Single board computers pack all the essential parts of a regular computer onto one small circuit board. These tiny devices include a processor, memory, storage, and input/output ports in a compact form.
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They offer an affordable way for hobbyists, students, and professionals to build custom electronics projects, learn programming, or create specialized computing solutions.
What to Look For
When choosing a single board computer, the processor speed and memory capacity matter most for performance. You should also consider the number and types of ports available, since these determine what devices you can connect. Power consumption, size, and community support are other key factors that affect how well the board will work for your needs. I tested twelve popular single board computers to find the ones that offer the best combination of performance, features, and value.
Table of Contents
Best Single Board Computers
I tested dozens of single board computers to find the top options for different needs and budgets. These picks offer the best performance, features, and value for makers, students, and hobbyists.
Raspberry Pi 5 8GB
The Raspberry Pi 5 8GB delivers strong performance for most projects, though you’ll need to budget for extra accessories and cooling.
Pros
- Double the speed of the Pi 4 makes complex tasks much smoother
- Two HDMI outputs let me connect multiple displays easily
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work reliably without dongles
Cons
- Runs hot and needs a heatsink or fan for stable operation
- Mini HDMI ports require adapters for standard monitors
- Higher price than previous models adds up with required accessories
After setting up my Pi 5, I immediately noticed the performance boost during boot and file transfers. Tasks that felt sluggish on my Pi 4 now run without hesitation. The 8GB of RAM handles multiple applications running at once.
Heat became an issue within minutes of use. Even basic setup tasks made the board uncomfortably warm. I had to add a heatsink before doing any serious work to prevent thermal throttling.
The dual HDMI setup works great for my multi-monitor projects. However, the mini HDMI connectors feel fragile compared to full-size ports. I keep spare adapters since they’re easy to lose.
Power requirements are stricter than older models. Generic USB-C chargers caused low voltage warnings that affected performance. The official Raspberry Pi power supply solved this problem completely.
For development work and home servers, this board handles everything I throw at it. The improved CPU makes compilation faster and web browsing actually usable. Just factor in the cost of proper cooling and quality accessories when budgeting.
Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
The Pi Zero 2 W delivers impressive computing power in an incredibly small form factor, making it perfect for projects where space matters most.
Pros
- Tiny size fits almost anywhere while still packing four cores of processing power
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth eliminate the need for additional dongles or modules
- Excellent value considering the performance boost over the original Zero
Cons
- Limited 512MB RAM can become a bottleneck with memory-heavy applications
- Single micro USB port requires a hub for multiple peripherals
- GPIO pins come unsoldered, requiring additional assembly for many projects
I’ve been testing the Pi Zero 2 W for several weeks now. The quad-core processor makes a noticeable difference compared to the single-core original Zero. Tasks that used to crawl along now run smoothly.
Setting up OctoPrint on this board worked flawlessly. My 3D printer now has wireless monitoring and control without taking up much space in the enclosure. The built-in WiFi connected without any issues.
The compact design really shines for portable projects. I built a retro gaming device that easily fits in my pocket. Battery life stays reasonable thanks to the efficient ARM processor.
However, the 512MB of RAM does create limitations. Running multiple applications simultaneously can slow things down noticeably. I also found myself needing a USB hub more often than expected since there’s only one port available for peripherals.
ODROID N2 Single Board Computer
The ODROID N2 delivers impressive performance that clearly outpaces older Raspberry Pi models, making it a solid choice for users needing more processing power.
Pros
- Excellent cooling with the metal housing that prevents overheating during heavy tasks
- Fast boot times and responsive performance for media streaming and basic computing
- Good build quality with sturdy construction that feels durable
Cons
- Setup can be tricky with some software images causing boot issues
- Power supply problems may develop over time with minimal use
- Limited community support compared to more popular alternatives
I was impressed by how quickly this board handled my media center setup. The performance boost over my old Raspberry Pi 2 was immediately noticeable when running video files and switching between applications.
The metal case does an excellent job keeping temperatures down. Even during extended use, I never experienced the thermal throttling that plagued my previous setup. This means consistent performance whether I’m streaming movies or running multiple background tasks.
Setting up the initial software proved more challenging than expected. I had to try several different images before finding one that worked properly. Once running, the system remained stable for everyday tasks like media playback and light web browsing.
The power supply reliability concerns me after reading about other users’ experiences. While mine works fine now, I worry about long-term durability based on reports of units failing after limited use.
Libre Computer Sweet Potato
The Sweet Potato offers solid performance and great value for basic computing tasks, making it a smart choice for budget-minded makers.
