Will i5 be sufficient?

[SharpTJ1]

Right now, i am running 3, 4MP and 2 3MP cameras...will prob add 4 or 5 more 3 MP outdoor cameras at some point in the future.

I can pick up an i5-2400 optiplex for $125... should i hold out for an i7 or you think the i5 would be able to handle it?

 

[Q™]

No. That is an ancient i5 processor. Get a Haswell i5 system with Intel HD Graphics.

 

[SharpTJ1]

How can i tell a haswell... is it i5-4400 or something like that?

 

[Q™]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Core_i5_microprocessors#.22Haswell-H.22_.28MCP.2C_quad-core.2C_22_nm.29

What is your budget. @fenderman is always pointing out find i5 systems at bargain prices. You should try and get a Skylake system is possible. I run a Skylake i7-6700 and it smokes although -- at work -- I have an i7 Ivy Bridge system running 20 cameras.