If you’re looking for the Cheapest x86 SBCs [Single Board Computers]. While some of these SBCs can be expensive, there are budget-friendly alternatives that offer a practical and cost-effective computing solution. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a student, or someone with a tight budget, these five x86 SBCs provide accessible options without compromising on functionality.
In this article, we’ll explore the five cheapest x86 SBCs currently available. We’ll discuss their features, performance, and potential uses, giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you’re interested in DIY projects, setting up a media center, or creating an Internet of Things (IoT) device, these affordable SBCs are perfect for getting started.
Join us as we take a closer look at these low-cost x86 SBCs, and discover how they can open up a world of possibilities without draining your wallet. Let’s explore their impressive capabilities and find the ideal choice for your next computing adventure.
Cheapest x86 SBC [single-board computer]
| UP Board Series | $99 |
| Jaguar One Plus | $99 |
| LattePanda V1 | $105 |
| ODROID-H3 | $129 |
| ODROID-H3+ | $165 |
Related: Best Single Board Computer [SBC] for NAS
Here are the cheapest x86 SBCs
1. UP Board Series
With a price tag that reads just $99, the UP Board Series carves a niche for itself among the affordable x86 Single Board Computers (SBCs). It is noteworthy for its budget-friendly proposition, but let’s delve deeper into its specifications to understand if it stands up to the demands of users.
The UP Board Series is equipped with an Intel Atom x5-z8350 processor. This type of CPU is renowned for its power efficiency, which makes the board an optimal choice for low-power applications and projects. However, it’s important to remember that while it does a decent job for lighter tasks, it might struggle with high-performance computing or graphically intensive tasks.
In terms of memory, the board comes with 1GB RAM, which is somewhat on the lower side compared to other x86 SBCs on the market. If your project involves heavy multitasking or requires a large amount of memory, the UP Board Series might pose limitations.
The board provides 16GB of eMMC storage. While this isn’t a vast amount of space, it should suffice for basic applications and smaller projects. Users should be aware that for applications requiring large storage, additional solutions might be necessary.
One possible downside to note is that the UP Board Series doesn’t natively support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This might limit its applications in projects requiring wireless communication unless additional modules or peripherals are added.
In summary, the UP Board Series, with its incredibly competitive price, does offer some appealing features. However, it may not be the best fit for all applications, particularly those requiring robust computing power, high memory, large storage, or built-in wireless capabilities. It is best suited for cost-sensitive applications that can operate within its hardware limitations.
2. Jaguar One Plus
At a starting price of $96.00, the Jaguar One Plus stands out as a budget-friendly and compact x86 single-board computer (SBC) that offers expandable storage options.
Powering the Jaguar One Plus is the Intel Atom Z3735G processor. While this processor may not deliver high-end performance, it is capable of handling basic computing tasks and light multitasking efficiently. However, for more demanding applications or resource-intensive workloads, it may face limitations.
In terms of memory, the Jaguar One Plus is equipped with 2GB of RAM. This amount of memory is suitable for everyday tasks and basic applications, but users should be mindful of potential constraints when dealing with memory-intensive workloads or running multiple resource-hungry programs simultaneously.
The board provides 16GB of storage, which is adequate for storing essential files and running smaller projects. However, for applications that require larger storage capacity, the Jaguar One Plus offers an expansion interface in the form of an SD card slot. This allows users to increase their storage capacity by inserting an SD card, providing greater flexibility and room for storing additional data or applications.
In summary, the Jaguar One Plus is an affordable and compact SBC, ideal for cost-sensitive projects or those with basic computing requirements. While its Intel Atom processor and 2GB of RAM may not deliver exceptional performance, they are sufficient for everyday tasks and lighter workloads. The expandable storage option through the SD card slot adds versatility to the board, accommodating projects that require more storage space.
3. LattePanda V1
The LattePanda V1, with a price tag of $105, enters the arena of budget-friendly x86 Single Board Computers (SBCs). However, price isn’t everything, so let’s examine its specifications to see how it compares in terms of performance and functionality.
