Hi,
I used an Atom based single board computer and two PPs for several years no problems. The Atom is a tiny and slow
CPU but adequate.
I now use the same board for Mach 4 and a SmoothStepper, again no problems. It can be a bit slow to load a large file but
it runs fine. Both Mach3 and Mach4 are not hugely CPU intensive, they don't require much grunt but they can't afford to
be interrupted by other programs or services.
I have also run Mach4 and ESS with my laptop (i7 @2.5Ghz and 16G RAM) and it made absolutely no difference to how Mach4
runs, it does load big files faster but that's it. Big and/or powerful PCs offer no advantage, save your money for better steppers/spindle/
ballscrews/drivers/tools......
Craig