How much HP do you need

[Fred W. Hargis Jr]

in a computer to run a CNC. My biggest problem with getting into CNCis the purchase of a Windows computer. We've been a Mac household for probably 30 years now and I do not want to go back to Windows. But if you do CNC you're pretty much stuck with Windows (or another more exotic platform). So if I went to a Pawn shop or used computer store looking for something to use strictly for CNC what processor do I set as a minimum, and how much memory (RAM and storage) is needed for the same minimum. I was kinda of hoping AI would be helping out with this but maybe that won't happen, at least not right away. They're too busy cloning voices and doing fake people stuff.

[difalkner]

Seems like my computer for the CNC is at least 10 years old, probably an i5 with 16GB RAM, running Windows 7 (all that is from memory; power is out with the tornado coming through the area so I can't go power it up to verify).  I'm running Mach4 and this computer runs it just fine so you could probably find someone upgrading to a newer computer and be ok with their old one. This computer, my main desktop, is an i9 beast and is on a UPS so that's why I can use it right now.

 

Edit - Power came back on so I checked; missed it just a bit.  The computer has only 8GB RAM and is running Win 7 Home Premium.  It's an AMD 2.6GHz processor.

Edited July 8, 2024 by difalkner

[honesttjohn]

Doesn't take that much.  Just use it for a dedicated machine - with no internet or other hookups.  My Probotix, which you should buy, came with it's own computer and Linux operatiing system.  Just load a thumbdrive with your gcode file and set the right post processor, plug it in and hit go.   Only question is what software are you going to use.  I don't believe Vectric supports Mac.  Don't know about the others.  You need to make a trip up and see your newest "tool" in action.

Edited July 8, 2024 by honesttjohn

[difalkner]

Have you ever bought from Woot?  They're now owned by Amazon and I have bought from them probably 30-40 times, each time with success for the items purchased.

 

Here's a listing of their desktop computers sorted low to high - Woot Computers

[Grandpadave52]

5 hours ago, honesttjohn said:

My Probotix, which you should buy

5 hours ago, honesttjohn said:

You need to make a trip up and see your newest "tool" in action.

[honesttjohn]

Fred wants to jump in but he's just a little nervous. 

 

 

[Fred W. Hargis Jr]

Yeah, I am nervous. I have such disdain for learning new computer programs I'm afraid I'll spend the money only to find out it's of no interest me at all. Since this wouldn't be all that small an investment, I'm walking on eggshells. If things were such that I could away from home for any length of time I'd drive up to Detroit and watch you put one to work, but that's not possible...at least for some time.

Edited July 9, 2024 by Fred W. Hargis Jr

[honesttjohn]

I can make you a video or two.

 

You've expressed too much interest for too long of a time to not be ready.  If a retired trucker like me can make a few simple things then I'm sure a smart man like you could tear it up.

[Fred W. Hargis Jr]

Well, I appreciate the offer but I'm still really on the fence. But following up o Dave's post earlier, I did find Dell has a sale on for I7 laptops....but they still aren't free, and I still cringe thinking I would own a Windows 'puter.

[difalkner]

1 hour ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

I still cringe thinking I would own a Windows 'puter

It's still just ones and zeros but with different clothes on. 

[lew]

@Steve Krumanaker

[Steve Krumanaker]

Buying a windows machine doesn't have to break the bank. I bought a mini computer off Amazon. The one I bought is $179.00 right now.

KAMRUI Mini PC Windows 11, AK1 PRO 12GB RAM 256GB SSD Mini Desktop Computer, Celeron N5105 CPU, 4 Core Micro PC Computer, Desktop PC 4K, Support 2.5’’ SSD, 2.4G/ 5.0G WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet, HTPC

 

I don't run a CNC but I run two lasers simultaneously with it often. What takes a powerful machine is the cad program which you could probably still do on your Mac. This computer is bare bones in that it doesn't come with a monitor or mouse and keyboard. Any old TV or monitor with an hdmi input will work though and a wireless mouse and keyboard are about 20 bucks at Walmart.

[honesttjohn]

Couldn't resist.

[Grandpadave52]

5 hours ago, honesttjohn said:

Couldn't resist

[KevTN]

Can't you run a Windows enviroment on a Mac? (sorry late to the party crazy work). Min of 16 ram, but one thing many fail is the video card. I'm running mine on an Old HP with 16 RAM, but thinking Christmas upgrade.