Single-board computers are complete small computers built on one circuit board, and our range here consists of Raspberry Pi boards. They suit students, hobbyists and makers, as well as anyone building a home server, media player or automation controller. Many people also use them to learn programming and electronics.
How to choose a single-board computer
Model generation. Newer Raspberry Pi generations have noticeably faster processors and graphics than older ones, which matters for a desktop-style setup, video playback or a busy server. An older or smaller board is enough for a simple sensor logger, a print server or a classroom project, and it usually draws less power.
RAM. Boards from the same family are often sold with different amounts of RAM. A few gigabytes are enough for light Linux tasks and learning, while a browser with many tabs, containers or a media server benefit from more. Most single-board computers have soldered memory, so it cannot be upgraded later.
Power and cooling. The power supply must match the specific model, because an underpowered one causes random restarts and throttling. Faster boards get warm under sustained load, so a case with a heatsink or fan helps with long-running tasks.
Storage. A single-board computer has no built-in drive. The system usually runs from a microSD card, and some setups use an SSD, which responds faster and lasts longer. For a server that writes data often, an SSD is the more durable option.
Connections and accessories. Check the video outputs (many newer models use micro HDMI), the number of USB ports, Ethernet and Wi-Fi, and the GPIO pin header for connecting sensors and modules. A case, power supply and cables are often bought separately.
Brands we carry
- Raspberry Pi: The UK-based Raspberry Pi Foundation created one of the most popular low-cost single-board computer lines, known for its GPIO header, the Raspberry Pi OS system and a large community with plenty of guides and projects. All six products in this category come from this maker.
Single-board computers: frequently asked questions
What is a single-board computer used for?
A single-board computer is used wherever a small, low-power computer is enough: home servers, media players, retro game consoles, network tools, smart home controllers, robotics and teaching. Its GPIO pins can control LEDs, sensors and motors directly, whereas an ordinary PC needs extra hardware for that.
Can a Raspberry Pi replace a desktop computer?
For browsing, documents and video, newer Raspberry Pi boards with enough RAM can work as a basic desktop. They are not suited to demanding games, video editing or heavy virtual machines, so a mini PC or a regular computer is a better fit for those.
What do I need to buy besides the board?
At a minimum you need a suitable power supply, a microSD card and a display cable that fits the board's video output. A keyboard, mouse and monitor are needed for first setup unless you configure it over the network. A case with cooling is recommended for most models.
Raspberry Pi or mini PC: which is better?
A mini PC is better for everyday office work and demanding software, since most have an x86 processor and run Windows. A Raspberry Pi is better for projects, learning, GPIO work and always-on tasks where low power consumption matters.
