What is a low power mini server?
A low power mini server is a compact, small-form-factor computer that runs server workloads while drawing little electrical power. It runs continuously, often in an office closet, a factory cabinet or a remote site, and uses far less energy than a full-size tower server. Buyers choose it for file sharing, local applications, data logging, edge processing and light virtualisation.
Key specifications
The Thinvent IPC3 range uses the Intel Core i3-1215U processor, a 12th generation mobile-class chip with 6 cores, a maximum frequency of 4.4 GHz and 10 MB of cache. Each unit includes 16 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1 TB SSD. The power supply is a 12V 10A adapter, which supplies the DC power that the unit needs. Buyers can select models with or without WiFi, and with Windows 11 Professional, Windows 11 IoT Value, Windows 11 Pro, DOS or Thinux embedded Linux.
Use cases
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Local file and print services for small and medium offices
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Data collection and logging on factory floors
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Edge gateways that process sensor data before it reaches the cloud
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Light virtual machine hosting and application servers
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Kiosk, digital signage and control-room back-end systems
Comparison of IPC3 configurations
| Configuration | Operating system | Serial ports | WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPC3 Base | Windows 11 Professional | Standard | No |
| IPC3 Serial | Windows 11 Professional | Quad DB9 Serial | No |
| IPC3 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | Standard | No |
| IPC3 Pro Serial | Windows 11 Pro | Quad DB9 Serial | No |
| IPC3 IoT | Windows 11 IoT Value | Standard | No |
| IPC3 IoT Serial | Windows 11 IoT Value | Quad DB9 Serial | No |
| IPC3 DOS | DOS | Standard | No |
| IPC3 DOS Serial | DOS | Quad DB9 Serial | No |
| IPC3 Linux | Thinux Embedded Linux | Standard | No |
| IPC3 Linux Serial | Thinux Embedded Linux | Quad DB9 Serial | No |
All listed IPC3 models have no WiFi. Buyers who need wireless networking should use a wired connection or add a separate module.
Thinvent industrial PCs for low power server use
Thinvent manufactures the IPC3 industrial PC for buyers who need a low power mini server. The IPC3 uses the Intel Core i3-1215U, carries 16 GB DDR4 RAM and a 1 TB SSD, and runs on a 12V 10A adapter. Choose the operating system and serial port option that match your application.
