System Requirements
System requirements are a complex problem. How many pieces of Lego do you need to make a car? It depends on the model you're planning on working with. If you are considering whether or not you can run an application, use the application-specific tables at the bottom of this topic:
If you are considering or advocating for the purchase of a new system, please read the rest of this article or contact us as we'll be more than happy to help.
Quick Answer (What to buy)
The single most important purchasing decision
Try to purchase a system that can have either 64gb or 128gb of RAM installed, even if you do not initially plan to install this much. Most components can be updated reasonably easily, but the ability to install more RAM is often limited to 32 GB with many consumer computers.
Desktop
If you have no need to travel with the computer, purchase a desktop. Your cost and performance will be much better.
Parts (DIY)
Use our saved part lists on PC Part Picker here for some examples in various price categories.
Prebuilt systems
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Lenovo - The ThinkCentre M90t
Laptops
Prebuilt systems
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Dell - The "Precision" range
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Lenovo - Particularly "P series" laptops
System components to consider
RAM (Memory)
Basically you either have enough or you do not have enough for the application processes you are running. As long as the system you purchase allows you to upgrade your memory you will be OK. Try to purchase a system that allows 64gb or 128gb of RAM even if you do not initially install this much.
Note that installing more RAM into a machine that is not limited by it (e.g. going from 32gb to 64gb in a simple model) will not improve performance.
Approximate impact of insufficient memory
Performance can be anywhere from 5 to 20 times slower once memory capacity is reached.
CPU
The more you spend the faster it will be, but there is a point of diminishing returns depending on the type of work you are doing.
Approximate CPU Performance Impact
Assuming a mid-level Intel i5 processor is 100% of possible performance, this table is a rough estimate of the performance gains by getting different CPUs.
| Examples: Work Undertaken | Intel i3 | Intel i5 | Intel i7 | Intel i9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source or Desination Scheduling | 70% | 100% | 120% | 130% |
| Haulage Network or Design work | 50% | 100% | 200% | 300% |
| Data Flows | 50% | 100% | 200% | 300% |
Graphics Card
The most important component of a graphics card is the amount of memory. Similarly to RAM, your application will either have enough or it will not.
Hard Drive
This should be an SSD (not mechanical). The hard drive will affect save and load times.
Approximate Hard Drive impact on model load
| Mechanical | SSD | NVMe |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | 100% | 130% |
Monitors
We would highly recommend the use of at least 2 monitors.
Laptop docks
Ensure that any laptop dock that is used does not use "DisplayLink" technology. Check with the manufacturer to determine what technology is used. DisplayLink technology does not work well with OpenGL software products and several other common mining software products.
System Requirement Tables
As mentioned in the introduction, these are a guide only. Performance on specific models may vary wildly even with the recommend specification.
Micromine Spry
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10/ Windows 11 with the latest service pack | |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 or AMD Phenom X3 8750 | Intel Core i7 |
| GPU Memory | 2 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM or more |
| System Memory | 8 GB RAM | 64 GB RAM |
| HDD | 10 GB free space | SSD type HDD |
| Resolution | 1650x1050 or 1600x1200 minimum display resolution | |
| Additional Hardware Dependencies | ADSL or above internet connection (for installation, updates and USB HASP Key synchronisation) | |
| Additional Software Dependencies | Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8, Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable Packages (x64) and SafeNet HASP HL Device Driver  |