RSLogix 500/5000: Download, Pricing & System Requirements
RSLogix 500 / RSLogix 5000 is Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)'s 4-language PLC programming environment supporting MicroLogix, SLC 500, PLC-5 (RSLogix 500) and more. Released 1998, latest update 2015-12.
In one minute
RSLogix 500/5000 is best for maintaining existing micrologix/slc 500 systems and companies with large legacy installations. Still dominant in North America due to massive installed base of legacy systems. Adoption is very-high (75% market share) across North America and Latin America.
Capability profile
Six-axis score (0–100) based on pricing, learning curve, hardware support, adoption, community, and feature depth.
Key features
Pricing & licensing
| Tier | $$ |
| Price range | USD 1 000 – 10 000 |
| Pricing model | perpetual license |
| Free trial | No |
| Educational discount | Yes |
Legacy software, replaced by Studio 5000. Still widely used. No longer actively developed but supported.
System requirements
| Operating systems | Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 |
| Minimum RAM | 2 GB |
| Recommended RAM | 4 GB |
| Disk space | 5 GB |
| Processor | Dual-core |
Lower requirements than Studio 5000, runs well on older machines
Supported hardware
PLC families
- • MicroLogix
- • SLC 500
- • PLC-5 (RSLogix 500)
- • ControlLogix
- • CompactLogix (RSLogix 5000)
Capabilities
- ✓ HMI integration
- ✓ SCADA integration
- ✓ Variable frequency drives
- ✓ Safety programming
- ✓ Motion control
- ✗ Robotics integration
Pros
- +Massive installed base - many jobs still require it
- +Well-understood and documented
- +Stable, mature platform
- +Simpler interface than Studio 5000 for basic tasks
- +Abundant training materials available
- +Essential for maintaining legacy systems
- +Lower hardware requirements than Studio 5000
- +Familiar to experienced technicians
Cons
- −No longer actively developed (legacy software)
- −Being phased out in favor of Studio 5000
- −Won't work with newer PLC hardware
- −Limited modern features
- −No cloud or IoT integration
- −Old-fashioned user interface
- −Rockwell pushing migration to Studio 5000
- −New learners should focus on Studio 5000
Best for
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Certifications & training
Rockwell Automation certifications (legacy path) (CCIS Level 1, CCIS Level 2). Cost tier: $$.
Training providers: Rockwell Automation, Authorized training centers.