Recommended Computer Specifications for QImaging Cameras
To ensure compatibility with the most current and advanced computer platforms and operating systems, QImaging tests its cameras with a variety of computers to ensure best compatibility and performance.
The following outlines QImaging's recommendations based on recent tests and customer experiences. Also provided are computers that are not recommended with QImaging cameras.
Computer Recommendations for QImaging Cameras
Recommended Computers
Dell Computers
QImaging has found the following Dell products provide high reliability for microscopy computer systems:
- Precision
- XPS
- Alienware
Computers Not Recommended
Dell Computers
QImaging recommends avoiding these "budget" Dell models due to consistent use of low-performance parts:
- Optiplex
- Vostro
Gateway Computers
In general, customers using Gateway computers reported they experienced stability and high speed acquisition issues on a regular basis. QImaging recommends avoiding Gateway computers for use as high performance microscopy workstations.
Recommended Computer Specifications:
Operating Systems
- Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (32/64 bit)
- Windows Vista (32/64 bit)
- Windows 7 (32/64 bit)
CPU/Processor
2.0 GHz or faster Intel processor of these brands:
- Core 2 Duo (E-series)
- Core 2 Quad (Q-series)
- Core 2 Extreme
- Xeon
- Core i5
- Core i7
Note: The notebook/laptop editions of these processors are inferior to their desktop counterparts and are not guaranteed the same performance.
Furthermore, all Core i3 processors have a small onboard cache and an integrated graphics adapter- these two factors combined yield poor streaming performance for real-time devices like QImaging's scientific cameras. As a result, Core i3 processors are not recommended.
Basic Components
- >250 GB Serial ATA (SATA) HDD
and/or >64 GB Solid State Drive (SDD) for high-speed imaging and storage - 2+ GB of RAM/Memory
- 256+ MB greater slot-based ATI/nVidia video graphics card
(i.e. not an "onboard/integrated graphics" adapter)
