1. The Radxa Taco V1.61 uses the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 instead of a standard single-board computer, supporting storage and networking functionalities.
2. It features dual Ethernet ports (1 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps), an M.2 2230 slot for wireless cards, and supports up to five storage drives (HDDs or SSDs).
3. The device includes a microSD slot for OS installation, supports RAID configurations, and provides GPIO headers and USB 3.2 ports for additional connectivity.
Introducing the Radxa Taco V1.61
The Radxa Taco keep catching eyes due to its resemblance to other single-board computers, but the newest model, the V1.61, is now up for preorder. Price wise, it tags in at $65, and this does not include the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. Instead of the typical all-in-one SBC design, it incorporates the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, making it unique in its connectivity and storage options.
Features and Connectivity
This board packs a punch with two Ethernet ports, one providing up to 1 Gbps, and the other reaching 2.5 Gbps, breaking away from the typical Gigabit Ethernet limit. Even traditional HDDs can fully utilize these speeds, which is pretty significant. For wireless needs, there’s an M.2 2230 slot to support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cards, greatly enhancing its networking flexibility. It is planned to support five storage devices simultaneously — be it 3.5-inch hard drives, 2.5-inch drives from laptops, or SATA SSDs, so users have many options.
Additional Components & Usage
It’s equipped with a microSD card slot, which is typically used to install the operating system, giving a lot of freedom but also the user’s responsibility for managing it. The board supports RAID configurations including 0, 1, 5, and 10, immensely useful for data redundancy or performance. Also, it has GPIO headers for other customizations and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports perfect for connecting external storage devices or peripherals.
Conclusion and Thoughts
Overall, the Radxa Taco V1.61 is a versatile option for those looking for a customizable SBC that can handle multiple drives and network connections efficiently. At the budget pricing point of $65 plus the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, it offers an affordable solution for advanced users needing extensive storage and connectivity options. This board is a promising addition to the market, especially for multimedia, network, or storage projects.