The LattePanda V1 houses an Intel Atom x5-Z8350 processor, a component recognized for its power efficiency. This makes the SBC an optimal choice for projects requiring low power consumption. It’s important to bear in mind, though, that while it is well-suited for less demanding tasks, this processor might not deliver the performance needed for heavy computing or graphically intense applications.
With 2GB of RAM, the LattePanda V1 provides a step up in memory capacity compared to some other budget SBCs. This extra memory can prove beneficial for projects involving moderate multitasking or slightly more demanding applications. However, for heavy multitasking or memory-intensive projects, this SBC might still fall short.
Storage on the LattePanda V1 comes in the form of 32GB eMMC memory. This amount of storage should accommodate basic applications and smaller projects comfortably. However, users should bear in mind that for applications needing substantial storage, alternative solutions might be necessary.
One distinct advantage of the LattePanda V1 over some of its price peers is its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities. This offers the convenience of wireless connectivity, expanding the range of projects it can support, particularly those requiring remote data transmission or IoT integration.
In conclusion, the LattePanda V1 offers a reasonable balance of price and performance. It does well for applications with moderate memory and storage requirements, and low to medium processing needs. However, the lack of built-in wireless capabilities might be a drawback for some projects.
4. ODROID-H3
Priced at $129, the ODROID-H3 finds its place among the cost-effective x86 Single Board Computers (SBCs). But let’s delve into its specifications to assess its real value proposition.
The ODROID-H3 is powered by an Intel Celeron N5105 processor. This mid-range CPU is a notable step up from entry-level processors and should handle moderate computing tasks with ease. However, keep in mind that while it outperforms budget processors, it’s not designed for heavy-duty computing or graphically demanding tasks.
When it comes to memory, the ODROID-H3 stands out with its flexible options. Although the base model does not come with RAM, the board can support up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory. This feature allows users to customize their board according to their specific needs and budget, a significant advantage for projects requiring substantial memory capacity.
Storage-wise, the ODROID-H3 offers a variety of options. It features an eMMC connector, two SATA3 6Gbps ports, and an M.2 slot. It’s important to note that while it supports various eMMC modules and NGFF-2280 cards, the M.2 SATA SSD is not supported. The multiple storage options offer users the flexibility to choose based on their project’s storage needs but also necessitate careful selection of compatible components.
Like the UP Board Series, the ODROID-H3 does not come with built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support. This lack of wireless capabilities may pose a limitation for projects requiring wireless connectivity unless additional modules are procured.
To summarize, the ODROID-H3 is a competitively priced SBC with flexible memory and storage options. It’s suitable for those needing a mid-range processor and customizable storage and memory. However, for wireless connectivity or heavy-duty computing, users may need to consider other options or additional peripherals.
5. ODROID-H3+
With a price tag of $165, the Odroid H3+ brings forth an upgraded performance and expandable storage options, making it a compelling choice among x86 Single Board Computers (SBCs).
At the core of the Odroid H3+ is the Intel Celeron N6005 processor, capable of reaching clock speeds of up to 3.3GHz. This upgrade over its predecessor translates to improved processing power, enabling the board to handle a wider range of computing tasks, including moderate multitasking and more demanding applications.
Memory-wise, the Odroid H3+ offers flexibility with 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, supporting dual-channel memory configuration. This opens up the possibility of expanding the board’s memory capacity up to a substantial 64GB. The increased memory capacity provides ample headroom for memory-intensive applications and projects that require smooth multitasking.
In terms of storage, the Odroid H3+ incorporates an eMMC socket, allowing for faster and more reliable storage compared to traditional microSD cards. Additionally, it features a microSD card slot, providing convenient expandable storage options for projects requiring additional space. The combination of these storage options gives users the freedom to choose the most suitable solution based on their specific requirements.
Overall, the Odroid H3+ offers enhanced performance with its upgraded Intel Celeron processor, while also providing ample memory capacity and expandable storage options. Priced at $165, it strikes a balance between affordability and improved capabilities, making it a viable choice for a wide range of projects and applications that demand higher processing power and flexible storage solutions.
