What is the difference between an Industrial PC and a Regular PC?
If we rely solely on its appearance, the industrial PC and a Regular PC look alike. Some don’t have the same design at all though. But the experts will tell you: many differences remain, which is why their targets are not the same. Certain criteria will help you determine which one is right for you, so, what is the difference between an Industrial PC and a Regular PC?
Industrial PC: supported conditions of use
Are you looking for equipment that is perfectly suited to your work environment and don’t know which one to turn to? In this case, our expert advice will direct you to the right choice! Several points are first to be taken into account concerning the resistance of your computer:
- Temperature
- Dust
- Shocks and vibrations
- Humidity
The hardened industrial PC has the advantage of operating when temperatures reach -40°C to 60°C while the consumer PC does not support those exceeding 35°C. Did you know ? Industrial PCs have the particularity of being equipped with one or more fans and filters that limit the accumulation of dust. Be careful though, if they are very efficient and compact, small Fanless PCs do not have fans: they are therefore ideal for use in a small room (cabins, cupboards, etc.).
Your industrial machine is equipped with excellent mechanical insulation which aims to preserve the system. It supports shocks and other vibrations unlike a conventional model. The humidity resistance of an industrial PC is also interesting if you work in an environment where the exploitation of liquids is at the rendezvous.
Other specifications to take into account
An industrial PC has a different power supply from a regular PC: DC voltages are stabilized using specific power supplies. Certain professions require a device offering a multitude of possibilities related to the extension, from storage space to the addition of an additional card. The choice of an industrial machine is then relevant and fully adapted. For any questions, the Integral System team is at your disposal to guide you to the best equipment.
Which solution to choose between an Industrial PC and a Regular PC?
More durable and economical, the industrial PC remains a high quality choice for your work environment. Its average longevity is seven years, which ensures that you are making a sustainable investment that is fully amortized over the long term. The regular PC, on the other hand, is more likely to malfunction if it is not in an environment that complies with its initial specificities.
In terms of rugged computer there are the following categories:
Fanless PC – Fanless computer, ideal for environments subject to dust and vibration. This computer can be small and compact. The cooling of the electronics is ensured by the metal or aluminum chassis.
Panel PC – Combined computer and touch screen all in one. Easy to use, it has several types of mounting including VESA and recessed. It can be 100% waterproof or only on the front panel. The human-machine interface is the touch screen. It will be found with small processors to act as HMI or thin client. It can be equipped with powerful latest generation processors up to i7. Important there are ranges of PoE or Fanless Panel PCs.
Mini PC – A mini PC has a central processing unit (CPU) and memory, which means a mini PC basically operates the same way as a computer does. Where the CPU would execute instruction by fetching it from the memory, using ALU to perform an operation, and then storing the result to memory.
Monitor – Industrial monitors are designed for increased durability and to withstand the harsh conditions in industrial and commercial applications. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and resolutions, and there are multiple mounting options: panel mount, rack mount, open frame, etc.
Tablet – To have rugged tablet features it needs to be a tablet that showcases a rugged shell and can withstand extreme temperatures, drops, jolts, and much more. Such devices often hold a military-grade protection certificate.
