Single-board computers are complete small computers built on one circuit board, with processor, memory and ports in a single unit. This category covers Raspberry Pi boards, Arduino microcontroller boards and products from ALLNET and Joy-IT, and suits hobbyists, students, developers and anyone building embedded or IoT projects.
How to choose a single-board computer
Computer or microcontroller. A Raspberry Pi style board runs a full operating system such as Linux, while an Arduino board runs a single program and talks directly to sensors and motors. Choose a full board for media servers, desktop use or network tools, and a microcontroller board for switching relays, reading sensors or learning electronics.
Processor and memory. More RAM and a faster processor matter if you plan to run a desktop environment, containers or several services at once. For a simple sensor logger or a small web service, a modest board is enough, so do not pay for capacity the project will never use.
Connectivity and ports. Check for Gigabit Ethernet, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the number of USB ports, HDMI outputs and the GPIO header. If the board will sit in a network cabinet or a machine, wired Ethernet is usually steadier than wireless. Some boards also offer extra interfaces such as PCIe or camera connectors, which are worth having only if you have a specific use for them.
Storage, power and cooling. Most boards boot from a microSD card, and a few have onboard eMMC or support SSDs through an adapter. Boards are rarely sold ready to run, so check what the listing includes: a suitable power supply, a case, a heatsink or a fan may all need to be bought separately. Boards that run continuously or under heavy load benefit from proper cooling.
Software and community support. Boards with a large user base have more tutorials, ready-made images and libraries, which saves hours when something does not work. Raspberry Pi and Arduino are the clearest examples in this category. A lesser-known board may offer interesting hardware but leave you with fewer guides to follow.
Brands in single-board computers
- Raspberry Pi: the best-known maker of low-cost Arm-based single-board computers, with Raspberry Pi OS and a very large community of guides and projects.
- Arduino: known for microcontroller boards programmed through the Arduino IDE, widely used in education and electronics prototyping.
- ALLNET: a German supplier of network and IoT hardware, and the largest brand in this category in our range.
- Joy-IT: makes sensors, displays and add-on modules for Raspberry Pi and Arduino, so it is a common choice when completing a project.
- Renkforce: the own-label electronics brand of the retailer Conrad Electronic, covering boards and kits for makers.
- Teltonika: a Lithuanian company focused on industrial routers, gateways and IoT communication equipment.
- Banana Pi: offers boards in a Raspberry Pi style layout, often with different processors and port selections.
- Kontron: a specialist in industrial embedded computing, aimed at professional installations.
Also in our range: Inter-Tech, Delock and ICY BOX.
Single-board computers: frequently asked questions
What is a single-board computer used for?
A single-board computer is used for small, low-power computing tasks such as home servers, media players, network tools, retro gaming, robotics and IoT gateways. Because everything sits on one board, it fits into places where a normal PC would not. It is also a popular way to learn Linux and programming.
Is Raspberry Pi or Arduino better for beginners?
It depends on what you want to learn. Raspberry Pi suits beginners who want a small computer with a desktop and programming languages such as Python. Arduino suits those who want to control lights, motors and sensors directly and learn basic electronics.
What do I need besides the board itself?
Most boards need a power supply, a storage device such as a microSD card, and a cable to connect a monitor. A case and cooling are advisable for continuous use. Always check the listing to see which of these items are included.
Can a single-board computer replace a desktop PC?
For web browsing, office documents and light programming, a recent board with enough RAM can work as a basic desktop. It will be slower than most ordinary PCs for video editing, gaming or heavy multitasking. It is better seen as a compact, low-power computer for specific jobs than a full replacement.
