· single board computers  · 13 min read

Best Single Board Computers: Top Picks for Your Mini PC and Project Needs

Discover the top-rated single board computers for building mini PCs, smart robots, workstations, and more. Get expert insights on performance, quality, and usability.

Welcome to the world of single board computers (SBCs), versatile devices that empower you to build innovative projects. Whether you're a hobbyist, a maker, or a professional, choosing the right SBC is crucial for your success. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best single board computers on the market, helping you find the perfect fit for your project requirements.

Overview

udoo Bolt 8GB Single Board Computer
Empowering Innovation with the udoo Experience
udoo Bolt 8GB Single Board Computer
UDOO LED Camera Lighting Kit for All Your Content Creation Needs
Capture Stunning Selfies and Videos with the Ultimate UDoo Camera Lighting Kit
UDOO LED Camera Lighting Kit for All Your Content Creation Needs
UDOO Bolt V8 Single-Board Computer: A Great Option for Embedded Systems
Power, Performance, and Connectivity at Your Fingertips with the UDOO Bolt V8
UDOO Bolt V8 Single-Board Computer: A Great Option for Embedded Systems
Powerful Mini PC Stick: UDoo PCG02 with Enhanced Performance
Experience Seamless Computing with the UDoo PCG02 Mini PC Stick
Powerful Mini PC Stick: UDoo PCG02 with Enhanced Performance
udoo Bolt 8GB Single Board Computer udoo Bolt 8GB Single Board Computer

PROS

  • Versatile device suitable for a wide range of projects, from mini PCs to media centers
  • Ample 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and performance-intensive applications

CONS

  • May require additional components for specific use cases

Introducing the udoo Bolt 8GB, a superior single-board computer designed to elevate your project goals. Its adaptability shines, catering to a multitude of applications, including mini PCs, smart robots, game consoles, and media centers. The generous 8GB of RAM empowers it to effortlessly handle multitasking and execute demanding software.

The udoo Bolt 8GB stands apart with its exceptional performance and flexibility. Whether you aim to construct a compact computer, automate tasks with a smart robot, immerse yourself in gaming adventures, or establish a robust workstation, this device has you covered. Additionally, its media center capabilities make it a perfect entertainment hub for your home. With the udoo Bolt 8GB, the possibilities are endless, inviting you to unleash your creativity and revolutionize your projects.

ATOMIC Pi 4K Developers Kit: Home Entertainment Powered By Udoo ATOMIC Pi 4K Developers Kit: Home Entertainment Powered By Udoo

PROS

  • Ideal for home entertainment with 4K video capabilities
  • Impressive performance powered by an AI equipped Processor

CONS

  • May require additional cooling for sustained high-performance workloads
  • Limited onboard storage capacity

Atomic Pi is the 4K home entertainment solution, powered by the AI technology. It features the UdooBolt, a system-on-module that empowers the Atomic pi with AI capabilities needed for home entertainment. Its cost and capabilities, including 4K video streaming, make it a worthy consideration. Still, storage space limitations may need to be addressed, and if pushed for extreme performance , additional cooling might be needed.

The developers behind the Atomic Pi optimized the product's design to best deliver the home entertainment experience. For this, they've included features like native 4K video output, and an HDMI port among others.

UDOO LED Camera Lighting Kit for All Your Content Creation Needs UDOO LED Camera Lighting Kit for All Your Content Creation Needs

PROS

  • Adjustable ring light with 10 brightness levels, providing optimal illumination for any situation
  • 67-inch extendable tripod for capturing wide-angle shots and group photos
  • Wireless remote shutter for hands-free photography, allowing you to snap captivating self-portraits
  • Includes three light diffusers for softening shadows and enhancing skin tones

CONS

  • Requires batteries for wireless remote operation (not included)
  • May be slightly cumbersome to carry due to its size

The UDoo LED Camera Lighting Kit is a must-have for content creators who demand professional-quality lighting. Its expansive ring light offers adjustable brightness, allowing you to achieve the perfect illumination for your selfies, videos, and live streams. The 67-inch extendable tripod ensures stable shots, even at wider angles. Enhancing the user experience, the wireless remote shutter grants you the freedom to effortlessly capture stunning self-portraits from a distance.

To further customize your lighting, the kit includes three interchangeable light diffusers that soften harsh shadows and create a flattering glow on your skin. These features make the UDoo LED Camera Lighting Kit an excellent choice for enhancing the quality of your content, whether you're a seasoned YouTuber, a makeup artist, or simply someone who wants to elevate their social media presence.

UDOO BOLT with Active Cooler & Power Supply - Supercharged Single Board Computer UDOO BOLT with Active Cooler & Power Supply - Supercharged Single Board Computer

PROS

  • Improved thermal management with active cooler for superior performance
  • Reliable power supply ensures uninterrupted operation of demanding applications

CONS

  • The extra cooling solution may slightly increase the overall cost
  • May require additional space for the larger cooling system

The UDOO XU4 with Active Cooler and Power Supply is a must-have upgrade for users seeking an enhanced computing experience. By integrating an active cooler, this device effectively dissipates heat, ensuring optimal performance even during heavy workloads. The included power supply guarantees a steady power flow, eliminating interruptions or power limitations. These combined enhancements make the UDOO XU4 suitable for intensive tasks such as video editing, gaming, and scientific computation. However, it's worth noting that the additional cooling solution may incur a slight increase in cost and may require more space due to the larger cooling system. Nevertheless, the benefits of improved performance and reliability far outweigh these minor drawbacks.

