Hi, newbie here with serious confusion. I am trying to determine exactly what kind of graphics card I need to set a computer up to run this machine. The requirements for Sketchup7 say 3D class video card with 512+MB memory. The requirements for Mach3 say Non-Integrated video card with 32MB of ram. I am going to put together ONE pc to run Sketchup and Mach3, so what kind of video card do I need to put into this PC? Sorry for being a bozo, but it is all confusing to me since each of these items require a different kind of video card (or do they?) Will ONE video card run both sketchup and Mach3 and if so, what should it be? I will appreciate any help I can get here. I need to know before I begin shopping for pc stuff. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance...

Chuck,
...somewhere in Indiana...

 

Those specs are simply the minimum... use the 512MB as your base. If you have that, you are good to go.

 

Okay, thanks. That helps. One question though. What do they mean by Non-Intregated video card for the Mach3 stuff. I am pretty dumb here, so if I just set up a computer with 512 capability, should it be integrated (whatever that is) or non-integrated (whatever that is)? So, essentially, does one video cared take care of sketchup7 AND Mach3? By now, you must be noticing how computer dumb I am. I really appreciate your help with this. Thanks a million.

Chuck
...somewhere in Indiana...

 

onboard video means the video processor chip is on your motherboard or main board as some call it.

Newer PC's are typically using PCI express slots for adding additional video cards. Some PC's may be using PCI slots or a VGA slot.

It all depends on what your mother board supports as to which type of video card will fit in it.

 

I think I finally got it! Thanks to all of you for your replies.

Chuck
...somewhere in Indiana...