Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Review: Can It Really Replace Your PC?
fossbytes.com
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is a powerful and affordable computer that can be used for various purposes. It has improved I/O options, including USB 3.0 ports, a true Gigabit Ethernet port, and dual 4K HDMI display ports. The performance is better than its predecessors, thanks to the quad-core Broadcom 2711 SoC and 4GB DDR4 RAM. The device can run various Linux distros and even Android 10. However, it tends to get hot, so using a fan accessory is recommended. While it may not replace a high-end PC, it is a great option for DIY projects and learning to code. The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is available in different RAM variants, starting from $35.
Raspberry Pi 4 Review
www.pcmag.com
The Raspberry Pi 4 is the most powerful Pi yet, with USB-C power input, dual 4K video outputs, and a choice of RAM options. It is a tiny single-board computer that requires an operating system to be installed on a microSD card. The Pi 4 offers improved networking and data transfer speeds, as well as better graphics processing. However, it generates a lot of heat and may require active cooling. It also requires a reliable USB-C power source. Overall, the Pi 4 is a versatile and powerful option for tinkerers and programming enthusiasts.
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B review
www.techradar.com
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is a powerful single board computer with options for 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB of RAM. It features a 1.5GHz quad-core CPU, 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, and Gigabit Ethernet. The CPU delivers three times the performance of the previous model, and the LPDDR4 RAM provides a significant upgrade. The Raspberry Pi 4 runs hot, so cooling accessories are recommended for extended use. It has two micro HDMI ports capable of 4K video output and is suitable for emulation, media centers, and home servers. The Raspbian Linux distro works well on the Raspberry Pi 4, but there are some bugs that need fixing. Overall, the Raspberry Pi 4 is a powerful and efficient option for home, office, and industry projects.
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B review: A capable, flexible and affordable DIY computing platform
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is a capable, flexible, and affordable DIY computing platform. It offers easy setup and configuration, with options to buy a bare board or a kit that includes essential accessories. The device supports Bluetooth devices and has ports for cameras and displays. It can work with MicroSD cards, but USB boot support allows for booting from SSD drives. Performance is good enough for most purposes, and the Pi 4's flexibility makes it suitable for various projects. Heat management is important, and using a fan or heatsink case is recommended. Raspberry Pi OS is the default operating system, but alternatives like Ubuntu can be installed. The Pi 4 is a flagship single board computer that continues to improve and support educational and programming endeavors. It is an excellent choice for low-cost PC programming and IoT projects.
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B review
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is a powerful and affordable single-board computer that is perfect for tinkering and creating. It offers enhanced video output, USB 3.0 ports, and power over USB Type-C. The Pi 4 is compatible with past add-ons and accessories, but older case designs won't work. It comes in three variations with different amounts of memory, and it runs on the Raspbian Buster operating system. The Pi 4 performs well, with faster boot times and improved web browsing compared to previous models. It runs hot and requires a case for protection. The Pi 4 has a rich ecosystem of accessories and kits for various projects. Overall, it is the best computer for DIY tech enthusiasts.
First Look at ROCK 4C+ Single Board Computer: An Engineer’s Review
The ROCK 4C+ single-board computer is a powerful alternative to the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. It has a similar form factor and hardware specifications, but with some notable differences. The ROCK 4C+ has a 6-core processor, 4GB of memory, true USB 3.0 OTG support, and superior storage options with SD card and eMMC connectors. It also features a SPI flash for network boot, an on/off button, and a fan header for cooling. The ROCK 4C+ supports various operating systems, including Debian, Ubuntu, Android, and LibreELEC. Overall, it is a fast and responsive board with a range of features and compatibility with existing SBC products and accessories.
Why I sold my Raspberry Pi 4 for a Rock Pi 4
The reviewer sold their Raspberry Pi 4B and switched to a Rock Pi 4A due to several issues. They needed more memory for their self-hosted apps and found the Raspberry Pi 4B lacking. They also had power concerns and heat dissipation issues with the Raspberry Pi 4B. The lack of official cooling solutions and the need for a 32-bit operating system were additional drawbacks. The reviewer also found the storage performance and longevity of the Raspberry Pi 4B to be inferior to the Rock Pi 4A. Despite the Rock Pi 4A not supporting hardware-accelerated transcoding, the reviewer recommends it over the Raspberry Pi 4B.
Rock Pi 4 Model C: NVMe and eMMC in a Raspberry Pi Layout
The Rock Pi 4 Model C is a compact board that combines the layout of the Raspberry Pi with additional features. It is powered by a Rockchip RK3399 hexa-core processor and has 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM. The board supports eMMC storage up to 128GB and has an M.2 NVMe socket for faster and more reliable storage. It offers dual display outputs, USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and wireless connectivity. The 40-pin GPIO provides access to various interfaces and features not found on the Raspberry Pi. Overall, the Rock Pi 4 Model C offers a compelling alternative to the Raspberry Pi with its expanded storage options and performance capabilities.