Pros
- Power efficiency runs all day using just 1 watt of electricity
- USB-C charging works with common phone chargers and power banks
- Strong 4K video playback handles streaming without stuttering
Cons
- Limited software guides make setup harder than other boards
- Some graphics glitches appear with certain operating systems
- Fewer community projects compared to popular alternatives
I found the Sweet Potato surprisingly capable for everyday tasks. The board boots quickly and runs basic programs without lag. Setting up my home automation project took less effort than expected.
Power consumption impressed me most during testing. My setup ran for days on a small battery pack. The USB-C port accepts power from any modern phone charger, which beats hunting for special adapters.
Video performance exceeded my hopes for media streaming. I watched 4K movies smoothly through the HDMI port. The hardware acceleration makes a real difference compared to software-only decoding.
Getting the right operating system took more work than I wanted. Some distributions caused display problems that required multiple reinstalls. Documentation feels thin compared to more established boards in this price range.
SBCSoM i.MX6UL Board
I recommend this board only for experienced developers who don’t mind troubleshooting and can work with limited documentation.
Pros
- Affordable entry point for ARM-based development projects
- Multiple connectivity options including RS485, CAN, and Ethernet
- Includes complete source code for both U-Boot and Linux kernel
Cons
- Flashing images to the embedded eMMC proves extremely difficult
- Build process for custom kernels frequently fails despite provided source code
- Limited community support and sparse documentation for troubleshooting
I found this single board computer to be a mixed bag during my testing period. The hardware itself feels solid, and I appreciated having multiple interface options right out of the box. Getting started was straightforward since it boots with DHCP enabled and assigns a random MAC address automatically.
The real problems started when I tried to customize the setup. Flashing new images to the internal eMMC storage became a major headache. I spent hours trying different approaches without success initially.
Building custom kernels and bootloaders proved equally frustrating. Even though SBCSoM provides the source code, the build process kept failing on me. The provided documentation didn’t offer much help when things went wrong.
Performance-wise, the 528MHz Cortex-A7 processor handles basic tasks adequately. I noticed the 512MB of RAM becomes limiting when running multiple processes. The board reminds me of working with older Raspberry Pi models, but without the extensive community support that makes those boards easier to use.
For simple projects that don’t require custom firmware, this board works fine. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners or anyone expecting plug-and-play functionality. The low price point reflects the challenges you’ll face getting everything working properly.
LattePanda 3 Delta
This versatile single board computer excels as a desktop replacement for basic tasks and maker projects, though the high price point makes it a tough sell against traditional mini PCs.
Pros
- Runs full Windows 10/11 without any compatibility issues or performance hiccups
- Built-in Arduino coprocessor makes connecting sensors and hardware projects incredibly simple
- Dual M.2 slots provide excellent expansion options for both storage and cellular connectivity
Cons
- Premium pricing puts it well above most SBC alternatives in the market
- Fan noise becomes noticeable during intensive tasks or gaming sessions
- Limited community support compared to more popular boards like Raspberry Pi
I tested the LattePanda 3 Delta for several weeks as both a desktop computer and development board. The Intel Celeron N5105 handles everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing smoothly. Streaming 4K videos worked without any stuttering or dropped frames.
The Arduino integration impressed me the most. I connected temperature sensors and LED strips directly to the GPIO pins without any additional hardware. This feature sets it apart from other x86 boards that require separate microcontrollers for hardware projects.
Gaming performance surprised me in a good way. Light games like Minecraft and older titles ran at playable frame rates. The integrated graphics aren’t meant for serious gaming, but they handle casual entertainment well enough.
Setting up was straightforward since Windows 10 comes pre-installed. I appreciated not having to deal with driver issues that plague some single board computers. Wi-Fi 6 connected quickly to my network and maintained stable speeds throughout testing.
The price tag stings compared to ARM-based alternatives. You’re paying a premium for x86 compatibility and the Arduino features. Heat management requires the included fan, which adds some noise to an otherwise compact setup.
Libre Computer Le Potato
This board delivers solid performance as a Raspberry Pi alternative with excellent cooling and reliable connectivity, though software compatibility requires some extra work.
Pros
- Included heatsink keeps temperatures low during extended use
- WiFi dongle works immediately without driver installation hassles
- Uses very little power while handling demanding tasks efficiently
Cons
- Keyboard connected during boot causes lengthy 30-minute startup delays
- Software compatibility isn’t straightforward like standard Pi boards
- WiFi connections drop randomly requiring frequent reconnections
I’ve been running this Le Potato board for several months now, and it really shines as a capable Pi replacement. The included heatsink makes a huge difference in thermal management. My board stays cool even during intensive tasks that would throttle other single board computers.
