There is no doubt that the Raspberry Pi 4 has caused a lot of excitement in the world of single-board computers. This tiny little machine packs quite a punch, and can be used for a variety of purposes. But there’s also been a lot of buzz about the Asus Tinker Board, and people are wondering which one is better. In this article, we will compare the two boards and help you decide which one is right for you!
Overview of Asus Tinker Board
It has a quad core processor and more memory for demanding applications, as well as built in WiFi networking!
The new 2017 model offers improved performance with its upgraded processors which makes this single board computer perfect if your project needs heavy processing or intensive graphics work load capacity.
The Asus Tinker Board is the best choice for those who want to do things like stream their video gameplays or show off high-quality images. It has an HDMI 2.0 port that can output 4K at 30 fps, which beats out other boards on this list by far!
The latest addition to the Raspberry Pi family, model B+, has a much slower Ethernet port than its predecessor. The new Gigabit speeds are up tenfold.
The Asus Tinker Board is a great choice if you want better audio quality than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+. It uses an improved version of Google’s own field-leading chips for high definition sound production, so your tunes will always be crisp and clear. [1]
Overview of Raspberry Pi 4
The new Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is an excellent upgrade from its predecessor, the highly popular credit card sized computer. It features a faster processor with more RAM and support for two monitors as well.
The new processor in the Raspberry Pi 4 is what makes it more suitable for use as a desktop computer. It uses quad-core Broadcom BCM2711, which has significantly higher performance than A53 used on previous models and offers better power efficiency too.
The Raspberry Pi 4 has some huge changes under the hood. The new model offers up to four times as much RAM, which will make it even more powerful than its predecessor!
With two HDMI ports, you can connect it to an array of screens for all your digital entertainment needs.
Last but not least, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B has Gigabit Ethernet that’s up to 10 times faster than the previous model’s. [2]
Differences Between Asus Tinker Board and Raspberry Pi 4
Connectivity
The Asus Tinker Board is a great choice for those who need fast Ethernet speeds. It supports Gigabit, which will give you up to 10 times the transfer rates of what’s available on your Raspberry Pi 4 Model B!
Processor
It uses the Rockchip RK3288 quad-core Cortex A17 CPU, which has faster processing speeds than what’s found in Raspberry Pi 4 Model B–and it even supports hardware acceleration for some tasks!
Video Output
The Asus Tinker Board can output 4K video at 30 frames per second (fps), while the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B can only output 1080p video. [3]
Audio Quality
The Asus Tinker Board has better audio quality than the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. It uses the same audio chip as the Google Chromebook Pixel, which is known for its high-quality audio.
Power Draw & Heat
The Asus Tinker Board has a lower power draw and produces less heat than the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B.
RAM memory
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B has 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB RAM options while the Asus Tinker Board only offers 2GB of RAM.
Price
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is less expensive than the Asus Tinker Board.
Wi-Fi
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B has Wi-Fi, while the Asus Tinker Board does not.
Bluetooth
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B has Bluetooth, while the Asus Tinker Board does not.
Sensors
The Asus Tinker Board has a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, while the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B does not.
Suitable Projects
When it comes to choosing between the Asus Tinker Board and the Raspberry Pi 4, it really depends on what sort of project you have in mind. The Tinker Board is better suited for projects that require more power, such as gaming, while the Raspberry Pi 4 is perfect for smaller projects that don’t need as much processing power.
Here are some examples of projects that would be better suited for the Asus Tinker Board:
- Gaming: The extra processing power of the Tinker Board makes it perfect for gaming. You’ll be able to play games that are more demanding than what the Raspberry Pi 4 can handle.
- Media Center: The Tinker Board’s powerful processor and GPU make it ideal for use as a media center. You can use it to stream movies and TV shows, as well as play music and other media files.
- Home Automation: The Tinker Board is a great choice for home automation projects. Its powerful processor can handle the demands of complex home automation systems.
Here are some examples of projects that would be better suited for the Raspberry Pi 4:
- Web Server: The Raspberry Pi 4 is a great choice for setting up a web server. Its small size and low power consumption make it an ideal server. [4]
- Surveillance System: The Raspberry Pi 4 can be used to build a surveillance system. Owing to its diminutive size, the camera can be effortlessly concealed, and its power requirements are so meager that it will have no impact on your electricity bill.
- Home Theater PC: The Raspberry Pi 4 is a great choice for building a home theater PC. Its small form factor and low power consumption make it ideal for use as a HTPC.
Pros and Cons of Raspberry Pi 4
There are several reasons why the Raspberry Pi 4 is a great choice for many projects. It’s small size makes it easy to hide, and its low power consumption means it won’t add to your electricity bill.
However, there are also some drawbacks to using the Raspberry Pi 4. The advantage the Asus Tinker Board has over the Raspberry Pi 3 is that it provides more processing power, making it ideal for gaming or other demanding tasks. The Raspberry Pi 4’s two USB ports might be a problem for some users who need more than two devices connected at once.
