What Is a Small Form Factor Computer System?
A small form factor (SFF) computer system is a complete PC built in a compact chassis. It has the same core parts as a desktop: a processor, memory, storage, and I/O ports. Its housing is much smaller, which saves panel, rack, and desk space. Industrial SFF systems are built for continuous operation in factories, kiosks, machine control, and digital signage.
Key Specifications
Thinvent builds SFF systems around Intel and AMD processors. The range covers several processor families and generations:
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Intel Celeron N5095A (11th generation): 4 cores, up to 2.9 GHz, 4 MB cache
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Intel Core i3-1215U (12th generation): 6 cores, up to 4.4 GHz, 10 MB cache
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Intel Core i5-1335U (13th generation): 10 cores, up to 4.6 GHz, 12 MB cache
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Intel Core i7-1255U (12th generation): 10 cores, up to 4.7 GHz, 12 MB cache
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Intel Core Ultra 5 125U (14th generation): 12 cores, up to 4.3 GHz, 12 MB cache
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AMD Ryzen 5 7530U (7000 Series): 6 cores, up to 4.5 GHz, 16 MB cache
Memory ranges from 4 GB to 16 GB of DDR4 or DDR5 RAM. Storage options include 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB SSDs. Dual Band WiFi is available on most models. The range also includes models with dual LAN ports.
Operating System and Power Options
Models ship with Windows 11 Pro or Professional, Ubuntu Linux, Thinux Embedded Linux, or without an operating system. Power adapters are rated 12V 5A, 12V 7A, or 19V 3A, depending on the model.
Comparison of Sample Models
| Model | Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | RAM | Storage | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panel PC with N5095A | Intel Celeron N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 GB | 128 GB SSD | Ubuntu Linux |
| Panel PC with i3-1215U | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 8 GB | 256 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Panel PC with i5-1335U | Intel Core i5-1335U | 10 | 4.6 GHz | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Thinux Embedded Linux |
| Panel PC with i7-1255U | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 16 GB | 256 GB SSD | Windows 11 Professional |
| Panel PC with Ultra 5 125U | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U | 12 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB DDR5 | 256 GB SSD | Ubuntu Linux |
| Panel PC with Ryzen 5 7530U | AMD Ryzen 5 7530U | 6 | 4.5 GHz | 16 GB | 128 GB SSD | Windows 11 Professional |
Use Cases
SFF systems suit factory floor HMI, machine monitoring, point-of-sale, digital signage, and kiosks. Their small size and low-profile design let them mount behind a display or inside an enclosure. Models with lower-power processors suit lightweight control tasks. Models with higher core counts suit data processing and multitasking.
Thinvent Small Form Factor Systems
Thinvent has 15-inch industrial panel PCs with the processors shown above. Choose a model by processor performance, memory, storage, connectivity, and operating system. Thinvent also supplies keyboard and mouse sets for models that need them.
