OPS PC Module Guide: What It Is and Which i3, i5 or i7 Your Interactive Flat Panel Needs
An OPS PC module is a small Windows computer that slides into a standard slot in an interactive flat panel, so the panel can run full PC software with no extra box or cables. For most classrooms, choose an i5 module with 16GB RAM; choose an i3 only for slides and web pages, and an i7 for CAD, video editing or many heavy programs at once.
Every spec in the table below comes from our live product pages. Where a page does not list a value, we do not guess it.
What does OPS mean? The full form of OPS
OPS stands for Open Pluggable Specification. Intel created it as a common standard, so one computer module can fit panels from many brands. The module has a fixed connector at one end. The panel has a matching slot with guide rails. You push the module in, tighten the screws, and the panel shows it as one of its input sources.
Because the slot is standard, a school can replace or upgrade the computer later and keep the screen. Our 86 inch interactive whiteboard with i3 to i9 OPS options describes this as an easily replaceable OPS host box for maintenance. That is the main reason buyers choose an OPS module over a mini PC fixed to the back of the screen.
How an OPS PC module plugs into an interactive flat panel
Inside the slot there is one 80-pin connector. Through that one connector, the panel and the module share four things:
- Power. The panel feeds the module, so in normal use you do not plug in a separate adapter.
- Video. The module sends its picture to the panel screen.
- Touch. The panel's touch frame reaches Windows as a USB device, so finger touch works in Windows programs.
- Sound. Audio plays through the panel speakers.
The module's own ports stay open on its outer face. You can plug a keyboard, a USB drive or a network cable into the module directly. To use Windows, the teacher switches the panel's input source to the PC or OPS channel. The panel's built-in Android system is still there when you switch back.
i3 vs i5 vs i7: which OPS PC module for which job
Choose the processor by the software people run every day. A bigger number costs more and does not help if teachers only show slides.
| Processor | Good for | Weak at |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i3 | PowerPoint, PDF files, web browser, video playback, one program at a time | Video calls while sharing the screen; many programs open together |
| Intel Core i5 | Normal classroom and meeting room use: slides, many browser tabs, video calls, whiteboard software, two or three programs together | Video editing, 3D and CAD work |
| Intel Core i7 | CAD, 3D, video editing, large engineering files, lab software, long video calls with recording | Rooms that only show slides; the extra power goes unused |
Our advice for schools is to start at i5. An i5 stays usable longer as teaching software gets heavier, so you replace modules less often. Choose i7 for design classes, engineering labs, training centres and boardrooms where people open large files.
RAM and SSD: how much is enough
- 8GB RAM: the minimum for Windows with a browser and slides.
- 16GB RAM: the right size for most classrooms and meeting rooms. Browser tabs, a video call and whiteboard software can run together.
- 32GB RAM: for i7 builds that run CAD, video editing or large data files.
- 128GB SSD: enough for Windows, Office and teaching software when lesson files live on a school server or cloud drive.
- 256GB to 512GB SSD: choose this when teachers save videos and lessons on the module itself.
Use an SSD, not a hard disk, for the system drive. Windows starts faster, and an SSD has no moving parts to wear out inside a warm panel.
OPS PC module power supply
Inside a panel, the module takes its power from the panel through the slot connector. You do not need to buy a separate power supply for classroom use. Both IKAR modules also have a DC-in jack for use outside a panel, for example when a technician installs software on a desk. Our i5 page lists 12V DC-in and our i7 page lists 19V DC-in. Always use the adapter that matches the module.
Faster processors usually draw more power and make more heat. Before you order, check that the panel's OPS slot is rated for the module you choose. The simple way is to buy the panel and the module from one supplier, so one party is responsible for the match.
Spec table: the two IKAR OPS PC modules
The rows below come only from our product pages for the i5-11390H OPS PC module with 16GB RAM and 128GB SSD and the i7-8550U OPS PC module with 32GB RAM and 512GB SSD.
