If you compare the i5 and the i7 processor like here http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i7-4770-vs-Intel-Core-i5-6300HQ the difference is that the i7 have 4 more virtual processors with an increased performance of maybe 30% looking at the benchmark for all cores.
Running the i7 was fine with:
-3 cameras in 4MP, 2688 x 1520 pixels. 8 threads
-6 cameras in 2MP, 1920 x 1080 pixels, 8 threads
Interesting pattern here. I have no idea if this is linear or whatever, but:
-10 cameras in 4MP would need a processor with 28 threads
-10 cameras in 2MP would need a processor with 14 threads
I know that new i7 processors have 8 cores and 16 Threads which might work, but 14 cores and 28 Threads I do not know.
We have a similar discussion here 50% cpu for Intel i5-7400, CRF 30, Ultrafast, at 10FPS. What can I do about it? - #10 by LamaAni moving to other processors like Intel Xeon processors with many cores/threads. You can buy a server system that is a couple of years old with a very good processor to a very reasonable price. I am myself looking a this solution for a 21 camera system with varying resolutions is running a xeon e3 1220v3 processor with 4/4 at a cpu load of 95-100%. I like the xeon processor for the ECC in RAM. Other alternative is 2 computers, but then there are 2 NCS so that depends on the application if that works. Preferably is of cause only 1 NCS to have all cameras in one system.
-Henrik