DTF Printing Computer Requirements | PrintFactory RIP | LINKO
1. Overview
A LINKO printing computer normally runs two applications on the same computer: RIP software and printer control software. The printer control software is PrintExp or PM. This guide refers to it as the control software. LINKO commonly uses PrintFactory RIP, so this guide uses PrintFactory RIP as the example RIP software.
PrintFactory RIP processes print jobs. The control software receives the jobs and controls the printer. The computer must meet the requirements of both applications.
All RIP settings, steps, and notes in this guide refer to PrintFactory RIP.
This guide combines the relevant requirements. Prepare the computer for your actual use. You do not need to check each software requirement separately.
Each printer uses one printing computer. In special cases, two printers with different main boards can share one computer. LINKO confirms this setup during configuration. You do not need to decide this yourself.
This guide applies to LINKO DTF printers. Use a 64-bit Windows system for the printing computer.
PrintFactory RIP can send a print job to the control software in two ways. File Mode creates a print file first. TCP/IP Mode sends print data directly. These modes do not change the basic computer configuration. They require different storage or network conditions. See Sections 3.3 and 3.4.
Follow this order to prepare the printing computer:
Confirm the use case (Section 2) → Determine computer requirements (Section 3) → Check and set up the computer (Section 4) → Install the software
Use Section 5 only when adding equipment, upgrading or replacing the computer, or reinstalling Windows later.
2. Confirm the Use Case
All customers first use Section 3.1 to determine the basic computer configuration.
If any of the following apply, also follow Section 3.2 for higher workload requirements:
- You use the printer and cutter together;
- You need to process two or more print jobs at the same time;
- You need to process new print jobs while the printer is printing.
If none of these apply, skip Section 3.2.
3. Determine the Computer Requirements
Complete this section in three steps.
- First, use Section 3.1 for the basic configuration.
- If Section 2 applies, also follow Section 3.2.
- Then use Section 3.3 or 3.4 based on the output mode.
3.1 Computer Configuration Requirements
This section applies to all LINKO printing computers.
| Item | Existing Computer Minimum | New Computer Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 version 1809 or later, 64-bit; or Windows 11, 64-bit | Windows 11 Pro, 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5; Intel Core i7 recommended | Intel Core i7; 12th generation or newer recommended |
| Memory | 8 GB; upgrading to 16 GB strongly recommended | 16 GB; 32 GB recommended if the budget allows |
| Storage | 512 GB solid-state drive (SSD) | 1 TB or larger NVMe M.2 SSD |
| Display Resolution | 1920 × 1080 | 1920 × 1080 or higher |
Important Notes
- The “Existing Computer Minimum” column only shows whether an existing computer can install and run the software.
- When buying a new computer, follow the “New Computer Requirements” column.
- 8 GB of RAM can run both applications. However, large files process much more slowly. RAM upgrades are low-cost, so upgrading to 16 GB is strongly recommended.
- 16 GB meets normal printing needs on a new computer. If the budget allows, choose 32 GB. It helps with large files, multiple print jobs, and a higher workload later.
- On an existing computer with Intel Core i5, RIP processing is noticeably slower than with Intel Core i7. When replacing the computer, follow the “New Computer Requirements” column.
- Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Use Windows 11 for a new computer.
- Do not use a virtual machine as a LINKO printing computer. LINKO does not provide technical support for virtual-machine environments.
If any condition in Section 2 applies, continue to Section 3.2. Otherwise, go directly to Section 3.3 or 3.4.
3.2 Computer Requirements for Higher Workloads
This section applies when:
- You use the printer and cutter together;
- You need to process two or more print jobs at the same time;
- You need to process new print jobs while the printer is printing.
Add the following requirements to Section 3.1:
| Item | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | An existing computer must use Intel Core i7. Intel Core i5 is not suitable for higher workloads. |
| Memory | An existing computer must use 16 GB or more. 8 GB is not suitable for higher workloads. |
After completing this section, continue to Section 3.3 or 3.4.
3.3 File Mode Additional Requirements
File Mode first creates a print file in a specified folder on the computer. The control software then reads the file from that folder.
File Mode is suitable when:
- You need to create and keep a print file before the control software reads it;
- You want to keep print files for later reprinting.
Prepare the following in addition to the basic configuration:
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Output Folder Location | Use the computer’s internal SSD. |
| Print File Storage | Store print files on the task partition. Delete files that are no longer needed when space runs low. |
| Drive Partitions | Divide the drive into a system partition and a task partition. This prevents print files from filling the system partition. For a 1 TB drive, use about 300 GB for the system partition and about 700 GB for the task partition. |
| Folder Permissions | The current Windows account must have read and write access to the folder. |
| Do Not Use | USB flash drives, external drives, or Desktop and Documents folders synced by OneDrive or other cloud services. |
With a 512 GB existing computer, you need to clear print files more frequently.
For long-term use with many print files, use a larger drive, or add a separate drive for print files.
Note: After setting the output folder, do not move, delete, or rename it. Otherwise, PrintFactory RIP or the control software cannot find the print files.
For output folder settings, see Set the PrintFactory Print File Output Path.
After this section, continue to Section 4 to check and set up the computer.
