The Raspberry Pi has been a go-to for many DIY enthusiasts and makers alike, providing an affordable and versatile platform for various projects. However, as technology advances, there are now more alternatives to the Raspberry Pi that offer similar or even better features.
One of these alternatives is Klipper, a 3D printer firmware that can be run on a variety of microcontrollers, including Raspberry Pi.
In this document, we will discuss some of the alternative options to using a Raspberry Pi for various projects, with a focus on Klipper and its features.
Mini PC Stick
Intel NUC/Mini PC
The Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing) and Mini PC are compact computers that offer powerful performance despite their small form factor. These devices come with various processor options, including Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 CPUs.
One of the main advantages of using an Intel NUC or Mini PC as an alternative to a Raspberry Pi is its superior computing power. These devices are capable of running multiple applications and tasks simultaneously, making them a great choice for more demanding projects.
Another advantage is the expandability of these devices. They usually come with multiple USB ports, HDMI outputs, and support for additional RAM and storage upgrades. This makes them a versatile option for various projects that require more processing power or connectivity options. [3]
TV Box running Android
While the Raspberry Pi is primarily used for projects such as media centers and retro gaming consoles, there are now TV boxes on the market that offer similar capabilities at a lower cost. These TV boxes run on Android operating systems and can be easily connected to your TV or monitor, providing access to streaming services, games, and other apps.
Some popular options include the Amazon Firestick, Xiaomi Mi Box, and Nvidia Shield TV. These devices offer a user-friendly interface and can handle 4K video playback, making them a great alternative to the Raspberry Pi for creating a media center. [3]
Banana Pi M1
The Banana Pi M1 is one of the most popular alternatives to the Raspberry Pi. It offers a similar form factor and features, but at a lower cost. The M1 has a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, 1GB of RAM, and an Ethernet port. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
Like the Raspberry Pi, the Banana Pi M1 can be used for various projects, such as a media center, file server, or even a gaming console. It also supports various operating systems, including Ubuntu and Android. [3]
Banana Pi M2 Zero
The Banana Pi M2 Zero is a single-board computer that offers similar features to the Raspberry Pi, but with a few extra bells and whistles. It has a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, 512 MB of RAM, and an onboard WiFi module. Additionally, it also has an onboard microphone, making it ideal for projects involving voice recognition. [3]
Orange Pi 5B
One of the most popular alternatives to Raspberry Pi is the Orange Pi series. The Orange Pi 5B, in particular, offers a similar form factor and price point as the Raspberry Pi 4, while also including some additional features.
Compared to the latest Raspberry Pi model, the Orange Pi 5B has more RAM at 8GB and also supports SATA storage. It also has a wider range of ports, including two USB 3.0 ports and an IR receiver.
In terms of performance, the Orange Pi 5B boasts a faster CPU with its quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor and Mali-G52 GPU. This makes it a suitable alternative for tasks that require more processing power, such as gaming or video streaming. [2]
Orange Pi 5
Orange Pi 5 is a single-board computer that offers impressive features, making it a great alternative to the Raspberry Pi. It has a powerful RK3566 quad-core ARM processor, which can handle complex tasks and run multiple applications simultaneously.
The board also has 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, which is more than enough for most projects. It also comes with built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and Gigabit Ethernet for connectivity.
One of the standout features of Orange Pi 5 is its support for USB 3.0, which provides faster data transfer speeds compared to the Raspberry Pi’s USB 2.0 ports.
Apart from being a great choice for general computing projects, Orange Pi 5 also has excellent support for running Klipper, making it a top contender for 3D printer enthusiasts. [2]
Orange Pi PC
The Orange Pi PC is a single-board computer that shares many similarities with the Raspberry Pi. It has a quad-core ARM processor, similar GPIO pins, and even an HDMI port.
One of the main advantages of the Orange Pi PC over the Raspberry Pi is its price – it can be found for as low as $15, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget.
Additionally, the Orange Pi PC also has more RAM and faster Ethernet compared to the Raspberry Pi. This makes it a great choice for projects that require higher processing power or networking capabilities. [2]
Orange Pi Zero Plus 2
The Orange Pi Zero Plus 2 is a single-board computer that is often compared to the Raspberry Pi. It features an Allwinner H3 quad-core processor, 512MB of RAM, and a microSD card slot for storage.
One of the main advantages of using the Orange Pi Zero Plus 2 is its lower cost compared to the Raspberry Pi. This makes it a great option for those on a budget, especially when considering its similar capabilities.
