Choosing a 19″ rack-mountable fanless industrial PC is not just about raw performance. It mainly depends on the environment, business needs, technical constraints, and intended industrial applications. To select the right model, you need to understand what differentiates these PCs from standard systems.
Defining What a Fanless Industrial PC Is
What Is an Industrial PC?
An industrial PC is designed to run continuously in harsh environments where temperature fluctuations, dust, humidity, shocks, or vibrations would render a consumer-grade PC inoperable. Unlike standard desktop computers, industrial PCs feature rugged design, reinforced motherboards, robust power supplies, and wide compatibility with industrial interfaces (USB, COM, DVI, Ethernet, PCIe, etc.).
They come in various formats: mini PCs, DIN rail-mounted PCs, 19″ rack versions, or compact enclosures. The choice depends on the industry (agri-food, transport, energy, manufacturing, railways…), required protection level (IP65, IP67…), and integration constraints in racks, cabinets, or embedded systems.
What Is a Fanless PC?
A fanless PC is a computer with no internal fans, cooled using passive heat dissipation. Its aluminum chassis is designed to absorb and release heat generated by the CPU, RAM, and other components. The absence of active cooling has several advantages: silent operation, improved reliability (no moving parts), and increased resistance to dust, humidity, and splashes (depending on IP rating).
Fanless industrial PCs are ideal for extreme conditions: dust accumulation, temperature swings, humid environments, ATEX zones, or locations without easy technical access. They’re widely used in automation systems, edge computing data processing, and industrial vision setups.
These systems come in a wide range of configurations with Intel Atom, Celeron, Core i3/i5/i7 processors depending on the required tasks: real-time control, business software, data acquisition, touch-screen HMIs, AI processing, and more.
2. Why Choose the 19″ Rack Format?
19″ Rack Format: What For?
The 19″ rack format is standardized to fit server or IT cabinets. It’s used when multiple devices must be grouped, connected, and centrally managed. It’s common in control rooms, industrial automation, critical infrastructures, data centers, and production environments with limited space.
This setup is also ideal for companies needing compact, interconnected, rugged machines with fast access to ports, storage, and internal modules for easy maintenance. Rack units may be 1U or 2U, depending on memory capacity, motherboard type, expansion slots, or selected I/O options.
Benefits Over Other Formats
The 19″ rack offers several advantages compared to desktop box or mini PC formats:
- Centralized organization in a rack with shared power and ventilation
- Space-saving setup, ideal for agri-food or rail transport sectors
- Easier maintenance due to direct access to cards, drives, and USB ports
- Fast integration of Intel Core, Celeron, or Atom processors based on the workload
- Compatibility with Windows, Ubuntu Linux, or IoT Enterprise systems
- Expandable via mini PCIe, Ethernet ports, or function modules
- Designed for continuous operation in rugged industrial settings
It also fits tight budgets with transparent pricing based on selected capacity and features.
3. Technical Criteria to Choose the Right Fanless Industrial PC
Choosing a fanless PC isn’t just about being quiet or fan-free. Every component must meet the demands of your work environment, integration constraints, and operational requirements. Here are the key technical aspects to consider for a reliable and long-lasting choice.
Choosing the Right Processor
The processor is the system’s core. Its type, generation, and number of cores determine computing power. Intel Atom CPUs suit basic applications (data collection, static display), while Intel Celeron, Core i3, or i5 handle more complex or multitask processes. For advanced needs like AI or vision systems, an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen with integrated GPU may be best.
Balancing power consumption, performance, and heat dissipation is key. More powerful CPUs generate more heat, even in fanless setups—especially relevant in sectors like food processing, automation, or rail.
RAM, Storage & Expandability
RAM capacity should match your processing needs and operating system (Windows, Linux, IoT). 4–8 GB is enough for basic use. For multitasking or advanced production tasks, 16 GB or more is advised.
Storage depends on your data volume: 2.5″ SSD, mSATA, or NVMe depending on enclosure size. Compact or rugged models may have limited expansion slots, so check for mini PCIe, M.2, etc., at configuration time.
Connectivity and I/O
Check available input/output options: number of USB (2.0/3.0), COM, Ethernet ports, HDMI or DVI, GPIO, PCIe slots, audio, and sensor or automation ports.
Connectivity should match your industry needs and ensure seamless integration into your current processes. Models with adapter options or modular I/O cards ease future upgrades.
Resistance to Harsh Environments
Fanless industrial PCs often operate in extreme conditions: temperature shifts, humidity, vibrations, dust or water exposure. Durability depends on chassis, materials, and certifications: IP65, IP67, MIL-STD-810, etc.
Some models operate continuously from -20°C to +70°C without fans. Others are waterproof or suited to controlled environments. These features ensure long-term field use without service interruptions or frequent maintenance.
