Think about any large-scale industrial operation — a food processing factory, an industrial plant, or an automotive assembly line. They all run efficiently thanks to a controller, the command center for managing processes.

But as industrial demands become more complex, the need for a more rugged and capable controller has grown: the industrial computer. In this article, we will provide an overview of industrial computers and discuss how to select the right one, highlighting the key factors to consider during the decision-making process.

What is an Industrial Computer? 

An industrial computer is designed for industrial purposes in many sectors, such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, healthcare, and environmental applications.
For instance, they control machinery and manage power distribution, as well as perform critical tasks such as guiding autonomous vehicles, processing patient data, and analyzing sensor data.

While standard computers are made for regular consumers, industrial computers are used as mid-to-large scale equipment controllers.
They are engineered to withstand a wider temperature range and operate in demanding conditions. This means they’re often dustproof, waterproof, and shockproof.

What to Consider When Choosing an Industrial Computer

Before choosing the ideal industrial PC for you, consider these 10 factors:

1. Processor Performance

The processor, or CPU, largely determines the performance of your industrial computer. Your choice of CPU, Intel, or ARM will affect processing power, energy efficiency, and software compatibility.

Intel processors have high processing power, making them ideal for complex machine vision and advanced data analytics. They are also compatible with a wide range of software.

ARM processors are known to be energy efficient while powering many control applications. They work best with embedded and fanless designs and are often paired with real-time operating systems.

2. Storage Capacity

Consider the data storage size, speed, and ruggedness needed for your specific environment. The type of drive — Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD) — also matters.

HDDs offer more storage for less but are less durable. Although generally more expensive, SSDs provide faster performance and better resistance to shock and vibration.

3. Memory

RAM determines how smoothly and efficiently your industrial computer operates. If your industrial operations demand complex tasks and multitasking, then you’ll need a larger RAM capacity.

Insufficient RAM can lead to system slowdowns, lags, and even crashes. Check the recommended RAM specifications for your intended software and factor in the possibility of future expansion.

4. Scalability

As your industrial processes expand or incorporate new functionalities, you’ll want an easily adaptable system. Having the flexibility to add or upgrade components extends the lifespan of your factory computer.

Look for systems that support additional Input/Output (I/O) ports, PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) slots, and other hardware interfaces.

5. Stability and Durability

Standard computers won’t do in challenging environments. Your computer must endure harsh conditions, such as high temperatures, high humidity, strong vibrations, and other factors.

Opt for computers that are designed with durable components, robust enclosures, and efficient cooling designs to ensure stable operation.

6. Heat Dissipation Capability

There are typically two main cooling designs: passive and active.

Passive cooling relies on heat sinks and natural convection to dissipate heat without the use of fans. It’s silent, energy efficient, and has fewer moving parts. While highly reliable and low maintenance, it’s not suitable for high-temperature environments.

Active cooling removes heat more efficiently because it uses fans to force airflow across heat sinks. It's a good fit for environments with higher temperatures, but can be noisier and have a shorter lifespan due to moving parts.

7. Size and Form Factor

Choose from an embedded or desktop design. Embedded industrial computers are compact and designed to be integrated into machinery, equipment, or tight spaces. Their small footprint makes them perfect for in-vehicle systems, control panels, and integrated machine controllers.

Desktop industrial computers are like traditional desktop PCs but with more capability and durability. They’re suitable for control rooms, testing stations, or workstations, where more processing power or multiple expansion cards are needed.

8. Operating System Support

Industrial PCs support various platforms, with Windows and Linux being the most common.

Windows has a familiar interface and is compatible with a wide range of industrial software. But the licensing costs can be steep. There may also be security vulnerabilities since it’s a widely targeted operating system.

Linux is an open-source operating system that excels in stability, security, and customization options. Various Linux distributions offer real-time capability with lower licensing costs. But the trade-off is a potentially longer learning curve and limited availability for specialized industrial software.

9. Power Supply Method

Since industrial sites can be prone to power fluctuations, surges, and brownouts, it’s important to pick an industrial computer with a stable power supply source.

Vehicle-mounted computers often use DC power (like 12V or 24V) and need protection against unstable vehicle power. Factory floor PCs rely on standard AC power (110V/220V) but also benefit from surge protection.

Some industrial jobs can't afford to have the power go out, even for a second. You’ll need extra protection like redundant power supplies or UPS support. For devices that don't need a lot of power, energy-efficient power designs are the way to go.

10. Installation Method*

Desktop installation is straightforward, placing the computer on a flat surface. It works well for control rooms or workstations where there is ample space.

DIN rail mounting is great for compact systems in control cabinets. It maximizes space and organization around other industrial equipment. Wall mounting saves space and improves accessibility. It’s especially useful for HMI (Human-Machine Interface) units.

Other less common methods include rack mounting for server-style integration or even specialized mounting solutions tailored to specific machinery.

Choose JHCTECH for Your Industrial Computing Needs

JHCTECH, with over 20 years of experience in the high-tech sector, offers the support you can depend on.

Our high-performance, high-stability, and innovative industrial computers are designed to match your needs. Professional customization services provide solutions tailored to any industry.

For example, our KMDA-7610 fanless box computer delivers reliable performance in demanding environments like automation, highway tolling, security monitoring, and environmental detection.

Our high-performance, compact KMDA-3303 embedded box pc features rich IO functions, and anti-vibration design, making it ideal for AGV/AMR and traffic gate applications.

But we’re more than a supplier — we’re a long-term partner. Our strong technical support and after-sales service are dedicated to ensuring the consistent performance of your devices and the success of your operations.

FAQs

Q1: Is there a difference between industrial computers and commercial computers?

Industrial computers are built to be more reliable, long-lasting, and flexible than standard commercial computers.

Because they operate in extreme environments, they are designed to withstand water, dust, extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration. They have robust mechanical structures and features like fanless and cableless designs to improve durability.

Q2:What is the difference between PLC and industrial PC?

PLCs are made for automation control, so they are adept at completing simple, repetitive tasks with straightforward programming.

Industrial PCs are more powerful and capable of handling complex calculations, data analysis, and graphical interfaces.

Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific application.

◆ JHCTECH: Industrial Computers Built to Last

From factories to transportation, industrial computers are the power behind successful operations. The right industrial computer offers unbeatable control, durability, and performance for your application.

Choosing the right partner is just as important. JHCTECH delivers long-lasting computer solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us now to find the perfect fit.