i-PRO MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 vs i-PRO MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5: Specification Comparison
The i-PRO MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 and MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5 are both 8-channel mobile NVRs from i-PRO, designed for in-vehicle surveillance deployments such as fleet, transit, and patrol applications. Both units share the same Intel Core i3 processor, wide-voltage DC power input, H.265/H.264 compression support, PoE (802.3af), ruggedized construction, and 3-year warranty. The sole specified differentiator between these two models is internal storage capacity — 4TB versus 1TB — making this a straightforward capacity-tier comparison within the same product family.
In This Guide
- How does storage capacity differ, and what does that mean for recording duration and retention?
- Are the power input range and operating environment specifications equivalent across both models?
- Do both models deliver the same channel count, compression support, and integration capabilities?
- Which should you choose: the MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 or the MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How does storage capacity differ, and what does that mean for recording duration and retention?
The MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 provides 4TB of ruggedized storage, described as shock-resistant and suited for extended multi-shift recording. The MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5 provides 1TB, also described as shock-resistant microSD-based storage. Both are specified for continuous vibration environments typical of vehicle deployments.
At identical bitrate and channel count, the 4TB model offers four times the on-device retention of the 1TB model. For operations requiring longer between-offload intervals — such as long-haul transit routes, multi-day patrol cycles, or deployments where dockside video offload is infrequent — the 4TB unit extends the window before footage must be transferred or overwritten. The 1TB model suits shorter routes or deployments with frequent, reliable offload infrastructure.
Both units list microSD as the local storage interface. The 4TB spec is described as 'ruggedized' in the Product A tilde-fields; the 1TB spec references 'shock-resistant microSD' and 'solid-state construction.' Neither spec sheet provides a rated shock or vibration MIL/IP standard, so direct ruggedization certification comparison is not possible from the provided data.
Are the power input range and operating environment specifications equivalent across both models?
Both models specify a wide-voltage DC input of 9–36V, enabling integration with standard 12V and 24V vehicle electrical systems found in patrol cars, buses, and commercial fleet vehicles. Neither unit requires an external DC-DC converter for typical automotive or transit power rails.
Product A describes its operating environment as 'extreme mobile environments' and specifies 'in-vehicle installation.' Product B describes its operating range as 'extended range for vehicle compartments.' Neither specification provides explicit rated operating temperature ranges in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, so a numeric thermal comparison cannot be made from the provided data.
Physical dimensions are identical for both models as listed: 10.24" (W) x 10.08" (D) x 3.55" (H), confirming these are the same chassis. Housing color is White for both. Installation footprint and mounting considerations are therefore equivalent.
Do both models deliver the same channel count, compression support, and integration capabilities?
Both the MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 and MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5 are rated for 8-channel simultaneous recording. Product A specifies '8-channel simultaneous' and Product B specifies '8 simultaneous,' with Product B additionally noting 'independent stream config per channel.' Whether Product A also supports independent per-channel stream configuration is not stated in the provided specifications.
Both units support H.265 and H.264 video compression. PoE power delivery is listed as 802.3af for both, enabling direct camera powering without separate injectors. Resolution is listed as VGA (640x480) for both; this appears to be a structured-data field artifact rather than a maximum recording resolution, as mobile NVRs of this class typically record at camera-native resolution — buyers should verify maximum supported resolution with i-PRO directly.
Both units list the same processor (Intel Core i3) and reference compatibility with 'Back-Up Unit for Mobile 3rd Party Camera License For Vi / Transit,' indicating equivalent software and licensing ecosystem. Product B provides a datasheet path (/content/product-datasheets/MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5.pdf); a corresponding datasheet path is not listed in the provided Product A specifications. Warranty is 3 years for both.
Which should you choose: the MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 or the MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5?
Our take: The MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 is the stronger choice when on-device retention duration is the primary constraint — specifically for transit or fleet operations where vehicles complete long routes or multi-shift cycles without frequent video offload. The sole specified difference between these two models is storage: 4TB versus 1TB, a 4× capacity advantage. At any given bitrate and channel load, the 4TB unit retains four times as much footage before storage cycles. All other compared specifications — 8-channel simultaneous recording, Intel Core i3 processor, 9–36V DC wide-voltage input, H.265/H.264 compression, 802.3af PoE, identical chassis dimensions, and 3-year warranty — are equivalent. The MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5 is the appropriate selection for deployments with short routes, high-frequency dockside offload infrastructure, or budget constraints where the additional storage capacity cannot be justified operationally. Both units sit within the same i-PRO mobile platform and carry equivalent licensing and integration compatibility.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | i-PRO MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 | i-PRO MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | i-PRO | i-PRO |
| MPN | MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 | MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5 |
| Product Type | Mobile NVR | Mobile NVR |
| Recording Channels | 8-channel simultaneous | 8 simultaneous |
| Storage Capacity | 4TB ruggedized | 1TB microSD |
| Local Storage Interface | microSD | microSD |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 | Intel Core i3 |
| Video Compression | H.265 and H.264 | H.265 and H.264 |
| PoE Standard | 802.3af | 802.3af |
| Power Input | 9–36V DC wide-voltage | 9–36V DC wide-voltage |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 10.24" x 10.08" x 3.55" | 10.24" x 10.08" x 3.55" |
| Housing Color | White | White |
| Operating Environment | Extreme mobile environments | Extended range for vehicle compartments |
| Independent Stream Config Per Channel | — | Specified |
| Warranty | 3 Year(s) | 3 Year(s) |
| Datasheet Provided | — | Yes (/content/product-datasheets/MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5.pdf) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 or the MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5?
The MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 is the stronger choice when on-device retention duration is the primary constraint — specifically for transit or fleet operations where vehicles complete long routes or multi-shift cycles without frequent video offload. The sole specified difference between these two models is storage: 4TB versus 1TB, a 4× capacity advantage. At any given bitrate and channel load, the 4TB unit retains four times as much footage before storage cycles. All other compared specifications — 8-channel simultaneous recording, Intel Core i3 processor, 9–36V DC wide-voltage input, H.265/H.264 compression, 802.3af PoE, identical chassis dimensions, and 3-year warranty — are equivalent. The MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5 is the appropriate selection for deployments with short routes, high-frequency dockside offload infrastructure, or budget constraints where the additional storage capacity cannot be justified operationally. Both units sit within the same i-PRO mobile platform and carry equivalent licensing and integration compatibility.
Is the MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 or MR-8C-I3-1TB-V5 better for multi-shift transit deployments with infrequent video offload?
The MR-8C-I3-4TB-V5 is better suited for that scenario. Its 4TB storage capacity is four times that of the 1TB model, providing significantly longer on-device retention before footage must be offloaded or overwritten — a material advantage for transit operators running extended routes or multiple shifts without access to a docking station between runs.
Do these two models differ in processor, channel count, power requirements, or physical size?
No. Based on the provided specifications, both models share identical Intel Core i3 processors, 8-channel simultaneous recording capability, 9–36V DC wide-voltage power input, 802.3af PoE, and the same chassis dimensions (10.24" W x 10.08" D x 3.55" H). Storage capacity — 4TB versus 1TB — is the only specified difference between the two SKUs.
Can either model power cameras directly, and does PoE class differ between them?
Both models specify PoE at the 802.3af standard, which provides up to 15.4W per port. No difference in PoE class or per-port power budget is indicated in the provided specifications for either model. Buyers should verify total PoE power budget across all 8 ports with i-PRO directly before specifying high-draw cameras.
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