Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => Mach4 General Discussion => Topic started by: backlashphoenix on September 29, 2017, 12:34:47 PM
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What are the system requirements for a PC running Mach4? I haven't been able to find this info on the website.
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Mach4 Recommended Requirements:
PREFERRED: 32 or 64-bit Laptop or Desktop – Using an External Motion Controller
Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 & Windows XP
An appropriate external motion controller
Mach4 Plugin for the selected Motion Controller
2Ghz CPU
1GB RAM
Video Card with 256MB RAM(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)
*Use of Parallel Port for machine control only with desktop style computers with 32-bit versions of windows 7 and below.
32-bit Desktop – Parallel Port Recommended Requirements
32-bit version of Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
Mach4 Parallel Port Legacy Plugin (cost applicable)
2Ghz CPU
1GB RAM
Non-integrated Video Card with 256MB RAM(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)
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Thanks
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Hi,
I use a little dual core Atom miniITX board for my machine controller. Win 7 Embedded. It has on chip graphics and smurph describes them as 'awful'.
It works fine with Mach3 for which I bought it but also Mach4 which I now use. The only time I have any real issues with it is when I load a large file
for a PCB for example. It takes a long time to load and draw the toolplath but if your patient is does load and thereafter works fine. Just goes
to show that Mach4 will run on a very modest PC. I would buy something with a bit more grunt if buying again but see little point in going past i3 spec.
Craig
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Right on, thanks for the tip. I found a micropc with an i3 CPU, 4GB Ram, Win 7 Pro refurbished from Newegg for $130. Should do the trick
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Hi,
yep, should do nicely and at a good price too.
Craig
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hello i use an intel nuc its a mini pc kit. i use one of the smaller ones 5cpyh for regular mills and am thinking of going to a 6???? for the bigger machines. these are a godsend sure you have you assemble it and i add wires to move the led and the push button to the outside dont do this unless you are very good at soldering or find the connector i have yet to find. the point is it is very delicate. the reason i love the nuc is i can put it in my operator control panels it being 4" square doesn't draw allot of power and cooling has not been a problem. go a step further and use a solid state hdd and no moving parts. the old days i was always shoe horning a computer some ware now i use the nuc and an ethernet cable and i love the results.
mark