Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: jaustin on September 11, 2016, 07:24:45 PM

Title: Mach3 and windows?
Post by: jaustin on September 11, 2016, 07:24:45 PM

My XP computer is dieing and trying to figure out what system I can upgrade to and still work Mach 3?

Since xp is not supported and now dropbox wont let me use it with out going online I need to upgrade the computer.

Title: Re: Mach3 and windows?
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on September 12, 2016, 01:17:13 AM

The official line is as follows:-

Requirements if using the parallel port for machine control:

Desktop PC (Laptops are not supported) with at least one parallel port
32-bit version of Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 (64-bit versions will not work)
1Ghz CPU
512MB RAM
Non-integrated Video Card with 32MB RAM(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)


Requirements if using an external motion device for machine control:

An appropriate external motion controller (options can be found on the Plugins page)
Desktop or Laptop with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8 / 10
1Ghz CPU
512MB RAM
Video Card with 32MB RAM(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)

(My personal preference is to have a dedicated PC running Mach3 under WinXP).

Tweakie.

Title: Re: Mach3 and windows?
Post by: joeaverage on September 12, 2016, 03:12:31 AM

Hi jaustin,
Mach3 doesn't require a super-duper PC. When my old XP became so cranky (had to
lay it on its side for it to boot!) I bought a miniITX with a dual core Atom. Has one
built in PP and one PCI slot for another. 4Gig RAM and 64GigSSD, recycled power
and monitor and I loaded Windows7 Embbedded 32 bit as OS and never looked back.

I know a lot of people who use old PC's with good success but the above is hardly
expensive, $75-$100 for the miniITX and processor and maybe $150 more for
mem/HD. Perfectly reasonable 'crispy new' alternative to repurposed XP clunker.

Craig

Title: Re: Mach3 and windows?
Post by: jaustin on September 12, 2016, 11:48:30 AM

thanks for the replies. it gives me a couple options now.

Title: Re: Mach3 and windows?
Post by: robertspark on September 13, 2016, 01:48:47 PM

Ram is relatively cheap for old PCs

Find out what ram it takes (speed and form), and how much it can take (per slot plus total), and buy some low density ram, enough to match the machines max limit. A couple of GB graphics card of compatible slot the is also beneficial and cheap.