Industrial Computer Size Guide and How to Choose

Industrial computers are the backbone of modern automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and edge computing. These rugged systems are designed to withstand harsh environments while delivering reliable performance for critical applications. However, with so many form factors available, choosing the right size for your industrial computer can be a daunting task. This blog will guide you through the key industrial computer sizes, their use cases, and how to select the best form factor for your specific needs. 

Understanding Industrial Computer Sizes and Their Importance

In modern industrial environments, industrial computers play a critical role in automation, data collection, process monitoring, and equipment control. Beyond performance and interface compatibility, size selection is crucial for installation convenience, operational efficiency, and device reliability.

Industrial computer sizes typically include screen dimensions, panel height and width, chassis depth, and overall installation footprint. Common size ranges are:

●  Small models: 7–12 inches, chassis depth 40–80mm, suitable for installation in control cabinets or compact spaces.

●  Medium models: 15–19 inches, chassis depth 50–100mm, ideal for production line operation stations or equipment monitoring.

●  Large models: 21–32 inches or larger, chassis depth 80–120mm, often used in control centers, monitoring rooms, or outdoor high-brightness applications.

Proper size selection enhances visibility, operational accuracy, and space efficiency, ensuring stable industrial system operation.

Key Differentiation Factors in Industrial Computer Sizes 

Industrial computers vary in size based on their application requirements, environmental constraints, and performance capabilities. Here are the key factors that differentiate them: 

●  Physical Dimensions (Width, Depth, and Height): Determines whether the system fits within space-constrained enclosures, control panels, or racks.

●  Expandability & PCIe Slots: Larger industrial PCs accommodate more PCIe slots for GPUs, accelerators, and additional I/O modules.

●  Thermal Management: Fanless designs with passive cooling are optimized for compact, sealed environments, whereas larger systems may require active cooling for high-performance workloads.

●  Power Consumption & Efficiency: Small-form-factor PCs are designed for low-power IoT applications, while GPU-powered systems demand higher wattage for AI and machine learning tasks.

●  Mounting Options: Wall-mount, DIN-rail, or rackmount configurations affect the PC’s deployment flexibility in different industrial settings.

●  Environmental Ruggedness: Wide-temperature tolerance, shock & vibration resistance, and ingress protection (IP rating) dictate the durability of different form factors. 

Choosing Industrial Computer Sizes Based on Applications

Different applications demand different industrial computer sizes for optimal performance:

Control Cabinets and Compact Spaces

In control cabinets or machinery enclosures, small models (7–12 inches) are ideal. Their compact chassis fits limited spaces while leaving room for cable routing and ventilation. Small industrial computers are commonly used for PLC system monitoring, automated control panels, and on-site operator interfaces, providing reliable performance without occupying excessive space.

Production Line Operation and Equipment Monitoring

For production line stations or equipment monitoring, medium models (15–19 inches) provide enough screen area to display process data, operation interfaces, and real-time alerts. Chassis thickness of 50–100mm allows desk or wall-mount installation while maintaining convenient access. Medium models also offer multiple connectivity options, such as USB, serial ports, and industrial Ethernet, facilitating integration with sensors, controllers, and peripheral devices.

Control Centers and Outdoor Applications

In control rooms or outdoor environments, large models (21–32 inches or more) are preferred. Operators can view multiple data windows, process metrics, and alarms simultaneously. Sihovision high-brightness displays reach 1000–1500 nits, ensuring clear visibility under direct sunlight. Large chassis designs also improve heat dissipation and maintain stable long-term operation.

How to Choose the Right Industrial Computer Size for Your Needs 

Selecting the right industrial computer size depends on a variety of operational and environmental factors: 

Assess Space Constraints: 

If the deployment area is tight (e.g., kiosks, digital signage, control cabinet), opt for small-form-factor or mini industrial PCs.

For confined industrial enclosures, embedded box PCs with compact depth are ideal. 

Determine Performance Requirements: 

AI, machine learning, and graphics-heavy applications require GPU-supported embedded PCs with sufficient expansion depth.

General automation, edge processing, and IoT applications can rely on non-GPU embedded PCs with fanless efficiency. 

Consider Thermal & Environmental Factors: 

Harsh environments with dust, vibration, or extreme temperatures require fanless, wide-temp, and ruggedized PCs.

Controlled environments (e.g., server rooms, data centers) allow for rackmount IPCs with active cooling. 

Connectivity & Expansion Needs: 

Applications that rely on multiple peripherals (e.g., barcode scanners, cameras) require sufficient USB, COM, and LAN ports.

Edge AI and automation workloads may require PCIe slots for accelerators and additional storage capacity. 

Deployment & Mounting Requirements: 

Panel PCs are best for HMI applications with integrated touchscreens.

Rackmount PCs are suited for high-performance computing in centralized industrial operations.

Wall-mount and DIN-rail embedded PCs provide secure, space-efficient installation for industrial automation. 

Sihovision Industrial Computers: Sizes and Advantages

Sihovision offers a wide range of industrial touch display PCs, from compact 7–12 inch models to large 32-inch and above displays. Each size is designed with industrial-grade reliability:

●  Small models: Suitable for control cabinet installation and tight spaces.

●  Medium models: Ideal for production line operation stations, providing clear visualization and multiple interfaces.

●  Large models: Perfect for control centers, operation rooms, and outdoor high-brightness environments, supporting multi-touch and wide viewing angles.

All Sihovision industrial PCs feature high-brightness displays, rugged metal housings, and vibration-resistant designs, ensuring stable operation in demanding industrial environments.

Application-Specific Size Requirements

Different environments require specific industrial computer sizes:

●  Factory automation: Medium to large models display production data and process charts clearly.

●  Outdoor industrial displays: Large, high-brightness screens ensure visibility under sunlight.

●  Control cabinet installation: Small, compact models maximize space efficiency while maintaining interface access.

●  Medical and laboratory settings: Small to medium waterproof models facilitate safe operation and easy cleaning.

By combining application needs, installation space, and operational requirements, companies can select the optimal industrial computer size, achieving a balance between performance and usability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the ideal industrial computer size for a control cabinet?

A: Small models (7–12 inches) are ideal for compact control cabinets, providing sufficient interface and ventilation space.

Q2: Which size works best for production line monitoring?

A: Medium models (15–19 inches) offer clear visibility and multiple connectivity options for efficient process control.

Q3: Can Sihovision industrial PCs be used outdoors?

A: Yes. Large models with high-brightness displays (1000–1500 nits) and IP65/IP67 ratings are suitable for outdoor industrial applications.

Q4: How does screen size affect touch operation?

A: The right screen size ensures comfortable multi-touch interaction. Small screens may limit input accuracy, while larger screens improve visualization but require proper viewing distance.

Q5: Are all Sihovision industrial PCs rugged enough for harsh environments?

A: Yes. All models feature industrial-grade metal housings, vibration resistance, and waterproof/dustproof protection, ensuring reliability in tough conditions.

Conclusion 

Choosing the right industrial PC size is essential for ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and integration into your specific environment. From ultra-compact mini PCs for IoT applications to GPU-powered edge computers for AI inferencing and training, each form factor offers distinct advantages. By considering factors such as space constraints, thermal management, ruggedness, and expandability, businesses can select a system that meets their industrial computing needs. 

Sihovision offers a comprehensive portfolio of industrial-grade computing solutions, designed for durability, performance, and scalability. Contact us to explore the best-fit industrial PC for your application.