So you might have heard here and there about a computer called the Raspberry Pi. In case you haven't, here's a picture of it so you know what I'm talking about:
It's actually not that big; it's essentially a credit card-sized computer. Neither is it expensive: it costs just $35, so if you accidentally fry it when you're tinkering, it won't leave a hole in your wallet. Let's take a look at what the latest model of the Raspberry Pi has to offer first:
- CPU: Cortex-A53 quad-core @ 1.2GHz
- GPU: Broadcom VideoCore IV @ 400MHz
- RAM: 1GB LPDDR2
- Networking: 10/100 Ethernet
- Storage: microSD
- Ports:
- 1x Ethernet
- 4x USB 2.0
- 1x Micro-USB
- 1x HDMI 1.3
- 1x 3.5mm audio/video jack
However, the more serious tinkerers may find the Raspberry Pi lacking when it comes to projects that are more demanding power-wise. Luckily, the Raspberry Pi isn't the only single-board computer on the market. Below are some of the SBCs I've handpicked, based on superior specifications and... aesthetics.
ASUS Tinker Board ($60)
- CPU: Cortex-A17 quad-core @ 1.8GHz
- GPU: Mali-T760 MP4 @ 600MHz
- RAM: 2GB LPDDR3
- Networking: 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- Storage: microSD
- Ports:
- 1x Ethernet
- 4x USB 2.0
- 1x Micro-USB
- 1x HDMI 1.4
- 1x 3.5mm audio/video jack
Le Potato ($25-35)
- CPU: Amlogic S905X quad-core @ 1.5-1.8GHz
- GPU: Mali-450 MP3 @ 750MHz
- RAM: 1GB, 2GB DDR3
- Networking: 10/100 Ethernet
- Storage: microSD, eMMC
- Ports:
- 1x Ethernet
- 4x USB 2.0
- 1x Micro-USB
- 1x HDMI 2.0
- 1x 3.5mm audio/video jack
ODROID-C2 ($47)
- CPU: Amlogic S905, Cortex-A53 quad-core @ 1.5GHz
- GPU: Mali-450 MP3 @ 750MHz
- RAM: 2GB DDR3
- Networking: 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- Storage: microSD, eMMC
- Ports:
- 1x Ethernet
- 4x USB 2.0
- 1x Micro-USB
- 1x HDMI 2.0
- 1x 2.5mm DC power jack
- 1x Serial console
ODROID-XU4 ($62)
- CPU: Exynos 5422 Octa big.LITTLE ARM Cortex-A15 quad-core @ 2GHz, Cortex-A7 quad-core @ 1.5GHz
- GPU: Mali-T628 MP6 @ 600MHz
- RAM: 2GB LPDDR3
- Networking: 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- Storage: microSD, eMMC
- Ports:
- 1x Ethernet
- 2x USB 3.0
- 1x USB 2.0
- 1x 5.5mm DC power jack
- 1x HDMI 1.4a
- 1x RTC backup connector
- 1x Serial console
ROCK64 ($25-45)
- CPU: Rockchip RK3328 Quad-Core ARM Cortex A53 @ 1.5GHz
- GPU: Mali-450 MP2 @ [?]GHz
- RAM: 1GB, 2GB, 4GB LPDDR3
- Networking: 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- Storage: eMMC
- Ports:
- 1x Ethernet
- 2x USB 2.0
- 1x USB 3.0
- 1x 3.5mm DC power jack
- 1x HDMI 2.0
- 1x 3.5mm audio/video jack
UP Board ($99-149)
- CPU: Intel Atom x5-Z8350 quad-core @ 1.92GHz
- GPU: Intel HD 400 Graphics
- RAM: 1GB, 2GB, 4GB DDR3L-1600
- Networking: 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- Storage: microSD, eMMC
- Ports:
- 1x Ethernet
- 4x USB 2.0
- 1x 5.5mm DC power jack
- 1x HDMI 1.4b
- 1x USB 3.0 OTG
This post will continue to be updated as I find more awesome single-board computers. If you find any mistakes or inaccurate information, please let me know, thanks!