What Is a "Monitor PC"?
A monitor PC is a computer that combines the display and the system unit in a single housing — commonly called an all-in-one (AIO) PC. Instead of a separate tower, mini PC or industrial box feeding a display over HDMI, the motherboard, storage and power supply sit behind the panel. The result is one device to mount, power and maintain, with no cable clutter between the PC and its screen.
There are two broad ways to build this setup. The first is a true all-in-one, where display and compute are integrated and usually non-separable. The second is a modular approach: a compact fanless mini PC or industrial PC mounted to the back of, or inside a cabinet next to, a standard monitor. The modular route is popular in factories and kiosks because the PC can be swapped or upgraded without replacing the screen, and the screen can be replaced without touching the running system.
Key Specifications to Consider
| Specification | Typical Range | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 21.5" – 23.8" | Fits control-room desks, kiosks and counters |
| Processor | Intel N100, N150, i3-1215U, i5 | N-series for light tasks; i3/i5 for multitasking |
| Memory | 8 GB – 32 GB DDR4 | 8 GB for terminals, 16 GB+ for SCADA or multi-app work |
| Storage | 128 GB – 1 TB SSD | SSD makes boot and app launch fast; no moving parts |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD / Iris Xe | Drives the panel directly, supports dual display out |
| Cooling | Fanless (passive) | No intake vents, no dust ingress, silent operation |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 IoT, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Thinux™, FreeDOS | Match the OS to your application stack |
| Connectivity | Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB-C, HDMI | Peripherals, PLCs, cameras and a second screen |
Where Monitor PCs Are Used
Integrated monitor PCs suit any environment where space is tight
