Computer and LinuxCNC latency test

Hi gurus,

I'm looking for a computer and one of my relatives is selling a cheap ass computer, complete with all accessories.
Is there a way to create a stand alone USB support for testing the latency without having to do a full install on the computer ?

BTW i dont know a thing about Linux, so nothing too complicated would be nice

EDIT:

It's a Gigabyte GA-MA 74 GMT-S2 mobo AMD ATHLON 2ghZ and 2go DDR3 + 500go WD hdd ,in a mini ATX format


EDIT 4th March 20, updated the topic Subject to follow the evolution

Pick one,
forum.linuxcnc.org/9-installing-linuxcnc...ith-linuxcnc?start=0
by the end is the last version of it, but you should get the RT and the RTAI versions, in case the PC has a parallel port that you want to use.

Tnx tommy, i have mesa 7i96 so i'm going for the ethernet solution

i still need the RTAI for ethernet or the RT is enough ?

i've been reading through this : linuxcnc.org/docs/html/config/stepconf.html#latency-test

but there is no indication on what software to run for the latency test

You can't use an RTAI kernel with a Mesa Ethernet card.

jay1st wrote: i've been reading through this : linuxcnc.org/docs/html/config/stepconf.html#latency-test

but there is no indication on what software to run for the latency test

Open a terminal and use this command
latency-histogram —novas

As for which version, forum.linuxcnc.org/9-installing-linuxcnc...cnc?start=110#158899

I think he meant

Ok, so i gave it a spin, 32Go USB drive, no name brand i guess, LIVE Linux running on my current PC (my home PC running W10) and here are the results

26µ secs with a bunch of firefox windows and youtube full screen in full HD

I'm going to try on my MSI laptop that's been sleeping in the attic for 3 years , still has an i7 in it though

Todd Zuercher wrote: You can't use an RTAI kernel with a Mesa Ethernet card.

So you mean for a MESA 7i96 i cant run an RTAI kernel ? what kernel should i use then ?
Keep in mind i'm only discovering Linux with all the kernel RT RTAI and preempt gibberrish............

And this is the HAL latency test