What PC or Hardware Works Best for LinuxCNC?

forum.linuxcnc.org/18-computer/39371-res...or-use-with-linuxcnc

forum.linuxcnc.org/18-computer/54979-new-pc-build-asrock-n100dc

forum.linuxcnc.org/18-computer/57073-hp-...or-use-with-linuxcnc

forum.linuxcnc.org/18-computer/38838-har...ency-tests-used-pc-s

forum.linuxcnc.org/18-computer/54369-use...mesa-ethernet-boards
The thing with laptops is, despite getting the same exact model, still might not work. Happened to me only once, so it can happen.

It seems LinuxCNC runs great on the majority of PCs. I've had a lot of network and USB problems with several min-pc's I bought new, cheap, for around $100 USD. With desktop, gaming, or workstation type PCs you will find occasional models that refuse to cooperate but most work.

I've test run LinuxCNC on my GMKTek mini-pc with a Ryzen 7 5825U cpu, with good results, but I recall someone recently complaining about a similar model.

If you use 1-10 year old hardware I'd expect a good chance of success. But that number range is no strict rule in any way. I'm typing this on a ~11 year old pc that tested fine on LinuxCNC, currently running straight Debian 13. With a ~9 year old graphics card and 16GB RAM it is still very usable.

Even brand new less than 1 year old often works great, you just run a greater chance of not-yet-fully supported hardware.

A couple days ago I installed LinuxCNC on A Dell Precision T5820 for a customer, an 8 year old server grade workstation with massive overkill computing power. Everything works so far except the new 8-port non-branded network card bought separate from Amazon was junk.

I think the N100's will be OK but never tried them
If you want cheap, look for a surplus DELL or HP corporate desktop with an i5, 8 gb RAM, Intel NIC
I nearly bought a DELL the other day for AUD $80 (< USD $60)
I'd also look for 1080p video. I have had one here for ages and found out today it had a Displayport monitor output and I had even bought a VGA to HDMI adapter to use it! (that went in the bin)