Understanding the Cost of Industrial PCs
The cost of an industrial PC is not a single figure but a range determined by its intended application, performance requirements, and build specifications. Unlike consumer desktops, industrial PCs are engineered for reliability, longevity, and operation in demanding environments, which influences their pricing. The price spectrum is broad, starting from entry-level systems for basic digital signage or kiosk applications and scaling up to high-performance computing platforms for complex automation, machine vision, and data analytics.
Key specifications that significantly impact cost include the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), storage, and the operating system. A more powerful CPU with more cores and higher clock speeds, increased RAM for multitasking, larger and faster SSD storage, and a licensed commercial operating system like Windows 11 IoT or Pro all contribute to a higher price point. Additionally, industrial-grade features such as wide temperature tolerance, vibration resistance, and extended product lifecycles add to the value and cost.
To illustrate the relationship between specifications and application tiers, here is a comparison based on the sample products:
| Product Tier | Example Model | Typical Processor | RAM | Storage | Common Use Cases | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level / Thin Client | Micro 5 Wifi | ARM Cortex A53 (4-core) | 2 GB | 16 GB eMMC | Digital Signage, Basic Kiosks, Thin Client Computing | Low Power, Basic Computing |
| Value Mini PC | Treo Mini PC (N100) | Intel N100 (4-core) | 4 GB | 128 GB SSD | Edge Computing, Lightweight POS, IoT Gateways | Efficient Entry-Level x86 |
| Mainstream Industrial | Industrial PC IPC3 | Intel Core i3-1215U (6-core) | 8 GB | 256 GB SSD | Factory Automation, HMI, Medical Devices | Balanced Performance & I/O |
| High-Performance Industrial | Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i5-1250P (12-core) | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Machine Vision, Advanced Robotics, Data Servers | High Compute & Graphics Power |
Use cases directly guide the cost. A basic ARM-based thin client for running a single cloud application is a low-cost solution. In contrast, an Intel Core i5-powered system with 16GB RAM, designed to control a multi-axis robotic cell or process high-resolution vision inspection data, represents a higher investment due to its superior processing power, connectivity, and reliability.
Thinvent's Range of Industrial Computing Solutions
Thinvent manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of industrial PCs and mini PCs designed to meet diverse cost and performance requirements globally. Our product lines are segmented to provide optimal solutions for every application tier. For cost-sensitive and power-efficient deployments, our Micro Series offers ARM-based thin clients and mini PCs with onboard memory, perfect for digital signage and virtual desktop infrastructure. The Treo Mini PC series provides excellent value with Intel processors like the N100 and Core i3, running embedded Linux or Windows, ideal for edge computing and kiosks.
For demanding industrial environments, the Industrial PC (IPC) series features robust builds with processors ranging from Intel N100 up to powerful Core i5 models, with options for Ubuntu Linux or Windows 11 IoT. These systems are built for 24/7 operation in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Our Aero Mini PC series blends compact form factors with the latest Intel Core processors, such as the 14th Gen, offering high performance in a small footprint for professional office and embedded applications. By offering this wide spectrum, Thinvent ensures that customers worldwide can find a reliable, purpose-built computing solution that matches their technical needs and budget.