Pros and Cons of Asus Tinker Board
The Asus Tinker Board has several advantages over the Raspberry Pi 4. It’s more powerful, so it’s better suited for gaming and other demanding applications. It also has four USB ports, so you won’t need a USB hub to connect multiple devices.
However, there are also some drawbacks to using the Asus Tinker Board. One is that it’s more expensive than the Raspberry Pi 4. Another is that it doesn’t have as much memory as the Raspberry Pi 4, so it may not be able to handle some applications as well.
Alternatives to Raspberry Pi and Asus Tinker Board
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Raspberry Pi or the Asus Tinker Board, there are a few options out there. The BeagleBone Black is a popular choice for those who want a bit more power than the Raspberry Pi offers. It’s also a good option if you need more GPIO pins. Another option is the Odroid XU4, which offers even more power than the BeagleBone Black. If you don’t mind spending a bit more money, the Nvidia Jetson TX2 is a great choice for those who need even more power.
So, which one should you choose? It really depends on your needs. If you just want something simple and inexpensive, the Raspberry Pi is a great choice. If you need more power, the BeagleBone Black or the Odroid XU4 are good choices. If you need even more power, the Nvidia Jetson TX2 is a great choice.
How Does an SBC Work?
Unlike a desktop computer, which has a separate processor, memory, storage, and other components housed in different parts of the system, an SBC consolidates everything onto one board.
This means that SBCs are much smaller than traditional computers and often don’t require additional hardware like a power supply or cooling fans. They’re also very affordable; many popular models cost less than $100.
SBCs are used in all sorts of applications, from industrial and commercial settings to personal projects at home. They’re popular with makers and hobbyists because they’re easy to use and allow for a lot of customization. Many SBCs can even be used as general-purpose computers, and some are powerful enough to replace a desktop PC. [5]
Things to Consider When Using SBCs
There are a few things to keep in mind when using SBCs. First, because they’re so small, they often don’t have the same level of processing power or memory as a desktop computer. This means that they might not be able to run certain types of applications or handle multiple tasks at the same time as well as a desktop PC.
Second, SBCs usually don’t come with a built-in hard drive or SSD. This means that you’ll need to install your operating system and applications on a separate storage device, like an SD card or USB flash drive.
Third, because they’re designed for use in specific environments or projects, SBCs often don’t have all the ports and connectors that you might need. For example, if you’re using an SBC as a general-purpose computer, you might need to use a USB hub to connect all of your peripherals. [6]
Types of SBCs
There are a few different types of SBCs, each designed for specific applications.
Media center SBCs: Media center SBCs are designed for playing video and music files, as well as streaming content from the internet. They often have powerful processors and lots of memory to ensure smooth playback of high-definition video.
Home automation SBCs: Home automation SBCs are designed for controlling smart devices in your home, like thermostats, lights, and door locks. They usually include support for popular home automation protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave.
Industrial SBCs: Industrial SBCs are used in industrial applications like manufacturing and construction. They’re often more rugged than other types of SBCs and can withstand harsh environments.
Single-purpose SBCs: Single-purpose SBCs are designed for a specific task, like powering a digital signage display or running a security camera.
General-purpose SBCs: General-purpose SBCs are the most popular type of SBC. They’re versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications. Many general-purpose SBCs are powerful enough to replace a desktop computer.
How to Use SBC?
There are a few different ways to use SBCs. The most common way is to use them as general-purpose computers. This means that you can install your operating system of choice, like Windows or Linux, and use the SBC just like you would any other computer. You can also install applications and connect peripherals like keyboards and mice.
Another popular way to use SBCs is as media center PCs. This involves installing a media center application, like Kodi, on the SBC and using it to play video and music files, as well as streaming content from the internet.
Finally, SBCs can also be used for specific tasks, like powering a digital signage display or running a security camera. When used for specific tasks, SBCs are often configured using a software application or web interface.
What Are The Benefits of Using an SBC?
There are a few benefits of using an SBC. First, they’re very versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications. This makes them ideal for use in both commercial and home settings.
Second, SBCs are very affordable. Many popular models cost less than $100, making them a great option for budget-conscious users.
Third, SBCs are easy to use. They usually come with pre-installed operating systems and applications, so you don’t need to have any technical expertise to get started.
Finally, SBCs offer a high level of customization. Many SBCs can be configured to meet your specific needs, whether you’re using it as a general-purpose computer or for a specific task.
How to Secure Your SBC?
Since SBCs are often used to store sensitive data or connect to the internet, it’s important to take steps to secure them. Here are a few tips:
- Use a strong password: When setting up your SBC, be sure to use a strong password for the administrator account. This will help to prevent unauthorized access to your SBC.
- Encrypt your data: If you’re storing sensitive data on your SBC, be sure to encrypt it using a tool like BitLocker or Veracrypt. This will make it much more difficult for attackers to access your data if they gain physical access to your SBC.
