Why you need to upgrade your Industrial Computer in 2019 - Part 2

In the second part of this blog article, we continue to cover reasons to plan an upgrade of your Industrial PC hardware for 2019. In the first part, we already covered topics like performance improvements, new touch displays, Windows 10 migration and new software requirements. Let's see what else is important to consider when making a decision on upgrading your Industrial Computer.

Cooling improvements

Fanless computers have been on a rise in the last couple of years. These devices take advantage of the latest improvements in cooling technology. Many modern industrial PCs don’t require fans or any other moving parts to control the temperature and protect the hardware from overheating. Temperature control of the CPU is extremely important in production environments and outdoor applications where computers are subject to direct sunlight or when they are installed close to a source of heat. These industrial PCs dissipate power generated by the CPU directly through the metal chassis, which acts as a large heat sink. In addition to that, the latest CPUs have less power consumption and generate less heat than previous generations.

Used in harsh production environments and outdoors, one of the main benefits of fanless PCs is that there are no moving components to fail. These industrial computers are protected from dust and airborne particles and they can be fully sealed and protected from liquids (like the STX Technology X7500 range). Fanless PCs have a wide operational temperature range that covers most of the scenarios of industrial applications.

New features and technologies

Ingress protection (IP rating) standards are extremely important for industrial PCs. Previously it was difficult to find and expensive to purchase a waterproof computer. In 2019 this is no longer a problem. STX Technology has a range of devices offering different levels of protection against environmental factors. For example, all STX Technology products have sealed front panels equivalent to an IP66 rating. Some ranges including the X7000, X9000 and X7500 feature fully sealed stainless steel enclosures and IP68 rated industrial connectors for harsh environments. 

Latest I/O interfaces like USB 3.0 and HDMI are familiar to users but still haven’t become standard for industrial computers. Having these connectors on your new PC opens up more connectivity options and provides better file transfer speed and image quality. The new XRH7000 G3 Vehicle Mount Touch Computer Range (which is the first model of the 2019 product line-up) has automotive power connectors which are a new feature in this range.

Wireless connectivity is another important feature to look at when considering replacing your old industrial computer. Many businesses use wireless technology to connect to the Internet or to create local networks. In addition to that, peripherals such as printers and scanners can be connected via a wireless network as well which can be useful in outdoor, sterile or hazardous locations. STX Technology offers industrial computers with a range of wireless features including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G/4G, RFID and NFC.

Consumer-grade PCs

Even if you have the latest technology packed into your consumer-grade PC, there are many reasons to replace it with an industrial computer. Industrial-grade PCs offer better protection against environmental factors and can reliably operate in challenging production conditions. One of the main reasons for computers getting slower through time is dust and debris collected inside the enclosure. With a fanless design and strong sealed enclosures, industrial computers are impervious to these problems making them a more reliable solution for a range of applications. 

Read our guide on how to choose an Industrial PC covering different aspects including performance, application, operating system, environment, space, mounting, power, connectivity and accessories.

Manufactured-to-order industrial computers

All computers by STX Technology are manufactured to order based on the customers’ configuration requirements. This ensures the maximum level of performance and guarantees the unit is optimised for the target environment and application. Understanding your environment and application can help to configure a computer that will reliably perform for many years and may help you save money on potential upgrades and repairs in future. Contact the STX Technology Team for more information or to request a quote.