Another advantage of the Orange Pi Zero Plus 2 is its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which eliminates the need for additional adapters or dongles. This can be particularly useful for wireless projects. [2]
T95 mini Android TV Box
The T95 mini Android TV Box is a small and compact device that offers a lot of power. It has an Amlogic S905W quad-core processor and Mali-450 graphics, making it great for running games or streaming high-quality videos. Additionally, it has 2GB RAM and 16GB of storage, allowing for smooth multitasking and the ability to store a decent amount of files.
But what makes the T95 mini an attractive alternative to the Raspberry Pi is its price. While a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with similar specs can cost around $35, the T95 mini is priced at just under $30 on average. This makes it a more affordable option for those who are on a budget but still want a device that can handle various tasks. [2]
MKS Pi
The MKS Pi is a popular alternative to the Raspberry Pi, especially for 3D printing projects. It offers similar functionality and features as the Raspberry Pi, with the added advantage of being specifically designed for use in 3D printers.
One of the main selling points of the MKS Pi is its compatibility with Klipper firmware. This allows users to take advantage of Klipper’s advanced features such as pressure advance, acceleration control, and precise temperature management.
NanoPi M4B
One of the alternatives to the Raspberry Pi is NanoPi M4B, a single-board computer developed by FriendlyElec. Similar in size and form factor to the Raspberry Pi, the NanoPi M4B boasts impressive specifications such as a hexa-core processor with up to 2GHz clock speed, up to 4GB of RAM, Gigabit Ethernet, and support for 4K video playback.
One major advantage of the NanoPi M4B over the Raspberry Pi is its ability to use NVMe SSDs for storage, providing faster read and write speeds compared to a microSD card. This makes it an ideal option for projects that require high-speed data transfer or heavy processing tasks.
Furthermore, the NanoPi M4B comes with a built-in power management chip, allowing it to be powered on and off through software. This is especially useful for projects that require remote control or automation capabilities. [1]
Radxa Rock 5B
The Radxa Rock 5B is widely recognized as one of the most popular alternatives to the Raspberry Pi. It not only offers a similar form factor and price point but also delivers exceptional performance and versatility. With its powerful quad-core ARM processor and up to 8GB of RAM, the Radxa Rock 5B is capable of handling a wide range of tasks, including running Klipper with ease.
In addition to its impressive hardware specifications, the Radxa Rock 5B comes equipped with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. This ensures seamless wireless communication and opens up possibilities for various IoT applications. Furthermore, the board supports multiple operating systems, including popular choices like Android and a range of Linux distributions. This flexibility allows users to tailor the Radxa Rock 5B to their specific needs and preferences.
With its combination of power, connectivity, and compatibility, the Radxa Rock 5B is an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts and makers. Whether you’re working on a home automation project or setting up a media server, the Radxa Rock 5B provides the necessary tools and capabilities to bring your ideas to life. [1]
Libre Computer Board AML-S905X-CC (Le Potato)
The Libre Computer Board AML-S905X-CC, also known as the Le Potato, is a powerful single-board computer that competes with the Raspberry Pi in terms of performance. With its quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor and 2GB of RAM, the Le Potato is more than capable of handling even the most demanding tasks.
One of the standout advantages of the Le Potato is its support for 4K video playback, making it an ideal choice for media center projects. Whether you’re streaming your favorite movies or creating a home theater experience, the Le Potato delivers stunning picture quality.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Le Potato also offers the convenience of built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Say goodbye to the hassle of external dongles and enjoy seamless connectivity for all your wireless needs.
With its power, versatility, and feature-rich design, the Le Potato is a top contender in the world of single-board computers. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a developer, or just someone looking to explore the possibilities of technology, the Le Potato has you covered. [1]
Asus Tinker Board S R2.0
The Asus Tinker Board S R2.0 is a single-board computer that is designed to be used as an alternative to the Raspberry Pi. It features a quad-core ARM processor, 2GB of RAM, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
One of the main advantages of using the Asus Tinker Board S R2.0 over the Raspberry Pi is its higher processing power and speed. With a clock speed of 1.8GHz, the Tinker Board S R2.0 is faster than the Raspberry Pi’s 1.4GHz processor.
Additionally, the Tinker Board S R2.0 has a better GPU, making it more suitable for graphics-intensive projects such as gaming or video streaming.
