Single board computers or SBCs are computers built on a single circuit board. They are quite compact, often use less power and are typically used for specific purposes. However, what is the best? powerful SBC? As it turns out, it's probably not too surprising, but it depends on what you define as powerful and what you need to use the SBC for.
The most powerful SBC changes depending on your needs
For starters, Arm or x86 is a big difference
When we talk about “high-performance” SBCs, the processor architecture plays a big role. Arm-based SBCs tend to be more energy efficient, making them ideal for portable, low-power applications. They are great for tasks like IoT, robotics, or even as simple media servers. Arm chips offer decent performance even for most light tasks, but they don't support x86 software natively.
On the other hand, x86-based SBCs have completely different performance. With architectures more similar to typical PCs, they can run desktop operating systems like Windows and more robust Linux distributions, making them a better choice for demanding software, virtualization, or as a compact development platform. Depending on your workload, you'll likely start by narrowing down the architecture that best fits your project needs.
With this in mind, there are several options. The Orange Pi 5 Plus uses the Rockchip RK3588 and has up to 32GB of RAM, making it something of a powerhouse for an SBC. You also get a range of ports and I/O, two M2 slots and more, making it the closest thing to a real computer. If you want something x86 based, the LattePanda 3 Delta is one of the best options you can go for as it comes with an Intel Celeron N5105 that accelerates up to 2.9GHz but the downside is, that it is significantly more expensive. However, it can run Windows!
The problem with the best performing SBCs is that you'll come across a lot of companies that you probably don't know. You need to do a lot of research, and the best SBC for one person may not be the best for another. However, for most people, the most powerful SBC for my money would be the Orange Pi 5 Plus.
What can you do with a powerful SBC?
Host a website, easily browse the web and more
The true potential of a high-performance SBC depends on what you can achieve with it. With high-end ARM or x86 SBCs, the possibilities go beyond simple DIY projects. Do you want to host a personal website? With the right configuration, many SBCs can manage a lightweight server environment, allowing you to serve websites, manage a small database, or even run a CMS like WordPress.
For everyday tasks, powerful SBCs can power a desktop environment for basic web browsing, email and document editing – perfect for anyone who wants a minimalist secondary system. Some x86 models even allow you to run development tools or virtual machines, allowing you to experiment with software development, network emulation, and other things.
Whether you're building a personal cloud, a retro gaming console, or even a miniature media server, you can do a lot of work with a powerful SBC. They are absolute not They're a replacement for a full desktop or server, but they're incredibly powerful, affordable, and compact tools that anyone can use if they have the time to make it work, and even a simple SBC can do a lot.