I would like to build a new pc for the following uses:
- Numerous docker containers (25+) for a variety of utilities used by my household of 4 people. (They would be idling most of the time)
- Frigate with 10 4k cameras and its AI for object detection. I do own a coral usb dongle. Not sure on how that compares to modern IGUs / integrated AI processing options.
- Jellyfin with on the fly transcoding from 4k to 1080 or 720 streaming. Probably worst case scenario is 2 simultaneous streams.
- Some self hosted photo app that uses AI to categorize for me.
- I am interested in Home Assistant or something like it.
- Some light 1080p gaming. I don’t plan on any pvp twitch titles and can live with reduced game settings.
- I could see some occasional video rendering in my future.
- Probably going to blow the power budget but maybe some llama AI stuff in the future?
My cost of electricity is very high and I plan on running this 24/7 (75%+ idle time). Power draw at idle is a concern for me. I am hoping I can get by with the IPU or something low powered like the a310.
I rarely build new machines and keep them for years so purchase cost is less of a concern for me and an upgrade path would be a plus. I am one of the points in my family’s back up solutions so I think ECC would be nice but I don’t really know if it is needed. 2.5G networking should be more than enough for anything I plan on doing. USB 4 is probably a requirement at this point. And oculink would be nice just for future proofing. I currently have 2 1920 x 1200 monitors but would like to have the option to upgrade to 4k in the future.
Some other data - I have a fractal define R4 I was planning on reusing. But I am open to getting a new case if there is a some cost savings benefit in power use. Maybe fewer fans or larger fans? I plan on installing two gen 4 ssd configured in raid 1 via mdadm to handle the OS and day to day files. But I would prefer the option to upgrade to gen 5 if those become cheaper / cooler. And I will reuse 2 existing hdds for part of my backup solution. I am fine underclocking / eco mode on my cpu if it makes sense. Longevity and stability are important for me so keeping things cool and quite is a higher priority than small / aesthetic.
What are the idle number ballpark differences on my options? How much more do additional cores cost in watts at idle? I am really looking for a relative comparison between available cpu options. Would something like minisforum’s BD790i be up to the task for this? Or is a 7000 or 9000 a better choice? I assume something like an epyc 4004 is a poor choice here but I don’t know for sure. Intel is lifting their embargo this week so maybe there will be something there I should wait for. I have looked at some charts of power consumption but I would prefer an experienced person who keeps up on things to provide their recommendations based on my preferences.
Please let me know what other info is needed to make a recommendation.
Thanks!