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.

  • drudoo@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    Thank you. I’ll probably go for a 7th gen then, when I find one in a proper price range!

    • RxBrad@lemmings.worldEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I’d also say that an i7 is likely overkill for your use case (despite other comments here).

      I run an i5-7500 with PhotoPrism, Plex, tDarr, and about 30 other services. The power draw barely registers on my 1000W UPS (this includes my SFF PC, external USB HDD, and 3 network switches). And my CPU rarely jumps above 20% utilization.

      • drudoo@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        Yeah I was gonna aim for an i5 with 8-16GB ram. Seems like a 7500 or at least a 7th gen is what I should look for.

        • RxBrad@lemmings.worldEnglish
          3·
          1 year ago

          Definitely consider 16GB if you’re using Immich. I started with 8GB and had to upgrade. (on the bright side, 32GB DDR4 was just over $40)