Computer for MACH 3

[tkms002]

How much computer do I need to run MACH3 successfully?
Bruce

[mcphill]

Not much at all as long as MACH3 is ALL it does.

32-bit version of Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 Operating System (64-bit will not work)
1Ghz CPU
512MB RAM
Non-integrated Video Card with 32MB RAM
Basic Computer Skills (ability to copy/rename files, browse directories, etc)

ArtSoft USA - Home of Mach3 and LazyCam

You can get a perfectly fine computer for MACH use off eBay for $200 tops, including shipping. There are likely $50 options out there as well.

[ger21]

32-bit version of Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 Operating System (64-bit will not work) 1Ghz CPU 512MB RAM

These are the eaxct specs of the PC I use. Bought motherboard, processor and memory for $20 from Ebay.

It runs Mach3 perfectly fine.

But.

Changing screens takes 2-3 seconds, and if you try to change screens while it's moving, it will lose steps. However, you shouldn't really change screens during movement regardless of PC speed, or you may see issues.

[towertek]

Actually, the crappier the machine, the better M3 seems to run.

[ger21]

I've heard numerous reports over the years that would say exactly the opposite. People with numerous problems they couldn't resolve, that miraculously disappeared after switching to a faster PC.

Honestly, mine runs fine, but I'll definitely use at least a 2Ghz PC on my next machine, as the interface is a bit sluggish for my liking at 1 Ghz, even though it runs the machine perfectly fine.

[kemper45]

I just picked up a P4, 1.8Ghz, 40 GB HDD, 1.0 MB RAM, video card, Internet ready, 17" flat screen monitor, keyboard and mouse for $60. Purchased it on an online swap meet (Kijiji in Canada). Reformatted so that it is nice and clean and will only have Mach3 and CAM software loaded.

I don't have my machine finished but have connected my Gecko 540 and a motor to it. So far so good.

[paulkane1]

i am in the process of buying my computer, to start me of , so as i can learn to run MACH3. i am a complete novice on all things CNC, i am being offered a DELL GX 270 , computer. i am awaiting , the spec, the seller is aware of what i need, so i assume , the spec is ok , to run MACH. could some one tell me , if they have a similar type computer , and could they tell me , if it has done the bussiness for them , in relation to running MACH. was there any initial problems ? i would just like to know , before i put my money down,to buy the machine.i would greatly appreciated, any help or advise that anyone could give me in relation to this matter.

yours kindly paul

[bobsch]

Here's tha spec sheet for the GX 270: Documentation

[jharvey407]

I built a nice machine to run Mach3. It's and 2.0 ghz AMD Athalon, ASUS mobo, 1GB ram, nVidia video card, Windows XP Pro.

It runs great.