Time for a new computer

[Tim Lucas]

The computer I have in the shop running my bot is almost dead, when I power it up sometimes it will not make it through the boot cycle.

So here is my question - I am not getting a very good speed test with this computer - what should I look for in USB setup to get good speeds in a new (used) computer?

I am thinking I need at least a I5 and am hoping to find an windows XP system.

Thanks for the help
Tim

[jerry_stanek]

If you just run the bot and have partworks or a Vectric product on it to adjust your files then you don't need a supper fast computer. I am running mine on an HP core 2 pentium and have never had a com error. I did have all kinds of errors when I tried to run it with a Dell I tried 4 different Dells as we had them and they all gave me problems. I had an old HP that ran it fine before it gave up the ghost and that is when I tried the Dells. Went back to an HP and no more problems. I got it from Microcenter for $149

[ckurak]

A question on this same topic...

Has anyone tried Windows 8 on a laptop for running their ShopBot? I have a PRT12060 (circa 2004) that I am running with Windows 7 Home Premium on a laptop. (It replaced the desktop PC that died of old age.) It works fine. But I also need to use the same laptop for sales calls. I would like to get an inexpensive laptop for the CNC, but the only ones I see with a lower price have Windows 8. I've heard not so nice things about Windows 8, so I am concerned.


Ideas, please?

[Davo]

I run my Shopbot with windows 8 on a surface 3 tablet, flawless performance and that tablet is powerful plus extremely portable

I use aspire on it and run it with 7x resolution for the model - zero hesitation - super fast - fast tool pathing

My boot up time on it is under 10 seconds from pressing the power button

Wouldn't choose a desktop over it in a million years

[Tim Lucas]

If you just run the bot and have partworks or a Vectric product on it to adjust your files then you don't need a supper fast computer. I am running mine on an HP core 2 pentium and have never had a com error. I did have all kinds of errors when I tried to run it with a Dell I tried 4 different Dells as we had them and they all gave me problems. I had an old HP that ran it fine before it gave up the ghost and that is when I tried the Dells. Went back to an HP and no more problems. I got it from Microcenter for $149

Hi Jerry,

The computer I have now is an old Pentium and I know it is fast enough but my speed is way slow - when I run the test "Transmission Efficiency" is at 55 and it says it should be around 70 for full speed, so either the processor or the bus is slow.
I have read all the bad stuff about dells with bots also so I will be looking at another HP - I am just not sure if I need to look at something special on the USB setup.

[Tim Lucas]

A question on this same topic...

Has anyone tried Windows 8 on a laptop for running their ShopBot? I have a PRT12060 (circa 2004) that I am running with Windows 7 Home Premium on a laptop. (It replaced the desktop PC that died of old age.) It works fine. But I also need to use the same laptop for sales calls. I would like to get an inexpensive laptop for the CNC, but the only ones I see with a lower price have Windows 8. I've heard not so nice things about Windows 8, so I am concerned.


Ideas, please?

Sorry, I cant help there - I am running XP

[jerry_stanek]

My speed was in the 80's with my old HP now I run the newer software and I am not sure what it is as the new software uses a different speed reading and I haven't checked lately. I did check when I first hooked it up and it was in the good range