Are you on the hunt for the perfect Single Board Computer (SBC) to satisfy your gaming cravings? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to the best SBCs for gaming.
As a passionate gamer, you know that having the right hardware can make all the difference in your gaming experience. That’s where SBCs come in. These compact devices are like hidden gems, offering a whole new world of gaming possibilities. From playing retro classics to exploring the latest indie hits, SBCs have the power to transform your gaming setup.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the top SBCs for gaming. We’ll provide you with all the essential information you need to make an informed decision. From their hardware specifications to their gaming performance, we’ve got you covered. So, get ready to discover the perfect SBC that will bring your gaming dreams to life!
Let’s dive into the world of SBC gaming and find the ultimate gaming companion that fits your needs and budget. Get ready to level up your gaming experience like never before!
Related: Best AMD Ryzen Single Board Computer
Best SBC for Gaming
Orange Pi 5
| RAM | 8GB |
| CPU | ARM A76 + A55 |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G610 |
| Storage | N/A |
The Orange Pi 5 sets a new benchmark for single-board computers (SBCs) with its advanced specifications. This SBC boasts an 8-core 64-bit processor, arranged in a Big. Little architecture, with 4 Cortex-A76 cores operating at 2.4GHz and 4 Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8GHz. With RAM options ranging from 4GB to a whopping 32GB, this device is ready to handle complex tasks smoothly.
Its graphical capabilities are not to be underestimated either, featuring a Mali-G610 MP4 “Odin” GPU that’s compatible with OpenGL ES1.1/2.0/3.2, OpenCL 2.2, and Vulkan 1.2 3D graphics engine, and a 2D graphics engine. This makes it an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts who are looking for an SBC that can deliver impressive visuals1.
When it comes to gaming, the Orange Pi 5 has the power to deliver a compelling gaming experience. With enough power to run Steam using Box64/Box86, the Orange Pi 5 offers you access to a wide array of games. The Orange Pi 5 is capable of running basic games pretty well, although it may require some tweaking.
This SBC is also great for emulation, such as this SBC easily runs PSP, PS2, and Gamecube games from 720p to 1080p without any issues.
One such game that it can handle well is Stardew Valley. Despite being emulated and requiring some setup due to the absence of a native ARM client for Steam, the performance on Stardew Valley is impressive. The game takes a bit to load but runs smoothly once it’s up and running. This indicates that games that are not overly demanding on the GPU should perform well on this SBC2.
In conclusion, the Orange Pi 5 is a versatile SBC that combines a powerful ARM CPU and GPU, making it a great choice for gaming enthusiasts looking for an affordable, compact, yet powerful gaming solution.
LattePanda 3 Delta
| RAM | 8GB |
| CPU | Intel Celeron N5105 |
| GPU | Intel UHD |
| Storage | 64GB |
The beauty of the LattePanda 3 Delta is that it’s an x86 single-board computer. What does that mean for you as a gamer? It means that this little powerhouse can run PC games directly, without needing any kind of special emulation software. That’s a huge advantage if you’re looking to game on a single-board computer.
Under the hood, it’s powered by an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor, which can clock up to 2.9GHz. This gives it the muscle to handle the demands of gaming. Paired with 8GB of speedy LPDDR4 memory, it’s got the capacity to run your games smoothly and efficiently.
The onboard Intel® UHD Graphics processor can hit a frequency of 800MHz, which, while not quite at the level of a dedicated gaming GPU, is more than capable of delivering good graphics performance for a wide range of games.
In terms of storage, it’s equipped with 64GB of eMMC, enough to hold a decent library of your favorite lightweight games. Plus, there are M.2 slots available if you ever feel the need for more storage or want to make some upgrades.
Now, let’s talk about the kind of games you can run. Lightweight games like CS:GO, Muck, and Valorant? Absolutely! This board can handle those games at resolutions ranging from 720p to 1080p, giving you a good gaming experience without needing to lug around a full-sized gaming PC.
It’s not just about the resolution, though. This board can deliver solid frames-per-second rates, ensuring that your gameplay stays smooth and responsive. After all, in games like these, every frame can make a difference between victory and defeat.
So, if you’re a fan of these games and you’re looking for a compact, portable solution for playing them, the LattePanda 3 Delta is definitely worth considering
ODROID-H3+
| RAM | 2 x DDR4 slots – capacity 64GB |
| CPU | Intel Pentium N6005 |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Storage | N/A |
The ODROID-H3+ is another single-board computer that excels in the gaming department, offering exceptional value for its price. It’s an x86 SBC, which means it operates similarly to a desktop computer, allowing it to run a wide range of PC games. The key selling point of the ODROID-H3+ is its power-to-price ratio. It packs more power than the LattePanda 3 Delta but comes at a significantly lower cost, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers.
In terms of gaming performance, the ODROID-H3+ is capable of running lightweight games quite smoothly. But don’t let that limit your expectations! It’s also capable of handling some of the more demanding games, albeit at lower settings. With the right optimization, you can play these games at up to 1080p resolution.
Remember, the actual gaming performance will depend on the specific requirements of each game and how well it’s optimized for the ODROID-H3+ hardware. So, if you’re someone who enjoys a good challenge and doesn’t mind getting their hands a little dirty with some optimization work, the ODROID-H3+ could be a great fit for you.
LattePanda Sigma
| RAM | 16GB |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-1340P |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Storage | N/A |
The LattePanda Sigma is a x86 SBC. Being an x86 SBC, it’s capable of running a variety of PC games, extending your gaming reach far beyond the constraints of typical SBCs.
Armed with an Intel 13th Gen processor and integrated UHD Graphics, it’s designed to tackle even the most graphics-intensive tasks. This makes it not only an excellent choice for gaming but also a compelling option for developers and professionals in need of a compact yet powerful computing solution.
The Sigma comes with a variety of features designed to enhance the gaming experience. It supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM and has M.2 slots for additional storage, ensuring that you can install and run your favorite games without worrying about running out of space or experiencing lag due to memory constraints.
But what truly sets the LattePanda Sigma apart is its ability to run heavy, graphics-intensive games at higher settings. With the right setup, you can enjoy games in stunning detail, immersing yourself in the vibrant worlds that modern PC gaming offers.
In conclusion, the LattePanda Sigma is a top-tier single-board computer for gaming. Its powerful specs, coupled with the flexibility and versatility of an x86 architecture, make it an excellent choice for gamers looking to explore the potential of SBC gaming. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking to play indie titles or a hardcore gamer wanting to push the limits of SBC gaming, the LattePanda Sigma is a compelling choice.