Can someone advise on the best computer to purchase ?

I've been using Windows 10/ Mach3 on a custom built Plasma table for about five years, I've had two computers fail (slow old Pentium machines which were supplied with the plasma table). 

I then replaced the computer with a modern small footprint Acepc, this has been a nightmare and either a part (hdd/memory) fails or Windows does (it does nothing else apart from run cnc software and browse the internet / upload designed files to google drive).

Yesterday another failure and it's time to dump this machine for something reliable, HP Elitdesk/ Dell etc and hopefiully switch to Linuxcnc as well.

The plasma table is controlled by a UC100 to LPT convertor, I've no idea of the make/type of controller boards used in the table, but have posted a photograph of the boards below, maybe someone can tell me what they are ?

Given the above info, can anyone advise what would the best computer be to purchase to run LinuxCNC (and maybe dual boot to Windows).

Because the UC100 has a USB connection its not suitable for Linuxcnc as USB is not yet real time.
A Mesa 7i96s is the most popular interface (via ethernet) for small PC's

Before you give up on your small PC, try these instructions to install Debian Bookworm. New PC's are not well supported in earlier versions.
docs.google.com/document/d/1jeV_4VKzVmOI...diY/edit?usp=sharing
I just updated this to use the lated Debian Bookworm Release candidate 2

Linux should be able to dual boot Windows from the GRUB menu if installed after Windows.

Generally I would try anything with a Celeron J1900 or later or i3/i5, 4 Gb RAM.ONe untested PC is the MSI Cubi 5 10 with i3 or i5. It looks good on paper. It uses an Intel Network interface which is desirable. BE sure to follow the steps in the man h2-eth page.
 

Thank you so much, the google doc is a great help, I'll use those instructions to build a virtual machine first so i can get the feel of the software.

The UC100 connect sto a parallel lead (as I'm sure you know), would i be able to connect that straight to a pc with a parallel card fitted ?.

The controller appears to be three 2M542 , could i modify this to use a Mesa 7i96s ?.

Sorry, I dont know anything about controller cards and their connections etc so just trying to figure out how to connect the table to computer.

I'm probably going to order something like an HP elitebook or Dell Optiplex I've had success turning both in to Hackintoshes and they are both reliable and quick (but if you think thats the wrong decision, please say so).

Thanks for your advice, very much appreciated.

I'm using 9100f +rx580+itx mainboard.Jeeter is better than 12th i7.