This article discussed the major pointers to look for when you buy an industrial PC. How much computing power will you require as a starting point for your industrial computer?
This is a relatively simple process when trying to replace or update an old computer. Identify your current CPU and see how it performs. You can usually find information about your machine in the settings menu of almost any operating system. The performance of your current CPU may be seen in the system monitor. Enter your model number into a benchmarking site to see how your device compares. To compare CPUs from different generations with varied TDP, you may use benchmarking websites (thermal design power). When comparing AMD® and Intel® CPUs.
Not all i7 processors are made equal, despite what you would read on a software requirement. If you want to get by with an older generation i7, even a Comet Lake i3-10100T would be more than twice as powerful.
A lower-tier modern CPU can save money and minimise overhead for clients running programmes that the older hardware can easily handle.
Your PC isn’t up and running yet.
What should they do for those who don’t have an existing PC to test against? All we can do is look up your software’s specifications. Then we can make an informed assumption based on the features you’ll use when the programme was built and what processors would have been “current” when they called for an i5 or greater at the time of the software’s development. This is why it’s vital to leave enough time for prototyping in your project timetable. When building a prototype, it’s best to over-spec it and then cut it down when mass producing it.
Second, how much RAM do you require?
As with step 1, the first step is to evaluate what you already have and how it operates. That’s your most significant chance to find the ideal setup for your industrial computer. If you don’t have an established solution, we employ the same process to assist you in building a prototype. When in doubt, slightly over-spec the prototype to meet the software company’s hardware needs.
Additional considerations include the speed of the RAM and the number of channels (single vs dual). It doesn’t make much difference in the embedded computer industry unless you have specific requirements. Furthermore, availability and price are the two most important considerations for most clients. The 8GB RAM module is on backorder, so go for it if you find two 4GB modules. Using two 16GB modules rather than a 32GB module can save money since we base all expenditures on current market prices for parts.
Another form of RAM is ECC (error-correcting code). A more significant price tag is usually associated with using ECC, frequently required in server applications. ECC is a viable option if you’re looking for a hardened system or one that requires mission-critical applications.
Step 3: How much storage space do you require?
There are various ways to store things, and each has a place. Solid-state drives are usually always the most dependable in industrial and rugged PCs. There is little difference between contemporary SSDs on a site regarding actual-world performance. If you need a lot of storage but don’t care about shock, vibration, or extreme temperatures, a hard disc drive (HDD) may be the most cost-effective option. In some cases, more specialised hard drives, like high-speed NVMe or surveillance-specific models, may be necessary. However, these kinds of events are rare.
The easiest way to figure out what you need is to go back to your current solution or the specifications stated by your software supplier, as you did with your CPU and RAM pick.
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