When Did Raspberry Pi become the villain?

Jeff Geerling21 minutes read

Raspberry Pi faced criticism for prioritizing business shipments over hobbyists during a shortage, leading to questions about value, with the N100 Mini PC emerging as a more cost-effective option offering better performance and hassle-free setup. The Raspberry Pi 5, priced from $60 to $80, requires additional purchases for storage and accessories, while the Mini PC priced at $130 includes 256GB SSD, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and Windows 11 Pro, appealing to those seeking maximum performance with a more straightforward out-of-the-box experience.

Insights

  • The N100 Mini PC, priced at $130, offers a more cost-effective solution compared to Raspberry Pi, providing superior performance with included features like a 256GB SSD and 8GB DDR4 RAM, making it an attractive option for those seeking maximum value and speed.
  • Raspberry Pi, priced at $60 or $80 for 8GB RAM, requires additional purchases like storage, power supply, and cooling solutions, resulting in a total cost ranging from $120 to $150 for a complete setup, showcasing a more DIY approach with considerations for compatibility and assembly, contrasting with the hassle-free out-of-the-box experience of the N100 Mini PC.

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Recent questions

  • What caused criticism towards Raspberry Pi during a shortage?

    Raspberry Pi faced criticism when CEO Eben Upton prioritized business shipments over hobbyists, leading to shortages and dissatisfaction among the community.

  • How does the N100 Mini PC compare to Raspberry Pi in terms of performance?

    The N100 Mini PC running Windows offers more speed and expansion for slightly more money than a Raspberry Pi 5 with accessories, making it a more attractive option for those seeking maximum performance.

  • What are the key features of the N100 Mini PC?

    The N100 Mini PC, priced at $130, includes a 256GB SSD, 8GB DDR4 RAM, Windows 11 Pro, and various features, making it a comprehensive and cost-effective package for users.

  • What is the total cost range for setting up a Raspberry Pi with official accessories?

    The total cost for a Raspberry Pi setup with official accessories ranges from $120 to $150, which includes additional purchases like storage, power supply, and cooling solutions to optimize performance.

  • How does the power consumption and performance of Raspberry Pi 5 compare to a Mini PC?

    The Raspberry Pi 5 showed power consumption ranging from 4-6 Watts during average use and 9-12 Watts during heavier processing, with Geekbench scores of 605 for single-core and 1626 for multi-core. In comparison, a Mini PC exhibited higher power consumption during boot-up, settling at around 10 Watts idle, with faster processing speeds but less efficiency than the Raspberry Pi 5.

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Summary

00:00

N100 Mini PC vs Raspberry Pi: Comparison

  • Raspberry Pi faced criticism during a shortage when CEO Eben Upton prioritized business shipments over hobbyists.
  • Used tiny PCs became cheaper than scalped Raspberry Pis on eBay, raising questions about value.
  • The N100 Mini PC running Windows offers more speed and expansion for slightly more money than a Raspberry Pi 5 with accessories.
  • The comparison between Raspberry Pi and the N100 Mini PC is explored without sponsorship.
  • The N100 Mini PC, priced at $130, includes a 256GB SSD, 8GB DDR4 RAM, Windows 11 Pro, and various features.
  • Raspberry Pi, priced at $60 or $80 for 8GB RAM, requires additional purchases like storage, power supply, and cooling solutions.
  • The total cost for a Raspberry Pi setup with official accessories ranges from $120 to $150.
  • The N100 Mini PC is deemed a more cost-effective option compared to Raspberry Pi, especially for those seeking maximum performance.
  • Setting up the Raspberry Pi involves DIY assembly, including considerations for cooling solutions and compatibility with accessories.
  • The N100 Mini PC offers a hassle-free out-of-the-box experience, including additional items like an HDMI cable and a wall mount.

14:25

Raspberry Pi 5: Efficient Performance at Low Cost

  • Building a Raspberry Pi is akin to assembling a PC, where initial setup may involve troubleshooting like incorrect RAM or motherboard settings.
  • The Raspberry Pi 5, when tested with Geekbench, showed power consumption ranging from 4-6 Watts during average use and 9-12 Watts during heavier processing.
  • The Raspberry Pi 5's performance results from Geekbench indicated scores of 605 for single-core and 1626 for multi-core, with no throttling even with additional components.
  • Comparatively, a Mini PC exhibited higher power consumption during boot-up, settling at around 10 Watts idle, with faster processing speeds but less efficiency than the Raspberry Pi 5.
  • The Raspberry Pi 5, priced at $60 for a 4GB model and $80 for an 8GB model, is advised to be purchased directly from retailers to avoid scalpers, as production is ramping up to meet demand.
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