Moreover, the Tinker Board S R2.0 has a GPIO header, just like the Raspberry Pi, which allows for easy connection to external devices and sensors. This makes it a suitable alternative for projects that require hardware integration. [1]
Hardkernel Odroid-N2
The Hardkernel Odroid-N2 is another single-board computer that can be used as an alternative to the Raspberry Pi. It features a quad-core ARM processor, 4GB of RAM, and Gigabit Ethernet.
One of the standout features of the Odroid-N2 is its support for Ubuntu and Android operating systems, in addition to other Linux distributions. This provides flexibility for developers and users who may prefer to work with a different operating system than Raspbian.
Moreover, the Odroid-N2 has a powerful GPU that supports 4K video output, making it suitable for media center or streaming projects. It also has an optional eMMC module for faster storage access compared to microSD cards. [1]
FAQ
Do you need a Raspberry Pi for Klipper?
No, you do not need a Raspberry Pi to use Klipper. There are many alternative single-board computers that can run Klipper, providing users with more options and flexibility in their projects.
Is there a better alternative to Raspberry Pi?
While the Raspberry Pi is a popular and versatile single-board computer, there are many alternatives that offer different features and capabilities. Whether you need more processing power, faster storage access, or specific software compatibility, there may be a better alternative for your specific needs.
Can you run Klipper on a phone?
No, Klipper is not designed to run on a phone. It requires a single-board computer with Linux-based operating systems like Raspbian, Ubuntu, or Debian. However, some alternative single-board computers may offer compatibility with Android operating systems, allowing for more versatile use cases.
Why is Klipper so much faster?
Klipper is known for its fast and efficient performance due to its unique approach to 3D printing. Instead of relying on the printer’s onboard microcontroller, Klipper offloads processing tasks to a single-board computer, utilizing its more powerful hardware capabilities. This results in faster and smoother movements, leading to improved print quality and overall efficiency.
Is Klipper faster than Marlin?
It depends on the specific hardware and settings being used. In some cases, Klipper may be faster than Marlin due to its offloading approach, while in others, Marlin may perform better. It is best to do research and compare the performance of both options for your particular use case. However, many users have reported improved speed and performance when using Klipper over Marlin. Ultimately, the decision between Klipper and Marlin should be based on personal preference and the specific needs of your project.
Does Klipper increase print quality?
Yes, Klipper can improve print quality due to its more precise movement control and faster processing. With the offloading of tasks to a single-board computer, Klipper can perform calculations and adjustments in real-time, resulting in smoother movements and better prints. Additionally, Klipper offers advanced features such as pressure advance and kinematic bed leveling, which can further enhance print quality.
Does Klipper improve quality?
Yes, Klipper can improve print quality due to its more precise movement control and faster processing. With the offloading of tasks to a single-board computer, Klipper can perform calculations and adjustments in real-time, resulting in smoother movements and better prints. Additionally, Klipper offers advanced features such as pressure advance and kinematic bed leveling, which can further enhance print quality. So, it is one of the reasons why Klipper is a popular choice for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals looking to improve their prints’ overall quality.
How fast can Ender 3 Pro print with Klipper?
The speed of printing with Klipper on an Ender 3 Pro depends on various factors such as the hardware used, print settings, and model complexity. However, many users have reported significant improvements in print speeds when using Klipper over the printer’s default firmware. With its offloading approach and advanced features, Klipper can potentially increase print speeds while maintaining or improving print quality.
Useful Video: 5 Raspberry Pi Alernatives For Klipper Under $50
Conclusion
While the Raspberry Pi is a popular and versatile single-board computer, there are other alternatives available that offer different features and capabilities. The Asus Tinker Board S R2.0, Hardkernel Odroid-N2, and many others can be used as alternatives for projects that require more processing power, faster storage access, or specific software compatibility.
Additionally, Klipper offers a unique solution for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals to improve print quality and efficiency using these alternative single-board computers. With its offloading approach and advanced features, Klipper has become a popular choice among the 3D printing community. Ultimately, the decision between Raspberry Pi and its alternatives should be based on individual preferences and project needs. So, it is worth exploring these options and seeing which one works best for your specific use case.
References
- https://www.modernmakes.ca/blog/best-raspberry-pi-alternatives-2023
- https://3dpandme.com/2022/08/22/pi-alternatives-for-klipper/
- https://3dprintbeginner.com/raspberry-pi-alternatives/