The UDOO XU4 with Active Cooler and Power Supply empowers users to unlock the full potential of their single-board computer. It's a reliable solution for professionals, hobbyists, and anyone seeking an exceptional computing experience with uninterrupted performance and thermal efficiency.

udoo X86 Ultra: A Compact Powerhouse for Unmatched Computing Performance udoo X86 Ultra: A Compact Powerhouse for Unmatched Computing Performance

PROS

  • Exceptional performance with the latest 11th Gen Intel N5095 Processor
  • Ample storage capacity with 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB M.2 SATA SSD
  • Effortless connectivity with dual HDMI ports, WiFi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0
  • Unmatched versatility with support for extended HDD and SSD for personalized storage solutions
  • Supports 4K 60FPS for stunning visual experiences

CONS

  • Limited onboard storage compared to larger desktops
  • Requires additional cooling for heavy workloads

The udoo X86 Ultra is a marvel of engineering, seamlessly merging power and compactness into a sleek Mini PC. At the helm is the formidable 11th Generation Intel N5095 Processor, unleashing exceptional performance for seamless multitasking and demanding applications. The generous 8GB DDR4 RAM ensures lightning-fast responsiveness, while the 256GB M.2 SATA SSD provides ample space for storing your essential files and programs.

Connectivity is a breeze with the udoo X86 Ultra, featuring dual HDMI ports, WiFi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0. This versatility allows you to effortlessly connect multiple displays, peripherals, and devices for a truly immersive experience. Additionally, the support for extended HDD and SSD storage empowers you to tailor your storage capacity to meet your specific needs. Whether you're a creative professional, a gamer, or simply seeking a reliable entertainment hub, the udoo X86 Ultra delivers an unrivaled computing experience in a compact form factor.

A Mighty Mini PC: Udoo N97 - Unleash Your Business and Home Computing A Mighty Mini PC: Udoo N97 - Unleash Your Business and Home Computing

PROS

  • Blazing-fast performance with 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake N97 processor
  • Ample memory and storage with 12GB DDR5 RAM and 256GB SSD
  • Versatile connectivity options including HDMI, USB, and Ethernet
  • Pre-installed Windows 11 Pro for seamless software compatibility
  • Compact and sleek design that fits seamlessly into any workspace

CONS

  • Limited upgradeability due to compact size and integrated components
  • May not be suitable for highly demanding gaming or video editing tasks

Prepare to revolutionize your computing needs with the Udoo N97 Mini PC – a marvel of efficiency and performance that's sure to impress. At its core lies the lightning-fast 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake N97 processor, ready to tackle your tasks with unmatched speed and agility. The inclusion of 12GB DDR5 RAM and 256GB NVMe SSD means multitasking and storage-intensive operations are a breeze, ensuring seamless and lag-free experiences.

Beyond its impressive hardware, the Udoo N97 boasts remarkable versatility with its array of connectivity options. Experience crisp visuals through the HDMI port, connect peripherals with multiple USB ports, and enjoy stable internet access via the Ethernet interface. The pre-installed Windows 11 Pro operating system guarantees compatibility with an extensive range of software, making it an ideal choice for businesses and home users alike. And thanks to its compact size and sleek design, the Udoo N97 blends seamlessly into any workspace, whether on your desk, in a home entertainment setup, or even tucked away in a corner.

UDOO Bolt V8 Single-Board Computer: A Great Option for Embedded Systems UDOO Bolt V8 Single-Board Computer: A Great Option for Embedded Systems

PROS

  • Affordable single-board computer with a powerful i.MX6UL Cortex-A7 CPU up to 528Mhz.
  • Ample memory with 512MB DDR3L and 4GB eMMC storage.
  • Versatile connectivity options including RS485/CAN, camera, LCD, Ethernet, and USB interfaces.
  • Abundant GPIOs for interfacing with various peripherals and sensors.
  • Ideal for embedded system applications, industrial automation, and IoT projects.

CONS

  • Limited documentation and community support compared to popular SBCs.
  • May require additional hardware components like a power supply and enclosure for practical use.

The UDOO Bolt V8 is an impressive single-board computer that packs a punch in terms of features and capabilities. At its core lies the i.MX6UL Cortex-A7 CPU, clocking up to 528Mhz, providing ample processing power for embedded systems. The 512MB DDR3L and 4GB eMMC storage provide sufficient memory for running various applications and storing data.

One of the standout aspects of the Bolt V8 is its extensive connectivity options. It boasts RS485/CAN interfaces for industrial communication, a camera interface for image capture, an LCD interface for displaying information, Ethernet for network connectivity, and multiple USB ports for peripherals. The rich GPIO pins allow for interfacing with a wide range of sensors and actuators, making it a versatile choice for IoT projects. The Bolt V8's compact size and low cost make it an attractive option for space-constrained and budget-conscious applications.

