Recommend an Inexpensive PC that will Run 8 PoE Cameras

[scent of a mule]

Moved into a new house and it has 8 PoE SnapAv Cameras. SnapAv only sells to their reps and I refuse to pay $2K for an NVR and be tied to a local AV/Security guy. It looks like it will be hit or miss as to whether a hikvision or any other NVR will be compatible. Based on the recommendations here, BI would be my best bet. I am a mac user and therefore need to buy a PC to get this set up. The PC would solely be used for the security system. Looking for an inexpensive PC that will run the 8 cameras with a CPU that can handle it. I am by no means a computer or security camera system expert but just want to get these darn cameras up and running.

Any help you could provide would be great.

 

[mat200]

Moved into a new house and it has 8 PoE SnapAv Cameras. SnapAv only sells to their reps and I refuse to pay $2K for an NVR and be tied to a local AV/Security guy. It looks like it will be hit or miss as to whether a hikvision or any other NVR will be compatible. Based on the recommendations here, BI would be my best bet. I am a mac user and therefore need to buy a PC to get this set up. The PC would solely be used for the security system. Looking for an inexpensive PC that will run the 8 cameras with a CPU that can handle it. I am by no means a computer or security camera system expert but just want to get these darn cameras up and running.

Any help you could provide would be great.

Welcome Scent of a Mule,

Look for the Blue Iris forum area, and the notes below, there's a few threads on Blue Iris systems. iirc look on ebay for used newer i5/i7 PCs with windows OS.

It's easy to get swamped with information here, so I wanted to share some notes with you

Please check out @giomania 's notes:
Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

I have also made notes which are a summary of a lot of the reading I've been doing here,:
Looking for some advice and direction!

Have fun joining us here.

 

[PatPend]

I would download the free Blue Iris version to first see if it works with your cameras. To run it on your mac, install Virtualbox (free) and install BI in a development Windows virtual machine (also free - here: Free Virtual Machines from IE8 to MS Edge - Microsoft Edge Development). You will not get spectacular performance but it will be enough to see what's up.

 

[looney2ns]

Choosing Hardware for Blue Iris | IP Cam Talk

 

[scent of a mule]

Choosing Hardware for Blue Iris | IP Cam Talk

Exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks all Will try it on my Mac first
Appreciate the help.