If you want your business to stay ahead of the competition, it's crucial to invest in the future. And when it comes to industrial computing, fanless mini PCs are definitely leading the way towards a more efficient and reliable future.

Read this guide to learn about Fanless Mini PCs, why they're the future of industrial computing, and the best Fanless Mini PCs for your business.

What Is A Fanless Mini PC?

Industrial computing has come a long way in recent years, and the advancements continue to be made at an impressive pace. As technology evolves, industrial industries like manufacturing or construction need alternative PCs that can operate 24/7 in rugged environments.  This is where fanless mini PCs lead the way.

A Fanless Mini PC is similar to a standard PC in terms of performance and capabilities but is compact and lightweight. These PCs fit in space-constrained areas and are designed to operate without a fan, making them perfect for industrial environments.

How Does A Fanless Mini PC Work?

A fanless mini PC uses passive cooling technology instead of a traditional cooling fan to dissipate heat.

This is achieved through the use of heat sinks and, often, the construction of the PC’s casing itself, which acts as a large heat sink.

Without a fan, these computers are not only quieter but also more dependable, as they contain fewer moving parts. The absence of a fan means that dust, dirt, and other particulates cannot enter the system, making fanless mini PCs particularly suited for harsh industrial environments where these elements are prevalent.

This design choice also reduces the risk of failure. A failure in industrial computing can be very costly, which is why fanless mini PCs are designed to operate 24/7 with minimal downtime.

Why Are Fanless Mini PCs The Future Of Industrial Computing?

In addition to their reliability and durability, fanless mini PCs offer several other benefits that make them the future of industrial computing.

The benefits of industrial fanless mini PCs include:

1. Compact Design

Standard computers require space. Fanless mini PCs, on the other hand, are designed to be compact and fit in tight spaces. This makes them ideal for industrial environments where space is limited.

2. Low Power Consumption

In industrial settings, efficiency is key. Fanless mini PCs consume less power compared to traditional computers, resulting in lower energy costs. Businesses focused on sustainability also find this feature attractive.

3. Silent Operation

The absence of a fan means that fanless mini PCs run silently. This is crucial in environments where noise levels need to be considered.

4. Rugged Design

Rugged, fanless mini PCs are built to withstand harsh environments such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and vibration. This makes them ideal for use in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and mining.

5. Versatility

The compact design and durability of fanless mini PCs make them versatile for a variety of applications. They can be used as controllers, data loggers, digital signage players, edge servers, POS systems, and more.

Best Fanless Mini PCs You Can Get For Your Business

At Brandwagon, we understand the importance of reliable and efficient computing in industrial settings. That's why we offer the best range of Fanless Mini PCs for businesses in South Africa: the fitlet2 Fanless Mini PC and fitlet3 - Elkhart Lake Atom mini-PC.

fitlet2 Fanless Mini PC

  • Smallest full-featured PCs on the market.
  • The fitlet2 is designed for the unique needs of each IoT project, allowing for customisation through extension modules. These modules fit seamlessly into the fitlet2’s metal housing via the Function And Connectivity Extension T-Card (FACET-card).
  • Featuring quad-core Apollo-Lake Atom processors and up to 16 GB of RAM, the fitlet2 delivers impressive performance in a compact size.
  • Fitlet2 supports multiple storage technologies: eMMC on M.2 for cost-effective needs, M.2 SATA for better performance and storage, and 2.5″ HDD/SSD for extra storage and heavy write tasks like video recording.
  • The fitlet2 can operate in a wide temperature range – from -40 to 85° C. It’s designed for efficient convection cooling, with its metal housing acting as an effective heatsink.

fitlet3 - Elkhart Lake Atom Mini PC

  • The fitlet3 serves as an IoT gateway, AI Edge Computer, and Industrial Automation PC in one compact device.
  • Powered by the Intel® Elkhart Lake x6000E Atom processor, the fitlet3 features a low-power, rugged embedded system-on-module (SOM).
  • Customisation and upgrades are made easy with various FACET cards, offering endless possibilities.
  • Its fanless, robust housing is ideal for harsh environments, while the versatile design ensures silence, dust and dirt resistance, and superior heat dissipation.
  • Fitlet3 is guaranteed to be available for at least 15 years, ensuring long-term reliability and support. You can count on Fitlet3 for the long haul.

Join the Future of Industrial Computing

Don’t miss out on the future of industrial computing. Invest in Fanless Mini PCs today and start reaping the benefits for your business. 

We at Brandwagon are proud to offer a range of small form factor PCs that are perfect for industrial use. 

Contact us today, and we’ll help you choose the right fanless mini PC for your specific needs.