Question Need a cheap machine to run CCTV

[Noki0100]

Hi, I am moving out and just realized my Dad's CCTV is storing it's data on 2x3.5" disks in my NAS, which is moving with me. So I need to build a cheap as chips machine that can support this 2 disk mirrored array (I don't mind reformatting it).

Does anyone have any advice or recommendations for a machine that would suit. It seems to saturate a 1Gbp network connection so that's probably another requirement. I do have a small form factor case I can use but needs a TFX PSU.

I was looking at Pi Hats but they all seem focused on 2.5" SSD's so probably don't have the power for spinning disks. If that is somehow an option I could go that route.

Have:
2x3.5" Disks for storage
Probably a spare SSD somewhere for an OS
Small Case
PCIe add in card with 4 sATA ports

Need:
Mobo
CPU
RAM
TFX PSU
or
Alternative ideas that supports my existing disks.

I'll be hunting for the next few days for deals but interested to see if there is some cheap option I've missed. A broken laptop from eBay or something that I can adapt to work for my use case. My use case being a simple FTP server that has 1Gb of network and 3 sATA ports (or ability to use an add in card) I think I have a PCIe 4 port sATA card somewhere too. Maybe a PI Hat to pci-e to this sata card would work. Thinking aloud!

I guess my goal is to beat this price (£144.99) at time of writing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09YDCCMYD/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ARGDLBF91D6J6&psc=1

Thanks in advance.

 

[punkncat]

Keep in mind that your benchmark item has no drives included. IMO though, that is going to be tough to beat for an easy deployment and use.

Any old office PC case with room for the storage and a slot open for a capture card would be workable for this use case. The trick will be whether you need to view it remotely. This would be the advantage to some of the "pre-made" hardware, as they often include some level of cloud storage. The aspect of that to watch for is what projected lifetime of that specific model/type will be. I really liked Arlo, bought into it, and they have changed the hardware so much in a short time that my cameras are worthless at a few years old. They are continually expecting people who bought the product and believed the "free storage plan lifetime" BS they were pushing to update every year or two onto their newest or to pay some crazy price for usability.

 

[USAFRet]

Hi, I am moving out and just realized my Dad's CCTV is storing it's data on 2x3.5" disks in my NAS, which is moving with me.

If the cameras are Reolinks, I strongly suggest you get the Reolink box in your link.

The out of the box compatibility is hard to beat.

 

[Noki0100]

Keep in mind that your benchmark item has no drives included. IMO though, that is going to be tough to beat for an easy deployment and use.

Any old office PC case with room for the storage and a slot open for a capture card would be workable for this use case. The trick will be whether you need to view it remotely. This would be the advantage to some of the "pre-made" hardware, as they often include some level of cloud storage. The aspect of that to watch for is what projected lifetime of that specific model/type will be. I really liked Arlo, bought into it, and they have changed the hardware so much in a short time that my cameras are worthless at a few years old. They are continually expecting people who bought the product and believed the "free storage plan lifetime" BS they were pushing to update every year or two onto their newest or to pay some crazy price for usability.

I do have drives, so that's why I'm using that as my benchmark. I am tempted by the easy of use aspect offered by it.

If the cameras are Reolinks, I strongly suggest you get the Reolink box in your link.

The out of the box compatibility is hard to beat.

This is true, it would be easier for my dad to review footage. They are both Reolink cameras yes.

I did find a cpu ram mobo combo on eBay for £45, add a £35 PSU from amazon and I have a full system so considering that and seeing if I can get the price lower. But are the savings worth it for the reolink box. Maybe.

Thanks both of you.

 

[Noki0100]

I found a cheap combo on ebay used. Plus a PSU from amazon for £93 delivered. This should suffice.