When it comes to choosing a small form factor computer, there are a lot of different options on the market. In this blog post, we will be comparing the Raspberry Pi vs. Intel NUC to help you decide which one is better for your needs. Both of these devices are popular choices among hobbyists and businesses alike, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. If you’re undecided about which option to choose, read on to learn the pros and cons of each one so that you can make an informed decision!
What is Raspberry Pi?
It’s a miniature PC that can do numerous activities your desktop does, for example, spreadsheets, word-processing and games. The machine also is equipped with high-definition video capabilities. We envision kids from all corners of the globe using it to learn programming skills. [1]
What is an Intel NUC?
With an Intel NUC, you can easily add your own storage drives, memory, and operating system to create a custom PC that fits your exact needs. [2]
What to Know About Raspberry Pi and Intel NUC
Size
The Raspberry Pi is about the size of a deck of cards, while the Intel NUC is about the size of a large paperback book.
Processing power
The Raspberry Pi has a 700MHz CPU, while the Intel NUC has a 2.4GHz CPU. This means that the Intel NUC is more than three times as fast as the Raspberry Pi.
Storage
The Raspberry Pi has no storage on board, so you’ll need to add your own SD card. The Intel NUC comes with a built-in 500GB hard drive.
Connectivity
The Raspberry Pi has two USB ports and an HDMI port. The Intel NUC has four USB ports and an HDMI port.
Operating system
Not only can the Intel NUC operate on various systems, such as Windows and macOS, but Linux as well.
Price
The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is $35, while the Intel NUC is $339.99.
GPIO header
The Raspberry Pi has a 40-pin GPIO header, while the Intel NUC does not have a GPIO header. This means that you can’t use the Intel NUC for projects that require the use of GPIO pins. [3]
Design
The Raspberry Pi has a basic design with a credit card size PCB. The Intel NUC has a more premium design with a metal chassis.
Power Consumption
The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is much more power-efficient than the Intel NUC Kit, only consuming 2.5W of power as opposed to the 15W consumed by the latter.
RAM
The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ comes with 1GB of RAM, while the Intel NUC has 8GB of RAM.
WLAN
The wireless LAN for the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is 802.11n, whereas the Intel NUC has an 802.11ac wireless LAN.
Bluetooth
The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ has higher quality Bluetooth with 4.2, while the Intel NUC Kit NUC7i3BNH only has 4.1.
Boostspeed
The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ has a boost clock speed of 1.4GHz, while the Intel NUC Kit NUC7i3BNH has a boost clock speed of 3.6GHz.
Raspberry Pi vs. Intel NUC : Which is Better?
The answer to this question depends on what you need a mini PC for. If you need a mini PC for general use, the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is a good choice. It’s cheaper and uses less power than the Intel NUC. If you need a mini PC for gaming or video editing, the Intel NUC is a better choice because it’s more powerful and has a faster processor.
Suitable Projects for the Raspberry Pi
If you’re looking for a single-board computer with enough power to handle basic tasks, then the Raspberry Pi is a great choice. The model 3 B+ is the latest and most powerful version of the Raspberry Pi, which is why it’s our top pick for best single-board computer. But what exactly can you do with a Raspberry Pi? Below are some common projects that people use this little computer for. [4]
Retro Gaming Console
The Raspberry Pi makes for a great retro gaming console. You can install all sorts of classic video games and play them on your television. It’s a great way to relive your childhood or introduce younger family members to the games you grew up playing.
Home Theater PC
Another popular project is to use the Raspberry Pi as a Home Theater PC (HTPC). This allows you to turn your TV into a smart TV, giving you access to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. You can also use it to play local media files, such as movies and music that you’ve downloaded or ripped from CDs.
Print Server
If you have a printer that’s not connected to the internet, you can use the Raspberry Pi as a print server. This will allow you to print documents from any computer on your network.
Weather Station
You can also use the Raspberry Pi to set up your own weather station. This can be a great project for kids who are interested in weather and science.
