Mastercam: System Requirements for Optimal Performance

System Requirements

See the table below for minimum and recommended system configurations for Mastercam. These recommendations are based on systems we have in use at CNC Software for testing and evaluation purposes. Our recommendation is to get as much power (processor, video card, and memory) for your systems as you can afford.

Minimum

Recommended

Windows 10 or Windows 11 64-bit Professional

Windows 10 (version 20H2 or later) 64-bit Professional

Processor

Intel® or AMD 64-bit processor, 2.4 GHz or faster

Intel i7 or Xeon® E3, Kaby Lake or later, 3.2GHz or faster

Memory

8-12 GB

32-64 GB

Video

OpenGL 3.2 and OpenCL 1.2 support with 1 GB memory. No onboard graphics.

NVIDIA RTX or AMD FirePro™ / Radeon Pro card with 4 GB (or higher) dedicated memory.

Monitor

1920 * 1080 resolution

1920 * 1080 resolution, dual monitors

Storage

Hard drive with at least 20 GB free USB and/or DVD drive (depending on installation media and licensing method)

Solid State Drive (SSD) with at least 20 GB free

3D Mouse

1920 * 1080 resolution

3Dconnexion 3D mouse

View Detailed Requirements and Suggestions

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Mastercam continues to review the operating system (OS) requirements to provide the best possible user experience for our customers. We recommend Windows Professional editions with all latest updates installed. While Mastercam may run on other Windows editions (such as Home Edition) or virtual environments (such as Parallels for Mac), it has not been tested on these configurations and is therefore not supported.

For Windows 10, we recommend version 22H2 64-bit Professional editions. Mastercam 2022 was the last release available for Windows 7 and 8.1. Mastercam 2023 and later fully support Windows 11.

PROCESSOR

The processor speed will impact how fast the software will calculate and complete tasks. With each release, more and more aspects of Mastercam are becoming multi-core processor aware. Toolpath calculation and Simulation will generally run faster with a multi-core processor. We typically see a 50% reduction in toolpath calculation time with the latest Intel processors.

MEMORY

When Mastercam uses all available RAM, it switches to using virtual memory space, which is stored on the hard drive, and will dramatically slow the system down. We recommend a minimum of 8 GB memory. For large toolpath generation and simulation, we recommend 32 GB of memory.

VIDEO

When purchasing a new computer for Mastercam, one of the most important components is the video card. We recommend an NVIDIA RTX or AMD FirePro™ / Radeon Pro card with 4 GB or more of memory. Other graphics cards can be used, but they must offer full OpenGL 3.2 and OpenCL 1.2 support. OpenCL is required for Mastercam to be able to redirect certain computation tasks to the graphics card to increase system performance.

We do not recommend or support the use of onboard graphics found with some PC configurations. These do not generally have the capability to drive graphics intensive applications such as Mastercam. Make sure you are using up-to-date drivers from your card manufacturer. We often see issues that are resolved with updated video drivers. The driver version can have a great impact on how the card performs. The latest drivers for NVIDIA and AMD can be found on their websites.

We recommend using the automatic detect feature to detect which video card is installed. More information on configuring the graphics card can be found at this Mastercam knowledge base article.

MONITOR

Most of our internal systems utilize dual monitors and we find this to be a more productive setup. Mastercam displays on the primary monitor while applications such as Mastercam Simulator and Code Expert use the secondary monitor. The minimum recommended resolution for the primary display is 1920 * 1080 resolution, typical of widescreen monitors available today.

Mastercam will run on lower resolution screens but beware of potential sizing issues with larger dialog boxes and panels which may be awkward to work with. Lower resolution monitors may work fine as a second monitor in a dual screen setup. Mastercam will run on large format displays, including 4K monitors and high-DPI devices, however, we do experience some display issues with these configurations.

STORAGE

We have found that one of the best computer upgrades is to invest in a Solid-State Drive (SSD). These drives are now priced at a point which makes them a good investment. Many of our test systems employ a smaller primary SSD for the OS and installed applications, with a second large capacity conventional drive for data.

3D MOUSE

A 3D mouse improves the way you interact with your 3D application. It is designed to be used by your non-dominant hand in tandem with a standard mouse for a balanced and cooperative work style. You gently manipulate the 3D mouse’s controller cap to simultaneously pan, zoom, and rotate 3D content while your standard mouse is free to select menu items or parts of the model. Additional technical and purchase information can be found on the 3Dconnexion website.

ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE

Most computers today have some type of anti-virus software to protect from unwanted malware. In some cases, the anti-virus software has been found to interfere with applications running on the computer, such as Mastercam. Mastercam does not recommend specific anti-virus products, but if you see unexpected issues, it may be a conflict with anti-virus software. Try temporarily disabling the anti-virus software or setting an exception for Mastercam.

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Understanding the Importance of System Requirements

Understanding the system requirements for Mastercam is crucial for users aiming to achieve optimal performance from their CNC machining software. By adhering to these requirements, users can ensure that their hardware is capable of supporting the software's functionalities, leading to improved efficiency and productivity in machining tasks.

These requirements typically include a compatible operating system, adequate processor speed, sufficient memory, and basic graphics capabilities. For instance, a minimum of 8-12 GB of RAM is essential, along with a processor clocked at 2.4 GHz or faster, ensuring that even basic functionalities are accessible without significant lag. This foundation allows users to leverage Mastercam's full potential, especially during complex operations.

Operating System Compatibility and Recommendations

Mastercam is designed to work optimally with specific operating systems, primarily Windows 10 and Windows 11. Users should ensure they are running the recommended versions to avoid compatibility issues that could hinder performance.

While Mastercam may run on other Windows editions or virtual environments, such configurations have not been tested and are therefore not supported. For Windows 10, it is advisable to use version 22H2 or later for the best user experience, as each release increasingly supports multi-core processor capabilities, enhancing overall performance.

Graphics Card Requirements for Mastercam

Having a compatible graphics card is vital for running Mastercam effectively, as it relies on advanced graphics capabilities for rendering and simulation tasks. The software requires a card that supports OpenGL 3.2 and OpenCL 1.2 to ensure smooth operation.

While the minimum requirement includes a graphics card with 1 GB of memory, using more advanced options, such as the NVIDIA RTX series, can significantly enhance rendering speeds and visual fidelity. This is particularly important for users working with complex 3D models, where high-performance graphics can prevent lags and crashes.

Impact of RAM on Software Performance

RAM plays a critical role in the performance of Mastercam, as it determines how much data can be processed at once. Insufficient RAM can lead to slow performance and increased reliance on virtual memory, which can drastically reduce efficiency.

For optimal performance, users are encouraged to have at least 32 GB of RAM, especially when handling complex designs. This ensures that Mastercam can operate smoothly without interruptions, allowing for a more productive workflow and reducing the likelihood of software crashes during intensive tasks.