Cheap 4k-capable GPU for CCTV monitor

[chris_huh]

Hi,

I need to build a PC for our security office to run a new CCTV system we are installing. I was thinking a basic 4K monitor (prob 28") would be useful so we could fit about 40 camera streams at once but keep enough clarity to see what's going on.

I guess I'll need a GPU to run this monitor but don't think I should need to spend much as it shouldn't be for anything too taxing (no gaming, just video). It would be useful to have the option to add a second 1080p monitor as well at a later date.

I would probably build an Intel system and was hoping to not spend much more than £100 on the GPU itself. But cheaper would be better. Trying to purchase this week.

Any recommendations? I haven't built a PC with a graphics card for a while so am a bit out of the loop.

thanks

 

[pete_101]

You shouldn't need to buy a GPU if you're going with a current generation Intel CPU. The integrated graphics on them is good enough for multi monitor 4K video streaming.

 

[chris_huh]

Oh really? That could simplify things.

I was considering an i5, probably 6500 3.2GHz but could always upgrade that if I don't need to spend on a GPU. Do you think that one would be powerful enough for a 4k + 1080p setup?

 

[pete_101]

Yes, any modern Intel CPU is fine, the i5-6500 is all you would need. It's a "Skylake" CPU, just found this clip on youtube of a skylake running three 4K monitors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxgT7Q3n9iw

 

[chris_huh]

Great, thank you. I was just checking the specs page for the i5-6500 and my chosen motherboard (ASRock - H110M-HDS); they both seem more than capable.

cheers

 

[pete_101]

Great, thank you. I was just checking the specs page for the i5-6500 and my chosen motherboard (ASRock - H110M-HDS); they both seem more than capable.

cheers

You're welcome. Just one thing to be aware of, that motherboard only has two display outputs, and one of them is DVI-D....this may not be an issue, but it's rapidly being replaced by HDMI and Displayport, so just be aware that any future monitor will need a DVI-D.

 

[chris_huh]

Hmm, good point. The second display i was going to use has dvi but maybe i'll look for a motherboard with two hdmi or hdmi+Displayport for future proofing. Any suggestions? Otherwise i'll just have a look myself. ta

 

[pete_101]

Sorry, had to do a half hour job. It's hard recommending a motherboard as it's a personal thing as to what features you need. I've got no idea how you connect 40 cameras to the one computer, but I'm sure you've figured that one out. Probably best you look for a board. Also, I just had a look at new monitors and it seem many of the still have DVI as well as hdmi and Dp, so you might be alright with that first board you were thinking of getting.

 

[chris_huh]

That makes sense. I'll have a look myself then, thanks.

The cameras are connected to a separate CCTV system, this new build will just be a client and access the cameras remotely. So not a fancy build