Web Server
Finally, you can use the Raspberry Pi as a web server. This is a great way to learn about web development or host your own website.
Suitable Projects for the Intel NUC
The Intel NUC is a great option for projects that require more power than the Raspberry Pi can provide. It’s also a good choice if you need more storage and IO options than the Pi offers. Some common projects that make use of the NUC’s extra power include:
As a desktop computer
If you need a full-fledged computer for light-duty tasks like web browsing, word processing, and email, the NUC can serve as an inexpensive yet capable option.
As a home theater PC
The NUC’s compact size and low power consumption make it an ideal candidate for a HTPC. It can easily be tucked away next to your TV or AV receiver.
As a file server
The NUC can support more than one storage drive at a time, making it ideal for use as a file server. You can add a couple of hard drives or SSDs and set up the NUC as a central location to store all your important data.
As a network-attached storage (NAS) device
The NUC’s support for multiple storage drives also makes it a great choice for use as a NAS. You can add one or more hard drives or SSDs and set up the NUC to share your data across your local network.
As a web server
If you need to run a small website or blog, the NUC can serve as an inexpensive yet capable web server.
As a gaming PC
With its support for Intel HD Graphics, the NUC can be used as a budget-friendly gaming PC. It won’t be able to run the latest AAA games at high settings, but it can handle older games and less demanding titles quite well. [5]
Pros and Cons of Raspberry Pi and Intel NUC
Raspberry Pi
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Low power consumption
- Small form factor
- Versatile software support
- Can be used as a general-purpose computer
Cons:
- Limited processing power
- Limited memory
- Requires additional peripherals
Intel NUC
Pros:
- More powerful than the Raspberry Pi
- Comes with an operating system preinstalled
- More expandable than the Raspberry Pi
Cons:
- More expensive than the Raspberry Pi
- Larger form factor than the Raspberry Pi
- Сonsume more power than the Raspberry Pi
Which is Better for Programming and Development?
If you are looking for a low-cost, small form factor computer for programming and development, the Raspberry Pi is the better choice.
How to Choose an SBC?
When choosing an SBC, the first thing you need to decide is what size of board you need. The next thing to consider is what type of processor you want. Do you need a powerful processor for intense applications or can a less expensive model suffice?
Also, think about what kinds of ports and expansion options are important to you. Some boards have more USB ports than others, while some have built-in WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity. Others offer different types of video outputs or support for special purpose add-on boards.
Finally, consider what operating system you want to use. Some SBCs come with a pre-installed operating system, while others require you to install your own. Be sure to check what type of storage and memory the board supports before making your final decision.
Types of SBCs
There are many different types of SBCs available on the market, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Here are some of the most popular types of SBCs:
- Raspberry Pi: The Raspberry Pi is a small, single-board computer that was first released in 2012. It has since become one of the most popular SBCs on the market, due to its low price and flexibility. The Raspberry Pi is available in several different models, each with different specs and features.
- Intel NUC: The Intel NUC is a mini PC that was first released in 2013. It is slightly larger than the Raspberry Pi but offers more power and features. Intel NUC comes in a few different models – each customizable to include different specs and features.
- ODroid: The ODroid is a single-board computer that was first released in 2007. It offers more power than the Raspberry Pi but is slightly more expensive. The ODroid comes in multiple models, each with unique specifications and features.
- Pine64: The Pine64 is a single-board computer that was first released in 2015. It offers similar specs to the Raspberry Pi but is less expensive. The Pine64 comes in multiple models, each tailored to specific needs with varying specs and features. [6]
How to Use SBC?
Now that you know what an SBC is and what types are available, you might be wondering how to use one. SBCs can be used for a variety of different purposes, including:
- Building a desktop computer: You can use an SBC to build a fully functioning desktop computer. Simply connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the board and you’re ready to go.
