Lower power CPU boards such as the ADLLX8PC, ADLS15PC, and ADLN2000PC can safely operate in office, lab or warehouse environments (0° to +70°C) using only a passive cooling solution (a finned heatsink with no fan). Passive cooling solutions sold by ADL Embedded Solutions are not recommended for Extended Temperature Environments above +70°C.
High performance CPUs (ADLQM67PC, ADLGS45PC) must use active cooling (either an installed CPU fan or an external fan that forces air over the heat sink).
CPU boards with heat-spreaders should not be run on the benchtop without some way to dissipate the heat away from the processor. Several of our heat-spreaders can be purchased with an optional heatsink that quickly bolts onto the top of the solution to allow operation in the open air.