Need Advice and Clarification on my system - PC + NAS

[bdog14 0]

I have read a ton of info and threads over the past few weeks and need some Advice from someone who has configured a setup like I am in the middle of doing...

 

I cannot seem to figure out/ decide on what PC and components I will need.

I have spent a few months slowly purchasing equipment for my system and all I really have left to buy is PC to run my Digital Camera Surveillance System.

 

I decided not to go the NVR route, but rather build a custom system, and I am not interested in backtracking to the NVR route. That ship has sailed... I also am aware it would have been easier, but honestly, I wanted a challenge and flexibility. So here it is:

 

- 7 to 9 Hikvision Exir Turret 3MP (eventually 10-12 in 1 year and up to 16 in a few years)

- SilverStone Technologies Teratrend RS 431U (Rackmount 4-bay NAS)

- Buffalo BS-GS2016P poe switch (rackmount)

- Tripp-Lite patch panel (for cable management)

-Blue Iris ( have not purchased yet but I think it fits what my needs)

My major hang up is the PC I am going to use to run this system. Initially I thought I could use my main desktop (i7 930 - 9GB RAM - Windows 7 Pro 64 bit). I have come to the conclusion this would be a horrible idea as it would be too much going on for me to use my desktop as I currently do without loss of speed and problems.

 

SO.. I need a separate PC to connect and treat it like a server (not exactly though) (I will be using windows 7 pro 64 bit - I have very little knowledge of networking so i'm trying to keep it fairly simple)

I will need the PC to be able to connect to the NAS where I will store the footage, Run Blue IRIS, and connect to Wireless Router. I want to be able to use this PC to configure my cameras and view live footage as well as playback footage.

Finally, I don't have a huge budget but will spend what it takes to set this up correctly.

 

Any advice will be GREATLY appreciated. I don't want get something under-powered but I also don't want a beast sitting there going to waste. ( I am not opposed to second hand).

 

Also any comments on my system design I would find useful. Thanks guys...

[Boogieman 1]

I have read a ton of info and threads over the past few weeks and need some Advice from someone who has configured a setup like I am in the middle of doing...

 

I cannot seem to figure out/ decide on what PC and components I will need.

I have spent a few months slowly purchasing equipment for my system and all I really have left to buy is PC to run my Digital Camera Surveillance System.

 

I decided not to go the NVR route, but rather build a custom system, and I am not interested in backtracking to the NVR route. That ship has sailed... I also am aware it would have been easier, but honestly, I wanted a challenge and flexibility. So here it is:

 

- 7 to 9 Hikvision Exir Turret 3MP (eventually 10-12 in 1 year and up to 16 in a few years)

- SilverStone Technologies Teratrend RS 431U (Rackmount 4-bay NAS)

- Buffalo BS-GS2016P poe switch (rackmount)

- Tripp-Lite patch panel (for cable management)

-Blue Iris ( have not purchased yet but I think it fits what my needs)

My major hang up is the PC I am going to use to run this system. Initially I thought I could use my main desktop (i7 930 - 9GB RAM - Windows 7 Pro 64 bit). I have come to the conclusion this would be a horrible idea as it would be too much going on for me to use my desktop as I currently do without loss of speed and problems.

 

SO.. I need a separate PC to connect and treat it like a server (not exactly though) (I will be using windows 7 pro 64 bit - I have very little knowledge of networking so i'm trying to keep it fairly simple)

I will need the PC to be able to connect to the NAS where I will store the footage, Run Blue IRIS, and connect to Wireless Router. I want to be able to use this PC to configure my cameras and view live footage as well as playback footage.

Finally, I don't have a huge budget but will spend what it takes to set this up correctly.

 

Any advice will be GREATLY appreciated. I don't want get something under-powered but I also don't want a beast sitting there going to waste. ( I am not opposed to second hand).

 

Also any comments on my system design I would find useful. Thanks guys...

Blue iris requires a powerful pc for 9 3mp cameras. You will need a haswell i7 not a first generation i7. They can be had for 500 at the dell outlet with full 3 year warranty - wait for the monthly sale, sign up at the outlet twitter page. The first gen i7 is weak and very power hungry. Blue iris will be adding hardware acceleration at the end of the month which may change things.