3.4 TCP/IP Mode Additional Requirements
TCP/IP Mode sends print data directly to the control software. It does not create a local print file. Keep the control software open when sending a print job.
TCP/IP Mode is suitable when:
- You do not need to keep local print files;
- You want to reduce manual print-file importing.
Prepare the following in addition to the basic configuration:
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Connection Method | Connect the printer directly to the computer with an Ethernet cable. Do not use a router or switch. |
| Ethernet Speed | Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB-to-Ethernet Adapter | If the computer has no Ethernet port, or the Ethernet port is already in use, use a USB 3.0-to-Gigabit Ethernet adapter to connect the printer directly. |
| Control Software | Keep it open when sending a print job. |
For IP address and connection parameter settings, see Set PrintFactory TCP/IP Mode.
After this section, continue to Section 4 to check and set up the computer.
4. Check and Set Up the Computer
Check the actual configuration of both existing and new computers. Compare it with the Section 3.1 table. If Section 2 applies, also check Section 3.2.
First check Sections 4.1 and 4.2. For TCP/IP Mode, also check Section 4.3. If the computer meets the requirements, go to Section 4.5. If not, follow Section 4.4, and then go to Section 4.5.
4.1 Check the Windows Version, Processor, and Memory
- Open Windows “Settings”.
- Go to “System” →”About”.
- Check “Windows edition”, “System type”, “Processor”, and “Installed RAM”.
“System type” must show“64-bit operating system”.
4.2 Check the Drive Type and Capacity
- Press Windows + X.
- Click “Task Manager”.
- Go to “Performance” → “Disk”.
- Check the drive type and capacity.
The printing computer must use an SSD. For a new computer, use an NVMe M.2 SSD when possible.
4.3 Check the Ethernet Port
Only check this item when using TCP/IP Mode.
Confirm that the computer has a Gigabit Ethernet port for direct printer connection. If using a USB-to-Gigabit Ethernet adapter, use a USB 3.0 or newer port.
Complete the Windows power and network adapter settings in Section 4.5.
4.4 If the Computer Does Not Meet the Requirements
Follow the table below. After correction, continue to Section 4.5.
| Check Item | If It Does Not Meet the Requirement |
|---|---|
| Windows Version or System Type | Upgrade to 64-bit Windows 11, or replace the computer. |
| Processor | Replace the computer. For higher workloads, also replace a computer that uses Intel Core i5. |
| Memory | Add RAM, or replace the computer. |
| Drive Type | Add or replace the SSD. |
| Drive Capacity | Clear drive space, or add another SSD. |
| Display Resolution | Replace the monitor, or connect a monitor with 1920 × 1080 or higher resolution. |
| Gigabit Ethernet Port | Add a USB 3.0-to-Gigabit Ethernet adapter. |
Before replacing the computer, read Section 5.2.
4.5 Complete the Computer Settings Before Software Installation
Complete the following settings before installing PrintFactory RIP and the control software.
| Setting | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Windows Account | Sign in with an administrator account. |
| Windows Update | Complete Windows updates, then restart the computer. |
| Date and Time | Confirm the date, time, and time zone are correct. |
| System Partition Free Space | Keep at least 50 GB free. |
| Windows Power and Network Adapter Settings | Follow Windows Disconnection Protection Settings. These settings stop the computer from sleeping. They also stop Windows from turning off the printer network adapter. |
| Security Software | Complete the settings in Windows Firewall, Real-Time Protection, and Allowlist Settings. |
| Internet Connection | The computer can access the internet for software activation and remote technical support. |
Use the printing computer mainly for print production. Do not install unrelated large applications, games, or video-editing software. Do not run heavy downloads or sync tasks while printing.
After completing these settings, install PrintFactory RIP and the control software. LINKO remote assistance is recommended for the first installation. You can also use the LINKO website guides:
- PrintFactory RIP: See PrintFactory Software Installation and License Activation.
- Control software: See Install PrintExp or Install PM.
5. When to Recheck or Replace the Computer
You do not need this section during the initial setup. Use it later if any of the following occurs.
5.1 When to Recheck the Configuration
Recheck the computer against Section 3 if any of the following occurs:
- You add a cutter;
- You need to process multiple print jobs at the same time;
- RIP processing becomes noticeably slower;
- Print jobs frequently remain in the queue;
- PrintFactory RIP or the control software frequently stops responding;
- Drive space is frequently insufficient;
- You need to run large design applications on the same computer.
When adding a second printer, prepare another printing computer by default. Configure it according to Section 3. LINKO confirms any special equipment combination.
5.2 Before Replacing the Computer or Reinstalling Windows
Risk: Deactivate the PrintFactory license on the old computer before replacing the computer or reinstalling Windows. Otherwise, the new computer may not activate.
For the deactivation procedure, see Deactivate the PrintFactory Device License.
6. Related Document
- PrintFactory Software Installation and License Activation
- Install PrintExp
- Install PM
- Set PrintFactory File Mode
- Set PrintFactory TCP/IP Mode
- Set the PrintFactory Print File Output Path
- Windows Firewall, Real-Time Protection, and Allowlist Settings
- Windows Disconnection Protection Settings
- Deactivate the PrintFactory Device License
LINKO Technical Support
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