I'm looking to make a new build which is intended to replace a thin client I'm currently using as my firewall/backup server (Wyse 5070 extended w/ Intel J5005).

 

The main purpose of this system will be:

1) Running pfSense using PCI-E passthrough to a dual NIC 1Gbe card (although the latter may change if better ISPs come to my area)

2) Backup storage for my main server

3) CCTV DVR (5 cameras, considering Agent DVR Docker)

4) (Optional) Linux install for RDP

5) (Optional) backup Plex server

 

I've been mainly using Ryzen the last few years, but am I correct in thinking something like an i3 ok for my needs, particularly due to Quicksync? Or would I be better off just getting an i5 or something and underclocking it?

 

Thanks for any advice

Currently I'm considering the 12600K and a Z790 motherboard, due to the unlocked speed and the better iGPU for transcoding.

 

I'm thinking of then disabling things like turbo boost and maybe undervolting it.

 

Would this be viable?

Modern CPU have quite good power management, if green is 1st pority, you may limit its maximum clock multipler and PL ( power limit ), this already enough, simple and smart.

 

If you wrongly “under voltage” a CPU, it may use much more power or just working in an extreme low performance state actually.

Edited September 8, 20241 yr by Vr2Io

If you are doing object detection on your cameras, I would recommend getting a Google Coral TPU (M.2 PCIe slot) if you have a free slot available in your build.  It does AI detection using 2-4 watts with inference speeds of 5-6ms.  I don't know anything about Agent DVR but both Frigate and BlueIris works with the TPU.

 

If you get an intel processor, quicksync will do a great job at any media transcodes that you likely wouldn't need a GPU.  Should probably handle 2 4k transcodes or about 10 1080p transcodes (depending on bit rate).