We suggest using a Beelink EQI12 mini i3, i5or, 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:

a.)  AVOID Laptops, Atom-based CPUs, and ARM-based CPUs.

• Modern Laptops will meet or often exceed our minimum requirements, however, most Laptop Manufacturers have aggressive sleep/hibernation settings that can trigger mid-job. These settings may also disable USB and Ethernet adapters, interrupting communication with the CNC controller and accessories. Also most modern laptops are now being shipped without Ethernet adapters, which are required to connect the CNC Control Board to your CNCPC.
• Atom-based CPUs will not run CNC12.
• ARM-based CPUs can run CNC12 through an emulation layer provided by Microsoft but this is an unsupported configuration at this time.

b.) The multi core PC CPU must have at least a SINGLE CORE minimum benchmark of 1500 (mills, routers, lasers plasma and now required for lathes as well).  This is any one core of the multi cores rating.   You can look up a single core CPU's benchmark # using this website. Don't mistake the Multi Core Bench mark for the Single Core benchmark of a given CPU. Use the link below for proper single core rating. The new Centroid CNC PC Tuner app will test the PC's performance for you and let you know if the PC is good for CNC control use.

http://cpubenchmark.net/singleThread.html

Resources for cheap PC's that will work as a CNC PC

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 to configure the PC for CNC use and follow the directions in TB309 for the rest of the steps needed.

c.) An SSD (solid state drive)  We only recommend Intel or Samsung SSD’s. Do not use mechanical hard drives.

d.) A minimum of 4 GB of Ram. More is better.

e.) Configure Windows 10/11 for CNC use. Run the Centroid CNC PC Tuner to configure the PC for CNC use and follow the directions in TB309 for the rest of the steps needed.

f.) an Ethernet port (not a USB to Ethernet adapter!), and update to latest hardware manufactures drivers.

g.) A 1920x1080 LCD monitor. 1920x1080 (HD) is required if you intend to use the Centroid Virtual Control Panel., other sizes with a 16:9 aspect ratio will work but screens may be shrunk to fit. Square 4:3 monitors are only for use with CNC12 without the VCP. A touch screen is not required to run Centroid CNC software ( a mouse works just fine) but, a touch screen does work with Centroid CNC software. If you want to use a touch screen the best ones to use in a CNC environment are resistive touch type screens.

A discussion of affordable PC's that meet the requirements on the Centroid Tech Support Forum.

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

Secondary considerations, Use high quality components such as:

a.) An Intel NUC makes a great CNC PC. If you are supplying your own CNC PC we recommend that it meets the Centroid minimum performance requirements.

b.) A SSD is more reliable than a mechanical hard drive. An SSD has no moving parts, which allows it to withstand years of machine tool vibration which is important if the CNCPC is directly attached to the machine tool. An SSD is also much faster than a regular mechanical hard drive.

c.) A Touch Screen LCD display. 16:9 aspect with 1920x1080 resolution works best for use with the Centroid on screen Virtual Operator Control Panel. 4:3 monitors will NOT work with the on screen VCP operator controls.

d.) Internet connection for remote support thru TeamViewer. Internet connection can be achieve via Wifi or Ethernet cable (requires 2nd Ethernet port)

e.) If not using a NUC, use a high quality mother board like a Gigabyte or Asus motherboard with solid capacitors for reliability.

f.) If not using a NUC, Use a high quality Antec or Coolmaster PC Power supply for reliability,  minimum 450 watt rating.

g.) A Clean Windows 10 installation. (Clean = starting with a formatted hard drive) with NO bloatware, no virus protection, firewalls off etc.  just Windows and Centroid cnc11 or 12 software. Follow this Windows 10 configuration for CNC PC use instructional video. or PDF... Windows 10 should be set on USA English numbering system and region should be USA so number formats (periods in stead of commas) are correct for CNC12, and you will need a USA keyboard

A discussion of affordable PC's that meet the requirements on the Centroid Tech Support Forum.

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