If you are looking to build a DIY project that requires a compact, powerful computer, a single-board computer (SBC) might be your perfect solution. x86-based SBCs are versatile devices that can be used for a wide range of projects, such as IoT, home automation, gaming, and more. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 best x86 SBCs for DIY projects.
1. Raspberry Pi 4
The latest Raspberry Pi 4 model is a powerful SBC that packs a punch with its quad-core Cortex-A72 CPU and up to 8GB RAM. It features multiple USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0, making it suitable for a wide range of projects.
2. LattePanda Alpha
The LattePanda Alpha is a powerful x86 SBC that comes with a quad-core Intel Core m3 processor and up to 8GB RAM. It features HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and USB ports. It also has an integrated Arduino co-processor, which allows you to combine it with Arduino hardware.
3. Up Board
The Up Board is a powerful SBC that comes with an Intel Atom processor and up to 8GB RAM. It features HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports. It also has an optional Intel Movidius AI accelerator.
4. Odroid XU4
The Odroid XU4 is a powerful SBC based on the Samsung Exynos 5422 processor. It features Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, HDMI output, and a microSD slot. It also has a metal housing for better heat dissipation.
5. BeagleBone Black
The BeagleBone Black is a popular SBC that features a Texas Instruments Sitara AM3358 processor. It comes with HDMI output, Ethernet, USB 2.0 ports, and a microSD slot. It also has two programmable real-time units (PRUs) that can be used for real-time tasks.
6. Wandboard
The Wandboard is a powerful SBC that comes with a Freescale i.MX6 quad-core processor. It features HDMI and LVDS outputs, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports. It also has a removable eMMC module for easy data transfer.
7. Udoo x86 Ultra
The Udoo x86 Ultra is a powerful SBC that comes with an Intel Pentium processor and up to 8GB RAM. It features HDMI output, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports. It also has an integrated Arduino co-processor.
8. Asus Tinker Board S
The Asus Tinker Board S is a powerful SBC that comes with a quad-core Cortex-A17 processor. It features HDMI output, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports. It also has an integrated 192kHz/24-bit audio codec.
9. ODROID-H2
The Odroid-H2 is a powerful SBC that comes with an Intel Celeron processor and up to 32GB RAM. It features HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports. It also has M.2 and SATA connectors.
10. AAEON UP Squared
The AAEON UP Squared is a powerful SBC that comes with an Intel Atom processor and up to 8GB RAM. It features HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB ports. It also has an optional AI accelerator and RealSense depth camera.
Conclusion
There are many x86 SBCs available for DIY projects, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re looking for a powerful SBC with advanced features or a budget-friendly option, there is an x86 SBC that will suit your needs. By considering factors such as CPU power, RAM, and I/O ports, you can choose the perfect SBC for your DIY project.