Part 1: A First Look at RockPi 4B Performance Set
The Rock Pi 4B Performance Set is a powerful RK3399 board that comes with a power supply, heatsink, and acrylic case. It supports eMMC module and M.2 NVME SSD, has HDMI 2.0 for 4k@60htz output, and offers various connectivity options. It is compatible with Raspberry Pi cases and supports Raspberry Pi camera and display. The board has multiple firmware options available for flashing, including Android, Debian, Ubuntu, and third-party Armbian. Overall, the Rock Pi 4 seems to be a solid alternative to the Raspberry Pi with improved power delivery and storage options.
Rock Pi 4 Model C+ is more of a minus (less powerful than the Model C, but also cheaper)
The Rock Pi 4 Model C+ is a cheaper version of the Rock Pi 4 Model C single-board computer. It is slightly less powerful but still features a Rockchip RK3399-T processor with 2 ARM Cortex-A72 CPU cores and 4 ARM Cortex-A53 CPU cores. It comes with 4GB of LPDDR4 memory and has various storage options including a microSD card reader, optional eMMC module, and M.2 2230 slot. The board has multiple ports, including micro HDMI, audio, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 and 2.0, and supports WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5. It can run Android or Linux-based operating systems and offers downloads for various OS images.
Has anyone made a case for the Rock Pi 4 Model C+?
The Argon ONE v2 case is a cool option for the Rock Pi 4 Model C+. It has an integrated fan, power button, and support for NVMe over USB3. However, some modifications are needed to fit the Rock Pi 4 Model C+ properly. The WLAN signal is weak, but an external antenna may help. The case may not have space for an M.2 card, but it works well with an eMMC.
Rock Pi 4C Plus w/ NVMe SBC Review
The Radxa Rock Pi 4C Plus is a powerful single board computer with a top-mounted M.2 NVMe slot. It has 4GB of RAM and a hexa-core CPU configuration. The board is well-built and has color-coded GPIO. It supports various operating systems, although some may not be updated for the 4C Plus model yet. The board requires a sacrificial SD card to boot from the NVMe drive. Benchmark results show excellent NVMe performance. Pros include the board's power and affordability, as well as the high I/O performance of the NVMe slot. Cons include limited memory options and a limited image selection for the 4C Plus model. Overall, the Rock Pi 4C Plus is a powerful alternative to the Raspberry Pi.
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Feature | Raspberry Pi 4 Model B | Rock Pi 4 Model C |
---|---|---|
RAM | 4GB LPDDR4 | 4GB LPDDR4 |
Total Clock Speed | 6 GHz | 9.2 GHz |
USB Ports | 4 | 4 |
RAM Speed | 3200 MHz | 3200 MHz |
HDMI Ports | 2 | 1 |
OpenGL ES Version | 3.0 | 3.2 |
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
USB 3 Ports | 2 | 2 (includes USB 3.0 OTG) |
External Memory Slot | Yes | Yes |
64-bit | Yes | Yes |
Integrated Graphics | Yes | Yes |
Max Memory Size | 4GB | 4GB |
USB Type-C | Yes | Yes |
WiFi Standards | WiFi 4, WiFi 5 | WiFi 4, WiFi 5 |
Built-in Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
Weight | 46 g | Not specified |
Dimensions (mm) | 88 x 58 x 19.5 | 85 x 45 x Not specified |
Max Expandable Memory | Not applicable | 2000GB |
Mini DisplayPort | 0 | 1 |
Microphone In | No | Yes |
HDMI Version | Standard HDMI | HDMI 2.0 |
Price | Starts from $35 | Starts from $59 |
Performance and Connectivity: The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B and Rock Pi 4 Model C are closely matched in terms of RAM and RAM speed, both featuring 4GB of LPDDR4 at 3200 MHz. The Rock Pi 4 Model C edges ahead with a higher total clock speed of 9.2 GHz compared to 6 GHz of the Raspberry Pi, suggesting potentially better overall performance. Both models support Bluetooth 5.0, have four USB ports including two USB 3.0, and offer similar WiFi capabilities.
Video and Display Outputs: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B supports dual HDMI outputs, which is useful for multi-display setups, whereas the Rock Pi 4 Model C includes one HDMI 2.0 port and a Mini DisplayPort, offering more modern connectivity options with support for higher resolutions at better refresh rates.
Storage and Expandability: The Rock Pi 4 Model C is superior in terms of storage options, supporting up to 2000GB of expandable memory and featuring a slot for NVMe SSDs, providing faster and more reliable storage. Both models have a microSD slot and USB Type-C for power and connectivity.
Physical Dimensions and Cooling: The Raspberry Pi 4 is slightly heavier and bulkier than the Rock Pi 4 Model C. Both models have reported issues with heat, especially under load, with the Raspberry Pi often requiring additional cooling measures to maintain stability.
Operating System and Software: Both SBCs run on a variety of operating systems, including Linux distributions and Android. However, the Raspberry Pi 4 enjoys a larger selection of operating system options and a more robust community support network, making it a better choice for hobbyists and developers who depend on community support and software availability.
For Hobbyists and Developers: The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is highly recommended due to its versatility, robust community support, and dual HDMI ports. It is ideal for educational purposes, programming, and small-scale IoT projects.
For Users Needing High Performance and Storage: The Rock Pi 4 Model C, with its higher clock speed, support for NVMe SSDs, and more modern video output options, is better suited for users who require more powerful processing capabilities and high-speed storage, such as media centers or more intense computing tasks.
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