PC config for four IP 1080p cameras

[james45 0]

Hi,

 

 

I'm setting up a cctv system using four 1080p IP cameras and instead of using a NVR, I'll be using an old computer.

 

Since it's an old computer, I'll need to upgrade the graphics card and possibly the RAM to handle the four 1080p cameras. I've got a 2TB HDD so I'm ok with disk space.

 

I could easily splash out on pricey parts knowing they'd be powerful enough to handle it, but I want to do it cheaply and not overspend . The thing is, I don't know enough about gfx cards, ram, etc. to know what would be good enough.

 

Do you know of a "minimum requirements" config/spec that would handle four 1080p ip cams?

[hasinarshad 0]

Using a PC for recording CCTV is very unreliable and a terrible setup, all the windows updates, constant re-starts required, viruses, I personally wouldn't risk it.

 

To start you off, You would need a multi-core high speed CPU to record at decent (25) fps and for that you would most likely need a new motherboard. PC HDDs are not made for 24/7 usage.

 

1 IP CAM @ 1080p @ 25fps puts out roughly 10mb of data a second, x4 cams = 40mb of data to be processed by the cpu and to be written to the hdd, this will soon malfunction your everyday hdd.

 

I recently installed 4x 2mp dahua cameras in my shop and was glad to use a dahua nvr as all the parts are made for 24/7 usage, and it also gives me a peace of mind.

[Q2U 0]

...PC HDDs are not made for 24/7 usage...

 

You had better call google and advise them that in your opinion their disk arrays are a VERY bad idea. I certain they will appreciate your expertise.

 

[spadjen 0]

Using a PC for recording CCTV is very unreliable and a terrible setup, all the windows updates, constant re-starts required, viruses, I personally wouldn't risk it.

 

 

Yeah. Better to use PIR motion detectors hooked up to randomly mounted Polaroids. Just leave a sign and ask the trespassers to leave the photos behind for positive identification. Whatever

 

 

now for some real advise from. Dont worry to much about the graphics card now. its only used for playback. If you can watch a DVD on your puter you should be good. Most important is going to be your processor. I would say...only 4 cams you could get away with a 2nd gen i3? if it were me i would upgrade to an i5 for room to grow and if your going to use your computer for anything else. dont know what your running now. You may need a motherboard/ Cpu combo kit which will more then likely bring the need to use different memory. 8-16 gigs ram is more then enough.

 

 

I use computers to send email and sometimes use the googel.....which sounds like more then hasinarshad does with his. which makes me an expert.