The Perfect Blend of Compact Size with Powerful Performance

Last week, we had the opportunity to build a set of compact industrial computers for a customer who needed a small yet powerful machine for AI applications. The goal was to create a system that maximised performance without taking up too much space. A combination of Ampere architecture and the GPU’s small and practical form factor made those requirements a reality.

We started with a compact Advantech tower chassis to ensure the PC had a small footprint. This type of chassis provides enough space for essential components while maintaining a size that fits comfortably in tight spaces. This choice ensured that the final build was not only space-efficient but also had enough room for efficient airflow and easy assembly.

The motherboard inside is compatible with Intel's 12th and 13th generation processors. This choice provides excellent compatibility with its Intel Core i3 processor and supports the latest features and performance enhancements from Intel. Operating at 4GHz, the CPU strikes the perfect balance between low power consumption (35 watts) and performance. The addition of a CPU blower cooler, which directs warm air from the CPU straight out of the ventilation ports in the rear of the chassis, ensures the processor stays cool even during demanding tasks.

We installed a powerful and compact 12GB NVIDIA RTX A2000 graphics card with Ampere architecture into the PC. This architecture is designed to optimise performance and efficiency, ensuring the system can handle the high computational demands of vision-based industrial AI applications.

We also installed 32GB of DDR4 memory. This amount of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and efficient application handling. The 3200MHz speed significantly boosts performance, ensuring that the system remains responsive under heavy workloads.

We configured each PC to the customer’s specifications, which included flashing the customer’s bespoke system image onto SSDs and installing a custom Linux OS. After they are built and configured, we burn-in each system with a soak test to ensure that it can handle its expected workload for an extended period. We then monitored its performance and stability with diagnostics in PC Doctor.

Building a compact yet powerful PC requires a careful selection of parts to ensure the perfect balance. Our recent build, comprising high-quality components, demonstrates that it's possible to create a small form-factor PC that can handle intense AI tasks in industrial environments. This project met our customer's needs and showcased our ability to deliver customised computing solutions that excel in performance and design. Including Ampere architecture further ensures that the PC operates efficiently and effectively under various AI workloads.

We specialise in creating systems that balance size, performance, and efficiency, ensuring you get the best possible performance in the smallest possible package. If you’re looking for a powerful, compact industrial device, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

For more information, please get in touch with our knowledgeable team at 01782 337 800 or email sales@impulse-embedded.co.uk.