As an illustration we cover here basic computer setups that can be used as a basis for ordering computers.
Baseline Windows/Linux PC
This is the type of computer we use for most purposes. It provides a very nice price/performance ratio, and can handle a large range of uses.
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- Memory: 4GB RAM
- Hard disk: 320GB
- Graphics: NVidia GTX 650 512MB or AMD Radeon HD 7850
- Operating system: Windows 7/8 64-bits or Ubuntu Linux 64 bits
4-Cell Windows/Linux application PC
For driving multiple displays, we select a stronger computer, now with multiple graphics cards to drive up to 4 displays at once.
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- Memory: At least 6GB RAM
- Hard disk: 750GB
- Graphics: AMD Radeon FirePro with at least 4 mini-DisplayPort outputs
- Operating system: Windows 7/8 64-bits or Ubuntu Linux 64 bits
- Other: Active mini-DP to DVI adaptors
See also tips on setting up multiple graphics cards on Linux and issues related to using AMD GPUs to drive large display arrays.
12-Cell Windows/Linux application PC
For driving multiple displays, we select a stronger computer, now with multiple graphics cards to drive up to 12 displays at once.
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- Memory: 12GB RAM
- Hard disk: 750GB
- Graphics: 2 x AMD Radeon FirePro with 6 outputs each
- Motherboard: A motherboard with space for the 2 GPUs
- Operating system: Windows 7/8 64-bits or Ubuntu Linux 64 bits
- Other: Active mini-DP to DVI adaptors
24-Cell Windows/Linux application PC
For driving multiple displays, we just add graphics cards to drive up to 24 displays at once.
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- Memory: 12GB RAM
- Hard disk: 750GB
- Graphics: 4 x AMD Radeon FirePro with 6 outputs each
- Motherboard: A motherboard with space for the 4 GPUs
- Operating system: Windows 7/8 64-bits or Ubuntu Linux 64 bits
- Other: Active mini-DP to DVI adaptors
- Note: You will need a server-size case to accommodate the 4 dual-slot GPUs
See also:
Laptop (Mac)
Apple laptops go well together with MultiTouch CornerStone. For this purpose one can use a base-line MacBook Pro, with for example:
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- Memory: 4GB RAM
- Hard disk: 200GB
- Graphics: NVidia or AMD
- Operating system: OS X Mountain Lion
Laptop (PC/Linux)
The field of PC-style laptops offers all kinds of choices. The level of hardware support varies between the units, so your mileage may vary. Typical setup could be:
- Processor: Intel Core i3 or i5
- Memory: At least 4GB RAM
- Hard disk: 200GB
- Graphics: Discrete GPU from nVidia or AMD
- Operating system: Windows 7/8 64-bits or Ubuntu Linux 64 bits