Computer Considerations

navigate can be installed, opened, and developed on a mid-range laptop with at least 8 GB of RAM and a processor with two cores. For operating a microscope, however, a workstation or server-grade system is typically preferred because microscope control often requires multiple PCIe expansion cards (for example, DAQ, high-speed networking, and storage). Saving data at a reasonable rate will also require a fast SSD. The hardware configuration for an example microscope control machine is shown below.

Important

Scientific cameras are capable of rapidly generating large amounts of high-resolution data. As such, the read/write speed of the data storage device is critical for smooth operation of the software. For example, for a standard Hamamatsu camera with a 2048 x 2048 sensor, operating at 16-bit depth and 20 frames per second, the data save rate is approximately ~167 MB/s. While such capabilities are well within the capabilities of modern SSDs, they are beyond the capabilities of most HDDs. Therefore, it is recommended to use a fast SSD for data saving operations.

Important

Power and firmware settings are required for predictable runtime performance. Complete the Required Power/Firmware Settings checklist below, then follow Computer Power Configuration for full instructions and validation.

Required Power/Firmware Settings

Use this checklist before running production acquisitions:

  1. Set the Windows power plan to High performance (or Ultimate Performance when available).

  2. Under advanced power settings, set processor minimum and maximum states to 100% and set PCIe Link State Power Management to Off.

  3. Install platform chipset drivers and verify Intel(R) Management Engine Interface is present (for Intel platforms).

  4. Update BIOS/UEFI and system firmware to vendor-recommended versions.

  5. In BIOS/UEFI, keep Turbo and P-states enabled, and disable deep core/package C-states (or limit package C-state to C0/C1).

  6. Disable Node Interleaving where available to preserve NUMA-aware behavior.

For detailed steps, vendor caveats, and validation commands, see Computer Power Configuration.

Example Computer Configuration

  • Base Platform
  • Primary and Secondary CPU

    • CPU Model: Intel Xeon Silver 4215R

    • Configuration: 8 Cores / 16 Threads

    • Frequency: 3.2 GHz

    • Cache: 11 MB

    • TDP: 130W

    • Memory Support: 2400 MHz

  • Memory

    • Type: Registered ECC DDR4

    • Speed: 3200 MHz

    • Configuration: 16 GB per socket, 8 sockets per CPU

    • Total RAM: >64 GB (recommended)

  • Operating System Drive:

    • Type: M.2 NVMe SSD

    • Model: Micron 7450 Max

    • Capacity: 800 GB

    • Endurance: 3 DWPD

  • Primary Data Drive:

    • Type: NVMe SSD

    • Model: Samsung PM9A3

    • Capacity: 7.68 TB

    • Interface: U.2 Gen4

  • Secondary Data Drive:

    • Type: SATA HDD

    • Model: Seagate Exos X20

    • Capacity: 20 TB

    • Speed: 7200 RPM

    • Cache: 256 MB

    • Interface: SATA 6.0 Gb/s

  • Video Card

    • Model: PNY nVidia T1000

    • Memory: 4 GB

    • Interface: PCI Express

  • Network Interface

    • Model: Intel X710-T2L RJ45 Copper

    • Type: Dual Port 10GbE

    • Interface: PCI-E x 8

Note

The specifications listed are based on an example system configuration and can be adjusted based on specific needs and availability.