Hi,
For those still not sure what the minimum spec machine is suitable for Mach4, here are some pointers.
I have tested a number of low spec XP NB's and PC's.
You must have 1.5 or greater OpenGL to display Toolpaths (tester available online internet).
If you plan to do any reasonable 3d engravings then:-
If you have a notebook with a video card it must be at least 512MB.
If the CPU does the video you should have 2GB or more of RAM.
CPU should be at least a Intel Duo 3Ghz processor.
On video cards Mach 4 uses GPU where as Mach3 did not.
Example.
Notebook Duo Intel processor T9300 2.5Ghz with 3GB Ram and a NVIDIA Quarto NVS 320M (256MB) with OpenGL 3.30 with XP 32bit Pro.
File Rotary size 47MB
Mach3
GPU 0-1% CPU 50% Low GPU temperature.
NB had still good response with mouse movement while processing cut.
Mach4
Lead-time 3+ times longer than Mach3
GPU 95% with max of 98% with 149MB being used and 0 to 30% CPU with and average of 15% and high GPU temperature.
NB had sluggish response with the mouse.
So this slightly aged notebook although reasonable quick is not suitable for mid to large Mach4 engravings.
At present Mach4 Toolpaths is still being worked so this may change.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Mauri.

i have run mach 4 fine on a 1.7Ghz with 1.5 gig of ram graphix 256MB

with 0 to 10% CPU used

Blockhead,
Try G-Code with 1.5 to 6 Million lines and see how you go.
Regards,
Mauri.

I don't run code`s that big that`s just being silly it`s fine at 200,000 lines

Running code of 1-1.5 million lines is NOT normal and should NOT be used as a comparision of choosing a PC to run NORMAL code sizes.

That would be like using a Max load 0f 60,000 lbs as a base to pick out your new family car. You would end up with a semi truck to drive to church on Sunday. Can be done but  a waste of resources.

IF you need to run large file like that put your money on a good graphics processor card it will do MORE good than anything else.  The toolpathing IS the HOG. You can always just turn it off if needed on the RARE occasion of a large file.

(;-) TP

TP,
I will give you this much, yes most people do not do fine 3D Engravings on their Mill or Router that contain large files.
You cannnot turn off Toopath display in Mach4 (at least not that I can see) on Mach3 yes you can.
Mach3 has handled these large files as well as displaying the toolpath both in 3 and 4 axis with no issues.
Mach3 uses miniscule resouces to do these large files with the GPU.
Using this NB 4 Axis Simulatneous file 73,701KB finish cut for Router Table only uses 23MB of GPU and 0% to 1% GPU Load and a low temp, with 48% CPU load and a low tempwhile cutting.
Mach4 with this NB uses 168MB GPU 97% GPU load and high temp (it would over heat the NB on a full run), the CPU is 20%. doing the samething.
Mach4 does not rotate the toolpath at this stage as well like mach3 does it just stays stationary.
There are issues with Mach4 Toolpath display program and these are being worked on, so when this is completed then maybe the problem will be fixed.
The graphics card in this NB on its day was Fast (NVIDIA Quadr NVS 320M) for Notebooks with XP and Vista.
We are trying to extablish specications using existing old equipment running XP Pro.
Regards,
Mauri.

Mach3 uses miniscule resouces to do these large files with the GPU.

Mach3's toolpath display is known to be a huge resource hog, and can seriously effect performance on older PC's.

xp laptop`s have a big differences over pc of the same age and make a laptop is only good for 3 years then they start getting hotter and hotter and slower and slower I would never try a old laptop, note book to run a machine, newer laptop are not to bad but old PC are fine if it`s nieces and clean and not a acer

The GPU SHOULD be able to run 100% without shutting down or overheating if NOT then you have a BAD designed GPU unit with far too small of coolling area. Same with teh CPU.

Yes there ARE GPUs and CPUs out there that are badly designed for this type of load. You learn a lot IF you have ever work with high end Cad/graphic design software and videos cards.

Mach4 should NOT be a resource hog but it seems it is. Hopefully THAT will change soon.

(;-) TP

or if you listen to experienced people like you TP and Gerry and the other that have been there done that