- Building a home media center: You can use an SBC to build a home media center that can stream movies and TV shows from the internet or local storage. You’ll just need to add a few extra accessories, like an HDMI cable and external storage.
- Running server applications: You can use an SBC to run various server applications, such as a web server, file server, or print server.
- Building a gaming console: You can use an SBC to build a gaming console that can play retro games or even some modern titles. All you need is a compatible operating system and some extra accessories, like a game controller.
The possibilities are endless! So whether you’re looking to build a new computer or create a home media center, an SBC is a great option. Just be sure to choose the right board for your needs and budget.
FAQ
Is an Intel NUC a Raspberry Pi?
No, an Intel NUC is not a Raspberry Pi. While both devices are small form factor (SFF) computers, they are based on different architectures and have different capabilities.
What is the difference between a Raspberry Pi and an Intel NUC?
The main difference between a Raspberry Pi and an Intel NUC is that the former is based on an Arm architecture while the latter uses an x86 architecture. This means that the Raspberry Pi is best suited for applications that require low power consumption and/or portability while the Intel NUC is more powerful and thus better suited for applications that need more processing power. In terms of raw performance, the Intel NUC will outperform the Raspberry Pi.
What are the benefits of a Raspberry Pi over an Intel NUC?
One key benefit of a Raspberry Pi over an Intel NUC is its low power consumption which makes it more suitable for portable applications. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi is a more affordable option than the Intel NUC. Finally, the Raspberry Pi is an open source platform which means that there is a larger community of developers and users to provide support and assistance.
Is Intel discontinuing NUC?
No, Intel is not discontinuing NUC. While there have been rumors to this effect, Intel has stated that it remains committed to the NUC platform and will continue to support it.
What is the difference between NUC and mini PC?
The main difference between a NUC and a mini PC is that the former is based on an Intel architecture while the latter can use either an Intel or Arm architecture. Another key difference is that NUCs are typically more expensive than mini PCs. Finally, NUCs tend to be smaller in size than mini PCs.
Can a Raspberry Pi replace a PC?
No, a Raspberry Pi cannot replace a PC. While the Raspberry Pi is a capable device, it does not have the same level of performance as a PC. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi does not support all of the same software and applications as a PC.
What are some good uses for a Raspberry Pi?
Some good uses for a Raspberry Pi include:
- Media center
- Home automation
- Retro gaming console
- Web server
- IoT device
- Security camera
- Print server
- VPN server
Is a Raspberry Pi just a computer?
No, a Raspberry Pi is not just a computer. While it is a capable device, it does not have the same level of performance as a traditional computer. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi does not support all of the same software and applications as a traditional computer.
How much does a Raspberry Pi cost?
A Raspberry Pi typically costs around $35.
Can I use a Raspberry Pi for gaming?
Yes, you can use a Raspberry Pi for gaming. However, it is important to note that the performance will be lower than that of a dedicated gaming console or PC. Additionally, not all games will be compatible with the Raspberry Pi.
How much does NUC cost?
An Intel NUC typically costs around $200.
Is Intel NUC upgradable?
Yes, an Intel NUC is upgradable. You can upgrade the CPU, memory, storage, and operating system on a NUC.
Useful Video: Best $150 Home Media Server: Raspberry Pi vs Nuc vs Kodlix
Conclusion
So, which is better for your needs? If you need something small and cheap, the Raspberry Pi is probably your best bet. If you need more power and aren’t worried about the price, the Intel NUC is the way to go.
References
- http://www.yuvaengineers.com/raspberry-pi-credit-card-sized-single-board-computer/
- https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/details/nuc.html
- https://www.raspberrypi-spy.co.uk/2012/06/simple-guide-to-the-rpi-gpio-header-and-pins/
- https://community.element14.com/products/roadtest/rv/roadtest_reviews/349/try_out_the_raspberr_7
- https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/docs/boards-kits/nuc/overview.html
- https://makezine.com/article/maker-news/the-15-pine64-just-launched-on-kickstarter-and-its-already-funded/