Cuda-TinyNVR-Build

Summary of Specs and Cost

Component	Details
Base System	Lenovo ThinkCentre M920x Tiny (1L form factor, Intel Q370 chipset)
CPU (Low TDP)	Intel Core i5-8600T (6 cores, 6 threads, 2.3GHz base, 3.7GHz boost, 35W TDP)
RAM (32GB DDR4)	2x16GB, 2666MHz
Storage (NVMe)	512GB NVMe SSD (primary) + 4TB NVMe SSD (video storage)
GPU (CUDA Tasks)	HP Nvidia Quadro T400 (384 CUDA cores, 2GB GDDR6)
Networking (2.5GbE NIC)	Intel I225-V Ethernet NIC (M.2 A+E slot, Multi-Gig support)
Expansion	PCIe riser card with GPU faceplate (compatible with T400 and K1200 GPUs)
Total Cost	$477 USD (approx.)

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Specifications
   • Base System
   • Processor
   • Networking (2.5GbE NIC)
   • Storage
   • Graphics Card (CUDA Tasks)
   • Expansion
3. Cost Breakdown
4. Camera and PoE Equipment
5. Networking Setup
6. Software Configuration
7. Notes

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Introduction

This NVR (Network Video Recorder) build is based on a compact Lenovo ThinkCentre M920x Tiny, upgraded with a low-cost, low-wattage Intel Core i5-8600T processor (35W TDP) for efficient multi-camera video recording, facial recognition, and CUDA-based tasks. The total cost of the build is approximately $477, making it an affordable yet powerful solution for NVR applications.

Key Features

• Compact Design: 1L ultra-small form factor.
• Affordable Build: Uses marketplace prices for cost-effective components.
• Performance Upgrades: Enhanced with 32GB RAM, dual NVMe SSDs, and a Quadro T400 GPU.
• High-Speed Networking: Includes 2.5GbE NIC for fast backups to a Synology NAS.
• Expandable Storage: Onboard SATA and eSATA options for future upgrades.

💡 All prices are approximate and based on used marketplace values in the USA.

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Specifications

🖥️ Base System

• Model: Lenovo ThinkCentre M920x Tiny
• Chipset: Intel Q370
• Power Supply: 135W adapter (88% efficiency)
• Storage Options:
  • Dual M.2 slots for NVMe or Intel Optane memory.
  • Onboard SATA port for additional internal storage.
  • eSATA conversion possible for external drives.

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⚙️ Processor

• Model: Intel Core i5-8600T (8th Gen Coffee Lake)
• Cores/Threads: 6 cores / 6 threads
• Base Frequency: 2.30 GHz
• Max Turbo Frequency: 3.70 GHz
• Cache: 9MB Intel Smart Cache
• TDP: 35W (energy-efficient design)
• Supported Codecs:
  • Hardware acceleration: H.264, H.265 (HEVC), VP8, VP9.
  • Supports Intel Quick Sync Video for Plex transcoding and media encoding/decoding.

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🌐 Networking (2.5GbE NIC)

• Adapter: M.2 A+E Intel I225-V Ethernet NIC Card
  • Multi-Gig support: 2.5GbE / 1GbE / 100Mbps
  • Use Case: Speeds up video backups to slower storage systems like Synology NAS with spinning drives.

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💾 Storage

• Primary Storage: TEAMGROUP MP33 512GB NVMe SSD (included with base system).
• Additional Storage: High-capacity 4TB NVMe SSD for video recordings.

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🤖 Graphics Card (CUDA Tasks)

• Installed GPU: HP Nvidia Quadro T400
  • CUDA Cores: 384
  • Memory: 2GB GDDR6
  • Use Case: Optimized for AI, machine learning, and CUDA-accelerated tasks such as facial recognition and video analysis.
  • Compatibility: Fits perfectly with the riser card faceplate included in this build.
  • Note: Relies on CPU’s Quick Sync Video for Plex transcoding; does not support hardware transcoding itself.

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🔌 Expansion

• PCIe expansion riser card:
  • Includes faceplate compatible with Nvidia T400 and K1200 GPUs.

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💵 Cost Breakdown

Component	Price (USD)
Lenovo ThinkCentre M920x Tiny	$124.99
Intel Core i5-8600T Processor	$29.99
Kingston DDR4 RAM (32GB, 2x16GB)	$32.95
M.2 A+E Intel I225-V Ethernet NIC Card	$28.63
Expansion Riser Card	$25.98
4TB NVMe SSD	$200
HP Nvidia Quadro T400 GPU	$35
Total Cost	$477.54

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📷 Camera and PoE Equipment

⚠️ Placeholder: Add details about cameras, PoE switches, and any other equipment used in the setup.

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🌐 Networking Setup

⚠️ Placeholder: Add details about IP assignments, VLANs, or how the NVR integrates with your Synology NAS.

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🖥️ Software Configuration

⚠️ Placeholder: Add details about software used for recording, facial recognition, or system monitoring (e.g., Blue Iris, Frigate).

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📝 Notes

1. The Lenovo ThinkCentre M920x Tiny offers enterprise-grade features:

   • TPM 2.0 security chip.
   • Dual M.2 slots for NVMe or Intel Optane memory.
   • Onboard SATA port allows additional internal storage or eSATA conversion for external drives.

2. The Intel Core i5-8600T processor supports hardware acceleration for H.264, H.265, VP8, and VP9 codecs via Intel Quick Sync Video, making it ideal for Plex transcoding and media-related tasks.

3. The HP Nvidia Quadro T400 GPU is used exclusively for CUDA-based tasks like facial recognition but is outperformed by higher-end GPUs like the Nvidia T1000:

   • The T1000 offers more CUDA cores and higher memory bandwidth but comes at a significantly higher price point (~$230).
   • The T400 strikes a balance between cost-effectiveness ($35) and performance while remaining compatible with this build's riser card faceplate.

4. The M.2 A+E Intel I225-V Ethernet NIC provides fast multi-gigabit networking, enabling efficient backups to slower storage systems like a Synology NAS with spinning drives.

5. This build balances cost-effectiveness and performance while leaving room for future storage expansion through onboard SATA or eSATA options.