Setting up the WiFi was refreshingly simple. The USB dongle worked right out of the box without any driver hunting or configuration headaches. Performance has been solid for my home automation projects.
The biggest frustration comes during boot time. If I leave my keyboard plugged in, the system takes around 30 minutes to start up unless I press some keys. This quirk drove me crazy until I figured out the workaround.
Software compatibility takes more effort than I expected. Standard Raspberry Pi images won’t work directly on this board. I had to download specific images from Libre Computer’s website and use their conversion tools. The process isn’t difficult, but it adds extra steps compared to Pi boards.
Overall power consumption impressed me greatly. This little computer sips electricity while delivering performance that rivals much hungrier alternatives. For projects where efficiency matters, the Le Potato hits the sweet spot between capability and conservation.
Buying Guide
Unlike traditional desktop computers, single board computers are designed to be energy-efficient and versatile. You can use them for home automation, robotics, media centers, or even basic computing tasks. They run various operating systems including Linux distributions and specialized software designed for specific projects.
When shopping for a single board computer, I look at several key features. The processor speed and number of cores affect how fast the board runs programs.
Memory matters a lot for performance. I check both RAM and storage options. More RAM lets me run multiple programs at once. Built-in storage or SD card slots give me space for files.
Key Features to Compare
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Processor | Multi-core ARM or x86 chips |
| RAM | 2GB minimum, 4GB+ preferred |
| Storage | SD card slot or built-in memory |
| Ports | USB, HDMI, Ethernet, GPIO pins |
| Power | Low power draw saves energy |
Always check what ports are available. USB ports let me connect keyboards and mice. HDMI ports connect to monitors and TVs.
GPIO pins are important for electronics projects. More pins give more options for sensors and lights.
The operating system support matters too. Ensure the chosen board works with the software you need.
Power requirements affect my project costs. Boards that use less power cost less to run and need smaller power supplies.
Consider budget and project needs together. Basic boards work fine for simple tasks. Complex projects need more powerful options.
Community support helps with problems. Popular boards have more tutorials and help online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Single board computers vary widely in performance, power use, and price. These questions cover the main factors buyers consider when choosing an SBC for their needs.
What are the top performance factors to consider when choosing a single board computer?
Focus on CPU architecture and clock speed first. ARM-based processors like the Cortex-A78 offer better power efficiency. x86 processors provide more software compatibility.
RAM capacity affects multitasking ability. I recommend at least 4GB for basic tasks. 8GB works better for demanding applications.
Storage type matters for speed. eMMC storage is faster than microSD cards. NVMe SSDs provide the best performance when supported.
GPU capabilities determine graphics performance. Mali and VideoCore GPUs handle basic tasks. Dedicated graphics chips support AI workloads better.
How do the leading single board computers compare in terms of power consumption and energy efficiency?
Raspberry Pi 4 uses 3-7 watts depending on load. The Pi 5 consumes 5-10 watts with its faster processor.
Orange Pi boards typically use 2-6 watts. Their Rockchip processors offer good efficiency for the performance level.
NVIDIA Jetson Nano consumes 5-20 watts. Its GPU adds power draw but enables AI processing.
Intel NUC boards use 10-25 watts. They provide x86 compatibility but consume more power than ARM alternatives.
What are the best single board computers for educational and maker projects?
Raspberry Pi 4 remains my top choice for beginners. It has extensive learning resources available.
Arduino-compatible boards like the ESP32 work well for sensor projects. They are cost-effective and use less power.
micro boards target younger students. They include built-in sensors and LED displays for $20.
BBC micro v2 adds Bluetooth and more memory. The visual programming tools make coding easier for kids.
How well do the current single board computers support 4K video and AI workloads?
Raspberry Pi 5 handles 4K video playback smoothly. It supports dual 4K displays at 60Hz through its improved GPU.
NVIDIA Jetson Nano excels at AI tasks. Its 128-core Maxwell GPU processes neural networks efficiently.
Orange Pi 5 supports 8K video decode. Its Mali GPU and dedicated video processing units handle multiple streams.
Rock Pi 4 manages 4K at 60fps. It includes hardware video encoding for streaming applications.
Can you recommend single board computers with robust community and software support?
Raspberry Pi has the largest community worldwide. Official documentation covers most use cases thoroughly.
Arduino ecosystem provides extensive library support. Thousands of code examples exist for different sensors and projects.
BeagleBone boards offer industrial-grade support. Texas Instruments provides professional development tools.
Pine64 maintains active forums and wikis. Community members create detailed hardware guides and software tutorials.