4. Choosing Based on Your Environment
Which Industries Need Fanless PCs?
Fanless PCs must meet specific industry requirements. In automation, systems must run smoothly on Windows or Linux, with low power consumption and easy integration into production networks. In food industries, no fan means lower contamination risk. In transport and energy, durability, compactness, and port availability are as important as CPU power.
Sectors like defense or rail impose strict durability and uptime standards in extreme conditions. The right model balances industry constraints, CPU type, I/O, lifespan, power options, and acceptable maintenance delay.
Why Choose Fanless in Certain Contexts?
Fanless PCs eliminate active ventilation—key in dusty, humid, or hygiene-sensitive environments (clean rooms, food processes). Fans can pull in particles, shorten system life, and require regular servicing.
Fanless units are quieter, mechanically more reliable, and ideal for embedded projects, production lines, electrical cabinets, or isolated control stations—working without constant human intervention while ensuring data processing, display, or equipment communication.
Common issues avoided with fanless systems:
- Dust buildup and blocked chassis
- Moisture or liquid infiltration
- Mechanical fan failure (blockage, noise, overheating)
- Unexpected machine downtime
- Thermal instability under CPU load
- Hygiene compliance issues (food/pharma)
- Higher maintenance costs on inaccessible sites
5. Use Cases for Fanless Industrial PCs
Dusty or Humid Environments
Fanless systems are ideal where dust, moisture, or liquid splashes are common. No fan means no particle intake, reduced corrosion or failure risk, and lower maintenance needs. Popular in food, wash stations, cutting workshops, or cold rooms.
Industrial Automation
Fanless PCs fit seamlessly in automation or SCADA setups. Their compact form, low footprint, and versatile I/O ports allow direct connections to PLCs, sensors, HMIs, or IoT modules. Their stability and low consumption make them perfect for continuous tasks like line control, counting, or machine operation.
Embedded / Mobility
In transport, logistics, or mobile systems, resistance to vibration and low energy needs make fanless PCs a smart choice. They’re used in vehicles, drones, kiosks, or navigation systems. Their compact format, VESA or DIN rail compatibility, and autonomy allow for fast deployment.
6. Customizing Your Fanless PC
Processor, RAM, Storage: How to Size Correctly?
Configuration should start from actual use: what data processing? What system load? What interface? Celeron-based models suit simple tasks (data collection, display), while quad-core units with SSDs and 8 GB RAM are better for multitouch interfaces or business apps on Windows.
CPU, memory, and storage directly affect performance, power use, and total cost. Assess these needs upfront to avoid under- or over-provisioning.
Scalability and Maintenance
Some models offer mini PCIe slots, additional I/O ports, or modular components. Others are sealed or fixed-use. The choice depends on desired lifespan, acceptable maintenance times, and update frequency.
7. Standards and Certifications to Know
Performance isn’t the only factor—your PC must meet regulatory standards based on your industry. Certifications like:
- IP65/IP67 – water & dust resistance
- CE – European compliance
- FCC – electromagnetic emissions
- RoHS – free from hazardous substances
- MIL-STD – shock resistance
These ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operation in tough industrial environments.
8. Fanless PC Pricing in 2025
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices vary widely depending on configuration (CPU, RAM, storage, ruggedness, ports), format (box, rack, DIN rail), and order volume. Expect:
- Entry-level: from €500 (excl. VAT)
- High-end rugged systems: €2,500+
Where to Buy?
It’s best to go through an expert reseller or integrator who offers tailored solutions, technical support, and hardware traceability. Factory direct can be cost-effective for bulk orders but often lacks post-sale support. Pro platforms offer standard models at good prices but with limited customization.
9. Why Choose NCS Systems?
Proven Industrial Expertise
NCS Systems specializes in embedded, rugged, and fanless computing with deep knowledge of field requirements. With a team of industrial IT experts and stocked models ready for delivery, NCS meets the needs of the most demanding sectors.
Wide Range of Fanless Industrial PCs
From ultra-compact units to 19″ rackmounts, custom configurations, and Windows IoT or Linux compatibility, NCS offers a complete range of machines meeting all current selection criteria. Every project receives dedicated support, fast quotes, and post-installation assistance.
10. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average lifespan of a fanless PC? 5–10 years in industrial use, depending on components and environment.
Can you install Windows or Linux on all models? Yes, most are compatible with Windows 10/11, Linux Ubuntu, Debian, or Windows IoT.
Are the products delivered quickly? Some models are in stock. Custom builds typically take 2–6 weeks.
What are the real benefits of fanless PCs? Fewer failures, no fan maintenance, silent operation, and improved dust resistance.
What are the most important selection criteria? Intended use, processor type, expected ruggedness, environmental constraints, and budget.