Used Rack Server or i5 build.

Post here to ask any questions about hardware suitability, configuration in ZoneMinder, or experiences. If you just want to know if something works with ZoneMinder or not, please check the Hardware Compatibility sections in the forum, and the Wiki first. Also search this topic as well.
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Ragtag
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu May 04, 2017 2:48 am

Used Rack Server or i5 build.

Post by Ragtag »

Hi,

I'm looking to run ZoneMinder for home CCTV with 6 HD feeds from poe cameras,
and storage for around 7 days.

I have a small budget and mainly from reading here and the Wiki have come down to a choice,

a Used (but guaranteed) Dell power edge 2950 2 x 3Gh Quad Xeon ,32Gb of RAM for around
£100,

or putting an i5 system together for about £350.
Poe injectors, Discs and sundry excluded.

What does the forum think?
the server seems to be by far the best idea,

but having very limited experience l would be very grateful for knowledgeable opinion.
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iconnor
Posts: 2880
Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2010 1:43 am
Location: Toronto
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Re: Used Rack Server or i5 build.

Post by iconnor »

I would go with the used rack.

Probably more cores, more io throughput.

Also, server grade features like idrac...

Will more noisy, and more power consuming though.
Ragtag
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu May 04, 2017 2:48 am

Re: Used Rack Server or i5 build.

Post by Ragtag »

Thanks Connor,

I think I'll run Ubuntu Server on an old PC, keep adding cameras and see what capacity I really need,
Wouldn't be the first time I've gone overboard on hardware.
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