this point, I would like to specify the key components of the PC. Can anyone help with choosing an appropriate motherboard, CPU, HDD? Will onboard video/NIC be usable (Prefer to contain this in a shallow 1U rack chassis if possible) Thanks, Brian

You have a point regarding costs. I will look closer at the Dahua/Hiki lineups but I find their specs confusing at times. I'd like to be able to access remotely via VPN so I will have to be sure that can be done...

Thanks for your reply. I am not totally against a commercial NVR, but have not yet found one I would like yet. And again, a bit afraid of being locked into one manufacturer. What would you suggest? My router allows for two separate physical networks, however my plan was to locate the cameras on their own VLAN. Regarding storage, the NAS would have two separate disk groups (2 drives for data and 2 for the cameras - maybe even just 1 if I end up recording on motion only). Truth be told, there is not a lot of traffic on the NAS as it is used residentially and that thing has a lot of power.

Hello: I currently use a Lorex NVR and would like to build out a new higher-end system. I was hoping for some help to direct my planning. I would like the system to be able to handle 8-12 cameras. About half of these would be exterior. I am willing to spend up to $500 or so per camera and I am willing to invest in software and hardware in addition to what is listed below if it is the better option vs. using what I have already. I do not want to be limited to one brand of camera. I am knowledgeable enough to build a dedicated computer as an NVR, but am open to using a turnkey solution if it meets my needs. I would also like to explore the option of using my existing Synology NAS if it can do the job well and still function well as network storage in my home/small office. My existing infrastructure includes: -Ubnt Edgerouter Lite -Ubnt 24 port Edgeswitch with POE -RS815 Synology NAS The big question is what will be the hardware/software combination for the VMS. -Build a computer and run BI, Exacq or similar software. -Turnkey NVR -Surveillance Station (I am ok with buying cam licenses) Computer or NVR option must be rack mountable. I like the idea of using the NAS if I can because 1) don't need to buy more hardware/software (besides cam licenses), 2) don't need to maintain more hardware/software, 3) less power consumption and heat (presumably). But, I do not want to compromise its performance in its other tasks (file repository, media server). Your thoughts are much appreciated and please let me know if you need more information. Thanks, Brian