[bdog14 0]

Thank you boogieman. Do you think blue iris the way to go? Or are there other alternatives such as the Hikvision software?

 

Also, so I need an i7 Haswell, how about RAM and graphics card?

[Boogieman 1]

Thank you boogieman. Do you think blue iris the way to go? Or are there other alternatives such as the Hikvision software?

 

Also, so I need an i7 Haswell, how about RAM and graphics card?

I use it on over 20 machines. Hikvision software is not as flexible and only works with hik cams. Depends on your needs. Get 8gb of ram. As far as the video card, in the past, it was not needed (integrated was fine) however, the developer has indicated in the release notes that he is adding hardware acceleration and it will be optimized for nvidia (but will benefit all users). Dont know how much of a difference it will make. It should be out soon so we'll know.

 

There are other packages out there, exacq, milestone, avigilon but they are costly with a per camera license fee.

[bdog14 0]

I am def going to use blue iris.

 

I have been looking into PC's for the server, and I don't see any i7 Haswells PC for under $700.

 

I have an old HP Compac 6000 Pro Small Form Factor that is not in use.

Could I replace the components with the following?:

Intel i7-4790K ($309.99)

8 GB Ram ($100.00)

Nvidia GTX 750 Ti SC($124.99)

 

My only concern would be the motherboard and other components would not be adequate and I'm still spending $550.00 for above listed upgrades.

 

I have also heard that running Microsoft Windows Server 2012 is a better idea than Windows 7 Pro. Anyone had any experience with both?

[Boogieman 1]

I am def going to use blue iris.

 

I have been looking into PC's for the server, and I don't see any i7 Haswells PC for under $700.

 

I have an old HP Compac 6000 Pro Small Form Factor that is not in use.

Could I replace the components with the following?:

Intel i7-4790K ($309.99)

8 GB Ram ($100.00)

Nvidia GTX 750 Ti SC($124.99)

 

My only concern would be the motherboard and other components would not be adequate and I'm still spending $550.00 for above listed upgrades.

 

I have also heard that running Microsoft Windows Server 2012 is a better idea than Windows 7 Pro. Anyone had any experience with both?

Wait of a dell business outlet sale. They routinely have the i7-4790 for under 500..As low as 429...follow the outlet twitter account.

[bdog14 0]

Will do. Thank you boogie.

 

Do you use Windows 7 or a Server based OS for your server?

[Boogieman 1]

Will do. Thank you boogie.

 

Do you use Windows 7 or a Server based OS for your server?

I have a mix of 7, 8, 10...doesnt matter...no need to waste money on a server os

[bdog14 0]

Boogieman,

 

Will a Dell Optiplex 990 do the trick.

 

It has a Intel Core i7-2600 3.4GHz Processor.

Not a Haswell.

 

I found it for 250.00 second Hand.

[Boogieman 1]

Boogieman,

 

Will a Dell Optiplex 990 do the trick.

 

It has a Intel Core i7-2600 3.4GHz Processor.

Not a Haswell.

 

I found it for 250.00 second Hand.

Sorry but you overpaid for that system... It's at least 4 years old...

[bdog14 0]

I never actually bought it. I found it for sale...

 

I was just asking if it would be enough processor speed to run Blue Iris with 9 3mp cams.

 

I have been checking the dell outlet as you suggested and the Optiplex 9020 and other models are on sale but every i7 Haswell is at least $700 - $1,100. That's the price including $400 off.

[Boogieman 1]

I never actually bought it. I found it for sale...

 

I was just asking if it would be enough processor speed to run Blue Iris with 9 3mp cams.

 

I have been checking the dell outlet as you suggested and the Optiplex 9020 and other models are on sale but every i7 Haswell is at least $700 - $1,100. That's the price including $400 off.

You need to wait for a real sale with coupon codes they have one monthly...

Here are a few for under 600...if you are in a rush

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=dell+optiplec++i7-4790&_sop=15&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xdell+optiplex++i7-4790.TRS0&_nkw=dell+optiplex++i7-4790&_sacat=0