This seemed like as good a thread as any to compare setups and ask a question at the same time. I am currently running an Intel i7-6950x with 128GB of Ram and 26 cameras (15 running at 2MP 20FPs and the other 11 running at 4MP 20 FPS) all set to direct to disc. On average my CPU usage runs at about 58% which I am very happy about. But I am about to add another dozen or so cameras and want to get an opinion from this group. Am I correct in assuming that in addition to overall FPS and Resolution (Per Fenderman), that the greater the number of cores on the CPU, the better? I could be wrong, but when I upgraded last year to these "Extreme" line of processors, I was very surprised at how easily it handled the load. I was pushing 99% almost the whole time before upgrading, and the old hardware was not really that old (maybe one generation ago). If in fact the number of cores plays a substantial role, then I feel like I have a good upgrade path for the future as the new (and very crazy) line of Intel processors is pushing 18 cores with 36 threads. Feels like I should have enough headroom when I decide to add these new cameras.
Any thoughts, feedback, push back on this is welcomed!
Thanks everybody