Testing and comparing small-board computers

Lead Image © Daniel Villeneuve, 123RF.com

Battle of the Bitty Boards

The Odroid-C2 and the Pine A64+ are among recent newcomers to the single-board computer market. Benchmarks show how these two boards compare with the Raspberry Pis 2 and 3.

The Raspberry Pis 2 and 3 (RPi2 and RPi3; see the box titled "A Success Story") compete in several benchmarks against two more recent boards on the market: the Odroid-C2 and Pine A64+. All four of the boards are priced between about $30 and $50 (EUR40 and EUR50/£26 and £44). Technology and the intended use for each computer play a role in deciding for or against a particular model.

The Candidates

For a comparison of competitive performance, the RPi2 Model B (RPi2B) and RPi3B line up at the starting gates with the Odroid-C2 from Hardkernel and the Pine A64+ from Pine64. The challengers have similar price points as the two Rasp Pis, and the manufacturers adhere to an open source philosophy.

Odroid already offers a number of accessories and has attracted an active community for its products. At Pine64, this is just starting to happen. A shop has been set up, and the community is busily at work on the software.

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