Choosing a compact PC for SCADA, edge control, or industrial panel duties usually comes down to one question: do you need the serial-port and multi-LAN flexibility of an industrial box, or will a clean Windows mini PC handle the HMI layer? These four options span $59.88 to $184.99, so budget versus connectivity is the real trade-off to work through.
Quick take
For pure industrial connectivity, the Qotom Q310p is the only option here with six COM ports. For a ready-to-run Windows 11 Pro experience, the two KAMRUI mini PCs and the HP desktop are simpler daily drivers. The HP is a larger refurbished small-form-factor desktop with a DVD drive and a serial port; the KAMRUI units are ultra-compact but focus on consumer-friendly I/O.
What to look for
Start with the connections. A SCADA or edge-control box often needs RS-232 serial ports to talk to PLCs, sensors, or meters. Next, decide what OS you want: Windows 11 Pro means you can boot straight into the operating system, while a no-OS box lets you install Linux, Pfsense, or your preferred edge runtime. Finally, think about physical space: do you have room for a small tower, or do you need a tiny box on a desk or in a cabinet?
Listed price comparison
| Model | Listed price | Price bar |
| Qotom Q310p 3205u 4GB 32GB Mini PC | USD 59.88 | |
| KAMRUI 4K Mini PC GK3Plus (Black) | USD 159.00 | |
| KAMRUI GK3Plus Mini PC (Silver) | USD 159.00 | |
| HP Business Class Quad Core 3GHz Desktop | USD 184.99 | |
Decision matrix
| Your priority | Recommendation | Why |
| Industrial serial-port connectivity | Qotom Q310p | Six COM ports, dual LAN, and no OS for a custom IPC/POS build |
| Small footprint with Windows 11 Pro | KAMRUI GK3Plus (either color) | 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD in a tiny chassis with 4K dual-display support |
| Traditional desktop features | HP Business Class | DVD drive, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter, serial port, and 16GB RAM in a refurbished SFF tower |
Qotom Q310p 3205u 4GB 32GB SSD Mini PC COM Serial Port IPC POS Computer RS-232
At $59.88, this is the lowest-priced unit and a strong match if your SCADA or edge controller needs legacy serial devices. The Qotom Q310p packs six COM ports, dual LAN, and support for DDR3L RAM, a 2.5-inch SATA drive, and an mSATA SSD. On the flip side, it ships without an OS, so you will need to install your own Windows, Pfsense, or Linux environment. The 4GB RAM and 32GB SSD are modest for heavier HMI applications, and the condition is listed as very good refurbished rather than new. That makes it best suited to a single-purpose IPC or POS role where you already have deployment images.
KAMRUI 4K Mini PC GK3Plus, Intel N5030 12GB LPDDR4 256GB M.2 SSD Win11 Pro WiFi5
At USD 159.00, the black GK3Plus is a new, ready-to-run Windows 11 Pro mini PC with an Intel N5030, 12GB LPDDR4, and a 256GB M.2 SSD. The small chassis includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, USB 3.2 Gen1, and a gigabit Ethernet port, so it handles dual 4K displays and basic edge HMI tasks without desktop bulk. For older PLCs or SCADA gear, a USB-to-serial adapter is the practical path given the HDMI, USB, and Ethernet port set. Its 4-core processor and integrated graphics are suitable for light visualization, but not for heavy simulation or data-processing workloads.
KAMRUI GK3Plus Mini PC, Intel N5030 12GB LPDDR4 256GB SSD 4K UHD Windows 11 Pro
This silver GK3Plus carries the same listed price as the black version, with the same Intel N5030, 12GB LPDDR4, 256GB SSD, and Windows 11 Pro combination. The extra connectivity here includes a VGA port alongside HDMI, which is useful if your panel display still uses legacy analog input. The compact case keeps the physical footprint small for SCADA dashboarding or edge data collection. The port set includes HDMI, VGA, USB, and Ethernet, so legacy RS-232 gear links through a USB-to-serial adapter.
HP Business Class Windows 11 Pro Intel Quad Core 3GHz SSD DVD WiFi 16GB Desktop
For $184.99, the HP business desktop is the only full desktop-style option here. It comes with a quad-core Intel 3GHz processor, 16GB RAM, SSD storage, a DVD drive, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter accessories. It also keeps a serial port and VGA alongside DisplayPort, which makes it easier to connect older SCADA peripherals. The catch is the form factor: this is a refurbished Small Form Factor tower, not a panel-mountable mini box, so it takes up more physical space in an industrial cabinet. Condition is listed as Very Good - Refurbished, and the feature list includes a 1-year warranty and free tech support. If you need a traditional desktop for engineering coding or office plus industrial use, this is the one.
Final recommendation by use case
If your main job is talking to legacy RS-232/485 devices, pick the Qotom Q310p and install your own OS. If you want a small Windows 11 Pro machine for HMI dashboards, choose either KAMRUI GK3Plus; pick the silver version if you need the VGA port. If you have desktop space and want more RAM plus a DVD drive, the HP business desktop is the practical pick.
