Five things easily overlooked when selecting an industrial PC

If you choose an industrial PC using the same criteria as for an office PC, problems will arise in the field. Items that are not clearly shown on the spec sheet determine the actual lifespan.

Five items

1. Operating temperature range — putting a 0–40℃ product in a 45℃ site drastically shortens its lifespan
2. Vibration and shock resistance — fan bearings and storage devices fail first
3. Power fluctuations — factory power has frequent momentary drops, requiring a wide input range
4. Long-term supply — whether parts supply is guaranteed for 5–7 years
5. Case form factor — check the paths for dust and particulate ingress

Pay special attention

Heat dissipation design is important for fanless products. In locations with high ambient temperature, you must ensure airflow around the heat fins, and placing them in an enclosed space renders them ineffective.

Price differences usually come from these five items. If you understand why it is expensive and choose accordingly, failures decrease.