Reviewing some Dell new Optiplex and PowerEdge systems, it struck me that the PowerEdge T40 might be a winner:

• Intel® Xeon® E-2224G 3.5GHz, 8M cache, 4C/4T, turbo (71W) with Intel® Quick Sync Video

• Up to 3 x 3.5” SATA (HDD), max 12TB*

• 1 x Gen3 slot (x16)

see: https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/ct ... 3548_vi_vp
see: https://i.dell.com/sites/csdocuments/Ap ... _sheet.pdf
see: https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en ... 0-ghz.html

Per SlickDeals, these have sold in the $350 - $400 range.

Has anyone tried one of these yet?

billvo

I haven't tried that specifically but am using server hardware now and am completely happy. Back in the day I used a Dell tower server for a business (not NVR) need and was pretty happy with the build and cost - though I wasn't paying. That sounds like plenty of CPU power and the option for a video card if needed. You didn't mention RAM but assuming thats at least 8 - 12GB, you should be fine. If you can get a good deal on HDDs (or have already) then this is great. If not, you may want to consider the final price after adding the needed internals.

My server is definitely not new but I got it on ebay from a company that reconditions old business hardware. It came spotless and I assume was previously in a datacenter (it is rackmount). It had everything except for hard drives and I had those already. Total bill was about $200. I know it's not new but might be worth a look still. Looking is free

For ~$350 or so, that seems like a decent amount of bang for the buck.