So I’ve been wanting to replace my Pi4 (4GB) with an Optiplex for better support (x86 architecture), more ram, and a better CPU.
I’m hoping to get something that also supports intel quick sync for hardware decoding of h265 but it isn’t a major problem if it isn’t available.
What’s the minimum CPU to go for ? Is an i5 6500 fine ? Will that draw more power than let’s say an 8500? Will an i3 6200 be fine too? What about an i5 3400?
I have no idea if I should aim for something in the i5 8x00 range vs i3/5 3x00, when it comes to power usage vs compute output.
I’m not planning on running a full plex server, as there isn’t space for my 3.5” disks, but I would like to run Immich, Seafile, Audiobookshelf etc without a sweat and without using 10+ kWh a week.
I’m located in Denmark so European prices are always an issue with both hardware and electricity 😂
An 8GB ram + i5 6500 Optiplex is about $150 used.
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I have a Lenovo ThinkCentre m900 sff. It has an i5-6500T (low power) and I added an Nvidia Quadro p600 for transcoding in Plex. The m900 was about $80 and the Quadro p600 was about $50.
Just saw that you’re in Denmark. So yeah the prices will probably be a little higher.
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I’ve looked at that but idk if 650kr for 8gb ram version is worth it if the CPU is ‘only’ a 6100.
I’ve had a DBA Agent going for some weeks but most things are 6th gen or lower or overpriced 8th gen.
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CPU cores. I think the i5 6500 was my lowest option ide get. I believe it has 6 cores?
I didn’t look into i3 at all though.
I also looked for the one with the best USB speeds.
You can find Intel N100 mini PCs for 100-200 Euros that have similar performance to a 6th gen i5 but much lower power consumption and better codec support including AV1. The i3-N300 is also starting to become available with twice as many cores.
Hmm maybe it’s just me, but I can’t find any N100s for that price.
One example, Chuwi Larkbox X: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005715207156.html
This one is cheaper, but lower spec and no-name: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005234838380.html