We suggest using a Beelink EQI12 mini i3, i5, or i7 and a Touch Screen LCD display with 16:9 aspect ratio (1920x1080 preferred as the CNC12 software is a perfect fit at this size.)

You can purchase an Intel NUC from Centroid with Windows pre configured for CNC use and Centroid Acorn Free Mill, Router, Plasma and Lathe CNC software preloaded ready to run on a CNC here: https://shopcentroidcnc.com/shop/cnc-accessories/mini-cncpc/

But if you want to build or use your own CNCPC, here are the Centroid Primary CNCPC requirements:

1. AVOID laptops, Atom-based CPUs, and ARM-based CPUs.
   • Modern laptops often meet minimum requirements, but aggressive sleep/hibernation settings can trigger mid-job. These settings may disable USB and Ethernet adapters, interrupting communication with the CNC controller and accessories. Most modern laptops also ship without Ethernet adapters, which are required for CNC control boards.
   • Atom-based CPUs will not run CNC12.
   • ARM-based CPUs can run CNC12 through Microsoft emulation, but this is unsupported.
2. The multi-core CPU must have at least a SINGLE CORE benchmark of 1500 (mills, routers, lasers, plasma, and required for lathes). You can look up a CPU's single-core benchmark using this website. Do not confuse multi-core benchmarks with single-core benchmarks. The Centroid CNC PC Tuner will test the PC's performance automatically.
   • http://cpubenchmark.net/singleThread.html
   • Resources for affordable CNC-capable PCs:
     • https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/diy_cnc_gear.html
     • https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=1914
   • * Be sure to run the Centroid CNC PC Tuner and follow TB309.
3. An SSD (solid state drive). Only Intel or Samsung SSDs are recommended. Do not use mechanical hard drives.
4. A minimum of 4 GB of RAM. More is better.
5. Configure Windows 10/11 for CNC use. Run the Centroid CNC PC Tuner and follow TB309.
6. An Ethernet port (not a USB-to-Ethernet adapter), and install the latest hardware manufacturer drivers.
7. A 1920x1080 LCD monitor. 1920x1080 (HD) is required for the Virtual Control Panel. Other 16:9 resolutions will work but may be scaled. 4:3 monitors are only supported without VCP. Touch screens are optional; resistive touch screens work best in CNC environments. See: resistive touch screens.

A discussion of affordable PCs that meet these requirements:
http://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=2794

Secondary considerations — use high quality components such as:

1. An Asus NUC, formerly Intel NUC, makes an excellent CNC PC when meeting minimum performance requirements.
2. An SSD is far more reliable and vibration-resistant than a mechanical hard drive, and significantly faster.
3. A touch screen LCD display. 16:9 at 1920x1080 works best for the Virtual Operator Control Panel. 4:3 monitors will not work with VCP controls.
4. Internet access for remote support via TeamViewer, using Wi-Fi or Ethernet (requires second Ethernet port).
5. If not using a NUC, use a high-quality motherboard such as Gigabyte or Asus with solid capacitors.
6. If not using a NUC, use a high-quality Antec or Coolermaster power supply, minimum 450 watts.
7. A clean Windows 10 installation (formatted drive, no bloatware, antivirus disabled, firewall off), containing only Windows and Centroid CNC11 or CNC12 software. Follow the Windows 10 CNC configuration video or PDF. Windows must be set to USA English regional and numeric format.

Additional discussion: http://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=2794