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.

  • vividspecter@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    If you can find one with a T series CPU they tend to be more power efficient. And they are common in refurbished mini pcs like the Lenovo Tiny series which should be in your price range.

    • dan@upvote.au
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      1 year ago

      The T series isn’t worth it IMO. Second-hand non-T CPUs and PCs are usually the same price as the T ones, and you can achieve the same effect of lower power consumption by limiting the max clock speed of the non-T CPUs.

      The Lenovo tiny series is not a thin-client; it’s a mini PC. I wouldn’t get a thin client since they’re not designed to run much on them - a thin client literally just connects to a server via remote desktop. Get a mini PC or SFF PC at least.

      • vividspecter@lemm.ee
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        1 year ago

        The Lenovo tiny series is not a thin-client; it’s a mini PC

        Fair enough, got my terminology wrong there.