Tag: SBC

  • Affordable 8-Core ARM SBC with Dual Gigabit Ethernet Launches

    Affordable 8-Core ARM SBC with Dual Gigabit Ethernet Launches

    Key Takeaways

    1. The DShanPi-A1 is a new single-board computer available on AliExpress, with a mid-range model priced at about $83.
    2. It features the Rockchip RK3576 SoC, an 8-core architecture, and a Mali-G52 MC3 GPU, offering strong performance with over 1,200 points in Geekbench 6.
    3. The base model includes 6 GB of LPDDR4 RAM but lacks built-in storage, with upgraded models offering 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage.
    4. It has additional features like a mini HDMI input for video streaming and a microSD slot for expanded storage options.
    5. The DShanPi-A1 is positioned lower in performance compared to the RK3588 boards, such as the OrangePi CM5, which has a higher benchmark score and price.


    A new single-board computer has been launched, named the DShanPi-A1. This board is currently for sale on AliExpress, with the mid-range model priced at about $83. There are also higher-priced models that offer increased memory and storage options.

    Specifications and Performance

    The DShanPi-A1 is equipped with the same system-on-chip (SoC) as the Bit-brick K1 Pro, which we mentioned not long ago. It uses the Rockchip RK3576, a popular choice in many SBCs, featuring an 8-core architecture that includes four Cortex-A72 and four Cortex-A53 cores. Additionally, it has an integrated Mali-G52 MC3 GPU and a 6 TOPS (INT8) neural processing unit (NPU). The performance is expected to be quite good, as the RK3576 typically achieves over 1,200 points in the multicore section of Geekbench 6.

    Comparisons with Other Models

    However, the RK3576 cannot compete with the RK3588 found in boards like the OrangePi CM5, which is currently priced at $129 on Amazon and scores over 3,000 points in the same benchmark.

    In the base model, it has 6 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, but it lacks any built-in storage. There are upgraded versions that come with 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage. Additionally, lower-tier options with 2 GB and 4 GB of RAM can be found at third-party sellers. The input/output options include:

    Additional Features

    Notably, the mini HDMI input port lets the SBC serve as a video stream capture device, which is a great feature. There’s also a microSD slot included, which is certainly a plus. For more information on the DShanPi-A1 SBC, interested buyers can check its official Wiki page for further details.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Radxa Launches 8-Core SBC Inspired by Raspberry Pi Zero with 16GB RAM

    Radxa Launches 8-Core SBC Inspired by Raspberry Pi Zero with 16GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Radxa Cubie A7Z SBC is compact, measuring just 65 x 30 mm, making it suitable for space-limited projects.
    2. It features powerful hardware with an Allwinner A733 SoC, including two Cortex A76 cores and six Cortex A55 cores, comparable to older flagship smartphone processors.
    3. The SBC supports up to 16 GB of LPDDR4/X memory and offers storage options up to 512 GB (UFS 3.0), with various I/O options including micro HDMI and USB 3.1 Type-C.
    4. It includes advanced connectivity options such as WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
    5. The basic version of the Radxa A7Z SBC starts at an affordable price of $15, making it accessible for hobbyists and developers.


    The Raspberry Pi Zero is a small and very compact device, making it an ideal option for projects that have limited space. Radxa is clearly targeting this market by introducing the Cubie A7Z SBC (single-board computer) that features quite powerful hardware.

    Powerful Hardware

    At the heart of the Radxa Cubie A7Z SBC, you will find the Allwinner A733 SoC, which includes two Cortex A76 cores and six Cortex A55 cores. This processor is nearly as strong as some of the older flagship smartphone processors, making it a great choice for hobbyist projects. The A7Z SBC is quite small, following the design inspiration of the Raspberry Pi Zero (Zero 2 currently priced at $21.41 on Amazon), measuring just 65 x 30 mm, which makes it significantly more compact than its larger counterpart, the Cubie A7A.

    Memory and Connectivity Options

    The SBC can support up to 16 GB of LPDDR4/X memory and offers storage options of up to 512 GB (UFS 3.0). It has a good range of I/O options, which includes micro HDMI 2.0b, a microSD slot, USB 3.1 Type-C (with DisplayPort), USB 2.0 Type-C, and a 40-pin GPIO header. Interestingly, it also features a PCIe Gen3 FPC. For wireless connectivity, it includes WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. Additional important details regarding the SBC are listed below:

    Affordable Pricing

    The basic version of the Radxa A7Z SBC, which comes with 1 GB of memory and lacks a GPIO header, will retail for a mere $15, making it quite budget-friendly. The product is already available for purchase worldwide, with options from Arace and AliExpress.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Banana Pi BPI-R4 Lite vs Raspberry Pi 5: Key Advantages Explained

    Banana Pi BPI-R4 Lite vs Raspberry Pi 5: Key Advantages Explained

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Banana Pi BPI-R4 Lite is available for about $86 and is a potential alternative to the Raspberry Pi 5, which starts at $66.
    2. It is designed with a focus on networking, featuring an SFP port with 2.5Gbps bandwidth and five Ethernet ports, including one that supports 2.5Gbps.
    3. The board includes a mini-PCIe slot for expansion, allowing users to add a WiFi 7 card or a cellular modem via the M.2 slot.
    4. Powered by a MediaTek MT7987A SoC, it has four Cortex-A53 cores, 2GB of DDR4 RAM, and 8GB of eMMC storage, with support for microSD cards.
    5. It lacks a standard GPIO pin header but supports sensor connections through UART, I2C, and SPI; it also features a USB 3.0 port and is powered by a barrel plug.


    The Banana Pi BPI-R4 Lite is now ready for sale. You can find this single-board computer on Youyeetoo for approximately $86. Before making a purchase, customers should check the shipping terms and any additional fees. This device could be a good alternative to the Raspberry Pi 5, which starts at $66 on Amazon.

    Focused on Networking

    This SBC has a unique focus, especially for networking uses. It might be great for setting up an OpenWrt router, for example. The latest Banana Pi model comes with an SFP port that supports a bandwidth of 2.5Gbps and includes five Ethernet ports. One of these ports reaches the same 2.5Gbps speed, while the others provide standard Gigabit performance.

    Expandable and Versatile

    Moreover, there’s a mini-PCIe slot available that connects through two PCIe 3.0 lanes, enabling users to add a WiFi 7 card, for instance. The board is driven by a MediaTek MT7987A SoC, which boasts four Cortex-A53 cores, 2GB of DDR4 RAM, and 8GB of eMMC storage. Users can also utilize a microSD card. Although it doesn’t have a standard GPIO pin header, you can connect sensors and actuators using UART, I2C, and SPI. Additionally, you can add a cellular modem in the M.2 slot. There is no HDMI port included, but it does come with a single USB 3.0 port. Finally, this competitor to the Raspberry Pi 5 is powered by a conventional barrel plug.

    Source:
    Link