Powerful Mini PC Stick: UDoo PCG02 with Enhanced Performance Powerful Mini PC Stick: UDoo PCG02 with Enhanced Performance

PROS

  • Equipped with an efficient Intel N4000 processor for smooth multitasking
  • Compact and portable design allows for easy setup and transportation

CONS

  • Limited storage capacity of 128GB may require external expansion
  • Lack of dedicated graphics capabilities limits gaming and intensive video editing

Harness the power of the UDoo PCG02 Mini PC Stick and elevate your computing experience. This compact and versatile device packs an Intel N4000 processor, delivering efficient performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. Its fanless design ensures quiet operation, making it an ideal companion for home or office use.

Despite its diminutive size, the PCG02 boasts impressive connectivity options. With built-in 4G/5G Wi-Fi 5 and Gigabit Ethernet, you can enjoy lightning-fast internet speeds for seamless streaming, browsing, and file transfers. The HDMI 4K output allows for stunning visuals, making it perfect for presentations or entertainment. However, it's important to note that the 128GB storage capacity may necessitate external storage solutions for extensive data or media storage.

udoo BOLT Pro Intel Celeron N5105 Mini PC 8GB/256GB Dual LAN Win 11 Pro udoo BOLT Pro Intel Celeron N5105 Mini PC 8GB/256GB Dual LAN Win 11 Pro

PROS

  • Compact and powerful mini PC with Intel Celeron N5105 processor, delivering smooth performance for daily tasks.
  • Equipped with 8GB of RAM for multitasking and 256GB of SSD storage for ample data storage.

CONS

  • Limited graphics capabilities may not be suitable for demanding gaming or video editing.
  • No built-in display; requires an external monitor for operation.

Introducing the udoo BOLT Pro Mini PC, a compact powerhouse designed for efficient computing experiences. Featuring the Intel Celeron N5105 processor, this mini PC effortlessly handles everyday tasks, from browsing the web to productivity software and media playback. Its 8GB of RAM ensures seamless multitasking, while the 256GB SSD storage provides ample space for your files and applications. With its small size and sleek design, the udoo BOLT Pro fits discreetly into any workspace, making it an ideal solution for home or office use.

The udoo BOLT Pro comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, offering a user-friendly and secure operating system. Its dual LAN ports provide stable and reliable network connectivity, ensuring uninterrupted productivity. While it lacks dedicated graphics, the Intel UHD Graphics support basic visual tasks and video playback. However, for more demanding graphics applications, an external GPU may be necessary. It's important to note that this mini PC requires an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse for operation. Overall, the udoo BOLT Pro Mini PC delivers a solid performance in a compact form factor, making it a great choice for those seeking a reliable and space-saving computing solution.

udoo Phone Tripod Legs, Premium Flexible Phone Tripod and Phone Stand udoo Phone Tripod Legs, Premium Flexible Phone Tripod and Phone Stand

PROS

  • Capture stunning photos and videos with ease, thanks to the flexible legs that can be wrapped around objects or adjusted to different angles.
  • Enjoy hassle-free remote shutter control, allowing you to capture group shots or selfies from afar.

CONS

  • The tripod may not be suitable for heavy or bulky phones, as it could compromise stability.
  • The wireless remote shutter relies on batteries, so ensure you have запасные on hand to avoid interruptions during critical moments.

Elevate your photography game with the udoo Phone Tripod Legs and Phone Stand. Its flexible legs mold effortlessly around objects or transform into various angles, enabling you to capture unique perspectives with remarkable stability. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply enjoy preserving precious moments, this tripod is an invaluable tool.

Moreover, the included wireless remote shutter empowers you with the freedom to capture group shots or selfies without the need for a physical connection. Simply pair the remote with your device and enjoy the convenience of hands-free photography. Embrace the udoo Phone Tripod Legs and Phone Stand to unleash your creativity and capture life's moments in stunning detail.

In conclusion, selecting the best single board computer requires careful consideration of your specific needs and budget. Whether you're looking to build a mini PC, a smart robot, or a workstation, there's an SBC that suits your project. By leveraging our expert recommendations and detailed product reviews, you can make an informed decision and embark on your project with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a single board computer?

When selecting a single board computer, key factors to consider include your intended applications, required processing power, memory capacity, connectivity options, and budget constraints.

What are some popular applications for single board computers?

Single board computers find diverse applications in building mini PCs, smart robots, workstations, media centers, and various IoT projects.

What are the advantages of using a single board computer?

SBCs offer numerous advantages, including compact size, low power consumption, cost-effectiveness, and endless possibilities for customization and expansion.

Can single board computers be used for gaming?

While not primarily designed for gaming, some powerful single board computers can handle basic gaming and emulation tasks.

What are some of the best single board computers available?

Top contenders in the SBC market include Udoo, Atomic Pi, and Raspberry Pi, offering a range of features and capabilities tailored to specific needs.

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