Intel atom D525MW?

Is the Intel D525MW still usable? I've seen lots of older posts saying that they have low latency but not sure if it will be ok for ethernet.

Looking to run two parallel ports with software step gen but may change to the Ethernet motion controller.

Would a J3355, be a better option?

While adequate, the D525 barely has enough horsepower to run a software stepped system with RTAI. I doubt that it could achieve decent latency with a Preempt-RT kernel needed for running an Ethernet card config. (But you never know until you try.)

Yes, a J3355 would probably be a much better choice.

Exactly, a D525 is pretty slow and can barely manage a 1 KHz servo thread with a Ethernet connected device and Preempt-RT

It is OK for a software (parallel port) step/dir system with RTAI
(or PCI/EPP connected hardware stepgens)

Ok thanks. Typical, theres a few D525's going for £20 on ebay where as the J3355 is £60-70

Is there a performance difference between a PCi motion card and Ethernet one. Ultimately looking to run servos

I have a few lathes and mills to update and looking to keep the PC's and controllers the same

There is no significant performance difference between the PCI/PCIE or
Ethernet interface cards.

The D525 is getting to be pretty old hardware and has been out of production for a while.

For most normal lathe and milling machine there isn't going to be any perceivable performance advantage of one over the other. However the real time kernel required to run the Ethernet cards tends to need a faster and newer motherboard and CPU. The RTAI kernels are not as processor intensive and runs fine on most hardware (including a lot of older marginal junk.)

Thanks Guys.
I like the idea of fan less, are there any other Mobos that fit the bill? or will most modern pc's be ok for the real time kernel?