5 Things to Consider When Choosing an Industrial PC

One of the most important aspects when selecting an industrial PC is CPU performance. The required processing power depends heavily on your application.

Operating Industry

Different industries require different levels of performance. For example:

• Industrial PC for kiosks and self-service systems may require moderate processing power
• AI-based systems or digital signage demand significantly higher CPU and GPU performance

Choosing the right industrial PC hardware ensures smooth operation and prevents system bottlenecks.

Operating Platform: ARM vs x86

Selecting between ARM and x86 architecture is a key decision in industrial PC systems:

• x86 industrial PCs support a wide range of operating systems and software
• ARM-based industrial PCs are more energy-efficient but may have compatibility limitations

Understanding your software requirements is essential when evaluating industrial PC hardware requirements.

Industry Insight

Single-board computers like Raspberry Pi can sometimes be used in embedded industrial PC applications.

However, they often lack the performance needed for:

• Multiple connected devices
• High processing workloads
• Long-term industrial reliability

For professional deployments, rugged industrial PC solutions remain the better choice.

The environment plays a major role in determining the right industrial PC for harsh environments.

Key factors to consider:

• Indoor or outdoor installation
• Temperature fluctuations throughout the year
• Moisture levels
• Dust and contamination

Even indoor environments can present challenges. High-traffic areas often lead to increased dust exposure, which can affect system performance over time.

Choosing a fanless industrial PC or a sealed system can significantly improve durability and reduce maintenance needs.

3. Connected Components & I/O Requirements

Modern industrial PC systems often need to support multiple peripherals and connected devices.

Consider the following:

• Number and type of I/O ports
• Connectivity requirements (USB, COM, LAN, etc.)
• Integration with external hardware such as: Payment systems, Cameras, Barcode scanners, Coin handlers

For complex setups, selecting an industrial PC for system integration with flexible I/O options is essential.

Industry Insight

Customization is often required, but many suppliers enforce high minimum order quantities. Choosing the right industrial PC supplier allows you to balance customization with cost efficiency.

4. RAM and Storage Capacity

Your software determines the required RAM and storage configuration of your industrial PC.

Key considerations:

• RAM requirements (commonly 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, or higher)
• Number of storage drives (single or dual SSD)
• Expandability and upgrade options

Selecting the right industrial PC hardware ensures smooth operation and future scalability. Not all systems support maximum configurations, so understanding the limits of your chosen industrial PC solutions is critical during planning.

5. Regulatory Requirements & Certifications

Compliance is a crucial factor when deploying industrial computers, especially in regulated industries.

Important certifications include:

• CE (European Union)
• FCC (electromagnetic compliance)
• Class B certifications for electronic devices

For international projects, certification requirements may vary by region and application.

Ensuring your industrial PC systems meet all regulatory standards helps avoid delays, legal issues, and additional costs.