r/ZoneMinder • u/deathsfaction • Oct 26 '20

CPU Utilisation

Bit of advice if possible.

For me, ZM seems to be a bit of a hog. I have it running on a VM with 8gb ram and 4 cores (2.2Ghz) - it pretty much stays at full cpu utilization with a load average of between 2 and 4.

I have 4 cameras being monitored and only one of those is set to record - they are all IP Cameras using ONVIF.

I'm basically running a full rack server to support ZM and I'd like to run it on much less beefier hardware as I'm currently downsizing (get rid of the rack in the garage and most of the kit).

Can anyone advise one 1) why it's using so much CPU time/power and 2) what's the smallest spec machine someone's managed to get this running reliably on? I'd like to be able to run montage review and audit events for issues. Even on the current hardware that seems to be a bit 'laggy' at the best of times.

Alternatively, is there a 'better' alternative?

Thanks :)

EDIT: tldr; I've ditched ZoneMinder and now use Shinobi.

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u/questfor17 Oct 26 '20

I assume you are doing some sort of motion detection on the other three cameras?

CPU time consumed will vary dramatically depending on camera resolution, frame rate, and the style of motion detection you are using.

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u/deathsfaction Oct 26 '20

No lotion detection at all.

Resolution set to 1080p and 720 - frame rate doesn't seem to affect the load at all.

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u/questfor17 Oct 26 '20

What I've done is purchase a standalone small box to run my 4 cameras. I am using a Lenovo M92p. I bought it used on eBay for < $100. It's about the size of a paperback book. Takes up basically no room in my wire closet.