- Disable unnecessary ports and services: By default, many SBCs come with a number of ports and services enabled. If you’re not using a particular port or service, be sure to disable it. This will help to prevent attackers from exploiting any vulnerabilities in those services.
- Use a firewall: Finally, be sure to use a software or hardware firewall on your SBC. This will help to block incoming traffic from malicious sources, like hackers.
FAQ
What is more powerful than a Raspberry Pi 4?
The Asus Tinker Board is more powerful than a Raspberry Pi 4. It has a higher clock speed, more RAM, and more processing power.
What are the advantages of the Asus Tinker Board over the Raspberry Pi 4?
Some of the advantages of the Asus Tinker Board over the Raspberry Pi 4 include its higher clock speed, more RAM, and more processing power. Additionally, the Asus Tinker Board supports HDMI 2.0, whereas the Raspberry Pi 4 only supports HDMI 1.4. The Asus Tinker Board also has a USB Type-C port for faster data transfer speeds.
What are the disadvantages of the Asus Tinker Board over the Raspberry Pi 4?
One of the few disadvantages of the Asus Tinker Board is that it does not have a built-in WiFi or Bluetooth module. Additionally, the Asus Tinker Board is slightly more expensive than the Raspberry Pi 4.
Is it worth buying Raspberry Pi 4?
If you are looking for a single-board computer to use for general computing tasks or learning how to program, the Raspberry Pi 4 is a great option. If you need a board with more processing power or features, such as HDMI 2.0 support, the Asus Tinker Board may be a better choice.
What is an ASUS Tinker board?
The ASUS Tinker Board is a powerful single-board computer that was released in early 2017. The board is similar in many ways to the Raspberry Pi 3, but it has some important differences that make it more powerful. One of the most notable differences is the clock speed; the ASUS Tinker Board has a higher maximum clock speed than the Raspberry Pi 3. Additionally, the ASUS Tinker Board supports HDMI 2.0, which allows for 4K video output. The board also has more RAM and processing power than the Raspberry Pi 3.
Is Tinker board 64 bit?
The ASUS Tinker Board is a 64-bit ARM-based single-board computer.
How much RAM does the Tinker board have?
The Tinker Board has 2GB of RAM, while the Raspberry Pi 4 has 4GB of RAM. This is a big difference, and it means that the Tinker Board is not as powerful as the Raspberry Pi 4.
How fast is a Raspberry Pi 4 compared to a PC?
The Raspberry Pi 4 is a lot faster than a PC. It has a quad-core processor and can run at speeds of up to 3.0 GHz. The PC can only run at speeds of up to 2.8 GHz.
How long will a Raspberry Pi 4 last?
This is a question that’s been asked since the release of the Raspberry Pi 4. The simple answer is: it depends. Depending on how you use it, your Raspberry Pi 4 could last anywhere from 2 to 10 years.If you are planning to use your Raspberry Pi 4 as a desktop computer, then it will likely last for 2-3 years. If you are planning to use it as a media center or gaming console, then it will likely last for 5 years or more.The longest lasting Raspberry Pis are usually used in industrial or commercial applications where they may be required to run 24/7 for years at a time.
How to choose an SBC?
When choosing an SBC, you should consider the following factors:
- Processing power
- Cost-Features
- Connectivity
- Power consumption
If you are looking for a powerful board for general computing or gaming, the Raspberry Pi 4 is a great choice. If you need a board with more processing power or features, such as HDMI 2.0 support, the Asus Tinker Board may be a better choice. If cost is your primary concern, then the Orange Pi Zero Plus 2 is a good option. If you need an SBC with built-in WiFi or Bluetooth, then the Odroid C2 is a good choice.
Useful Video: ASUS Tinker Board 2 vs. Raspberry Pi 4
Conclusion
The Raspberry Pi 4 and the Asus Tinker Board are both excellent single-board computers for different reasons. The Raspberry Pi 4 is a great all-around board that can be used for a variety of projects, while the Asus Tinker Board is better suited for more specific uses like gaming or media playback.
Both boards have their own sets of pros and cons, so it really depends on what you need from a single-board computer as to which one is better for you. If you need something that can do a little bit of everything, then the Raspberry Pi 4 is probably the better option. But if you need something that excels at specific tasks, then the Asus Tinker Board might be a better choice.
Do you have any experience with either of these boards? Let us know in the comments below!
References
- https://tinker-board.asus.com/product/tinker-board.html
- https://www.hackster.io/news/meet-the-new-raspberry-pi-4-model-b-9b4698c284
- https://www.pcworld.com/article/411779/the-asus-tinker-board-is-a-powerful-raspberry-pi-rival-that-plays-4k-video.html
- https://www.tomshardware.com/news/raspberry-pi-web-server,40174.html
- https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/definition/what-are-single-board-computers
- https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/SSD-solid-state-drive