I'm planning to upgrade my security camera setup by replacing my old Dell PC running ZoneMinder on Linux. I'm aiming to create a new build that's as energy-efficient as possible, without spending a fortune. Since this PC will only be used for monitoring cameras, I don't need a high-end GPU. My main focus is to find a CPU that consumes less power while still being capable of continuously monitoring video pixels. Any recommendations or thoughts?
1 Answer
For a build that prioritizes energy efficiency, I’d recommend looking into an AMD R5 7600, especially if you apply an undervolt. Intel's newer Core Ultra CPUs can also be efficient, but they tend to cost a lot more when you consider the motherboard as well. If you're open to alternatives, mini PCs with integrated CPUs like the Intel N305 or Apple’s M series chips can offer excellent performance without the extra power drain. Just keep in mind that some of these options might not allow for traditional upgrades.
You mentioned mini PCs, but those might not be suitable for me unless I can find one that supports a Western Digital Purple SATA HDD.