| Spec | i5 module | i7 module |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-11390H | Intel Core i7-8550U |
| RAM as configured | 16GB | 32GB DDR4 |
| Memory slots | 2 x SO-DIMM (memory type on the spec sheet) | 2 x DDR4 2400MHz SO-DIMM, max 32GB |
| SSD as configured | 128GB | 512GB |
| Storage bays | 1 x 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD, 1 x mSATA | 1 x 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD, 1 x M.2 2280 SATA/PCIe SSD |
| Video outputs | 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA | 2 x HDMI, 1 x DP |
| USB | 4 x USB 3.0, 4 x USB 2.0 | 2 x USB 3.1 Gen2, 4 x USB 3.1 Gen1 |
| Wired network | 2 x Intel I210AT Gigabit Ethernet | 2 x Intel I219LM Gigabit Ethernet |
| Wireless | Not in the module spec table; confirm on the spec sheet | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Other ports | 2 x COM, 1 x LPT | 1 x M.2 2230 (E-key) slot |
| Audio chip | Realtek ALC662 6-channel HD Audio | Realtek ALC233 |
| DC-in (outside a panel) | 12V | 19V |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to 60°C | 0°C to 50°C |
| Weight | 1.2 kg | 1.2 kg |
| Minimum order | 1 set | 1 set |
For most classrooms, the i5 module is the better fit. Its VGA and COM ports help schools that still run older monitors or serial devices. The i7 module has twice the RAM, four times the SSD, two HDMI outputs plus DisplayPort and built-in Wi-Fi. It suits labs and meeting rooms that run heavy software or drive a second screen. Before you pay, ask for the spec sheet of your exact build and check its ports against this table.
OPS PC module buying checklist
- Confirm the panel has an OPS slot. The 86-inch panel above has a replaceable OPS host box, and our 83 inch interactive panel is offered with i3 to i9 options.
- Pick the processor from the software list in the i3 vs i5 vs i7 table.
- Choose 16GB RAM for most rooms and 32GB for CAD or video work.
- Choose SSD size by where teachers store files: 128GB with a server or cloud drive, 256GB or more without one.
- Ask whether the quote includes a licensed Windows copy or no operating system, and plan your licences.
- List the ports you need on the module face: VGA or COM for older devices, HDMI or DP for a second screen, LAN for wired internet.
- Check the slot's power rating against the module, as explained above.
- Buy one configuration for every room, so your IT team installs and repairs one setup.
- Agree trade terms before production: EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP, T/T payment, 7-9 days lead time and a 1-year warranty.
You can compare more builds on our OPS PC module category page. We quote OPS prices on request because the price depends on processor, RAM and SSD.
Why buy the module from the panel factory
IKAR is a Guangdong factory that makes both the panel and the computer that goes into it. Our ISO 9001:2015 certificate (Certification Europe, no. 10151085Q, valid to 2029-04-17) covers interactive all-in-one displays and mini computers, from R&D to assembly. Our interactive panel range holds an EU-type examination certificate under the Radio Equipment Directive (reg. no. 2618-RED-0154) and FCC grants from February 2026. If you also need the screen, the October 2026 EXW list starts at $514 for a 65-inch panel (confirm before ordering); see the smart interactive whiteboard range.
FAQ: OPS PC module questions
OPS PC module i5 vs i7: which should I buy?
Buy i5 for normal teaching and meetings: slides, browser, video calls and whiteboard software. Buy i7 when users run CAD, 3D, video editing or large data files every day. Our i7 module also has 32GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, two HDMI outputs, DisplayPort and Wi-Fi, so it suits labs and boardrooms. For a normal classroom, the i5 gives the better value.
Does an OPS PC module need its own power supply?
Not inside a panel. The module takes power from the panel through the slot connector, so classroom use needs no extra adapter. The DC-in jack is for use outside a panel, for example on a technician's desk. Our i5 module lists 12V DC-in and our i7 module lists 19V DC-in. Check that the panel slot is rated for the module before you order.
What is the full form of OPS?
OPS means Open Pluggable Specification. It is a common standard created by Intel for computer modules that slide into displays. The module and the panel slot share one connector for power, video, touch and sound. Because the slot is standard, a school can replace or upgrade the computer later and keep the same screen, which lowers repair cost over the life of the panel.
Is an OPS PC module made for an interactive flat panel only?
No, but that is its main use. Any display with an OPS slot can take it, including some digital signage screens. On an interactive flat panel, the module turns the screen into a full Windows touch computer. Teachers then run Office, browsers and teaching software with finger touch. Without a module, the panel runs only its built-in Android apps.
What is the minimum order for an OPS PC module?
Our product pages list a minimum order of 1 set, so a school can test one module before a larger order. Lead time is 7-9 days and the warranty is 1 year. We ship by express, air or sea and accept T/T payment. We quote EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP, depending on how much of the shipping you want us to arrange.
Contact IKAR: WhatsApp +86 188 2465 6358, email Admin@xyc-ltd.com.
