PC Selection, Configuration, and Optimization for Aerotech Controllers

This page will help you select a PC for your Aerotech controller that uses the INtime real-time operating system. This information applies to all PCs that are used with Automation1 PC-based controllers.

IMPORTANT: This guide is not necessary for drive-based controllers because they do not run a real-time operating system on the PC. You should be able to use most Windows PCs and laptops with a drive-based controller. Drive-based controllers include the iXA4, iXC2, iXC2e, iXC4, iXC4e, iXC6e, iXI4, iXL2e, iXL5e, and iXR3.

Aerotech selects industrial PCs with a processor and motherboard on the Intel-embedded roadmap. These platforms usually work the best with the Automation1 PC-based controller because they have the qualities that follow:

  • Long-life processors and motherboards
  • Configurations that are usually available for years longer than a commercially available PC
  • Usually can be configured for real-time control

Aerotech recommends that you use the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise Long-Term Service Channel (LTSC), Windows 10 IoT Enterprise Long-Term Service Channel (LTSC), or the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise Long-Term Service Branch (LTSB) edition of Windows so that you have more control with Windows automatic updates.

Aerotech only supports the PC configurations that are in this guide. These PC options and configurations were fully tested to make sure that they can do real-time performance. There are several factors that determine the real-time performance of a PC, including the processor (CPU), motherboard chipset, and the specific BIOS/UEFI firmware from the manufacturer. You cannot determine if a PC can be used for real-time performance by looking at only PC specifications.

Supported PCs for Automation1

Preferred PC Options

The table that follows includes the industrial PC models that Aerotech recommends. These PC models have the best performance with little configuration.

Table: Aerotech Preferred PCs

PC Option Description

Automation1 iPC Industrial PC

The Automation1 iPC is a fully configured and optimized industrial PC. It can be shipped from Aerotech, and you can use it immediately to start controlling your system.

  • Available form factors: Compact control cabinet, desktop, 4U rack mount.
  • Control cabinet (-CC04 or -CC05)
    • Advantech AIMB-275 Mini-ITX motherboard
    • Intel® Core™ i5-7500 or i7-7700 processor
    • Windows 10 IoT Enterprise Long-Term Service Channel (LTSC). Windows 11 is not supported on this platform.
  • Desktop (-DT02) or 4U rack mount (-R403)
    • Advantech AIMB-788 ATX motherboard
    • Intel® Core™ i5-7500E processor
    • Windows 11 IoT Enterprise Long-Term Service Channel (LTSC).

See Automation1 iPC Intelligent Industrial PC for information about how to order this PC.
Advantech AIMB-788

You can also purchase an Aerotech approved Advantech AIMB-788 PC from the distributor (Arrow) or the manufacturer (Advantech). Aerotech tested the industrial PC motherboard and processor combination to make sure this PC can have optimal performance:

  • Advantech AIMB-788 ATX motherboard (desktop or 4U rack mount)

  • Intel® Core™ i5-12500E processor

  • Windows 11 IoT Enterprise Long-Term Service Channel (LTSC)

See Advantech AIMB-788 Specifications and BIOS Settings for ordering and configuration information.

Alternative PC Options

If you cannot use one of the PC options that Aerotech recommends, there are other options with good performance that Aerotech has tested. But, you must spend more time configuring these PCs. Make sure that you get the correct PC model number and Intel® processor model number before you purchase one of these PCs. See the table that follows for options.

Table: Alternative PC Options

PC Option

Description

Advantech AIMB-786

The Advantech AIMB-786 is an industrial PC ATX motherboard that you can use in a desktop, 4U, or 1U form factor. This PC has good performance.

Aerotech tested this motherboard with the Intel® Core™ i7-8700 processor in a desktop configuration. Automation1 was tested to make sure that it works with Windows 10 and Windows 11 on this motherboard.

Refer to Advantech AIMB-786 Specifications and BIOS Settings for ordering and configuration information.

HP Elite Tower 600 G9

The HP Elite Tower 600 G9 is a commercially available PC that has good real-time performance, but it is not an industrial PC.

Aerotech tested this PC with the Intel® Core™ i5-12600 processor. Automation1 was tested to make sure that it works with Windows 11 on this PC.

Refer to HP Elite Tower 600 G9 Specifications and BIOS Settings for ordering and configuration information.
Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tower

The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tower is a commercially available PC that has good real-time performance, but it is not an industrial PC.

Aerotech tested this PC with the Intel® Core™ i7-13700K processor. Automation1 was tested to make sure that it works with Windows 10 and Windows 11 on this PC.

Refer to Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tower Specifications and BIOS Settings for ordering and configuration information.

Supermicro X13SAE

The Supermicro X13SAE is a motherboard that you can purchase as a fully configured desktop PC or industrial PC. This PC was tested and has good real-time performance.

Aerotech recommends that you use the Intel® Core™ i5-12500 or i5-12600. Automation1 was tested to make sure that it works with Windows 10 and Windows 11 on this PC.

Refer to Supermicro X13SAE Specifications and BIOS Settings for ordering and configuration information.

Legacy PC Options

Aerotech supports some PC models that are no longer available for purchase because of their age or supply chain issues. See the list that follows: 

General PC Configuration and Optimization

The PC pages in this guide include information about:

  • Ordering
  • Supported configurations
  • BIOS settings

For all PCs, Aerotech recommends that you review the information that follows:

Related Help Pages 

Known Problematic PC Models