An alternative to the Raspberry Pi 3

ODROID-C2

Article from Issue 213/2018
Author(s):

The inexpensive ODROID-C2 module runs two to three times faster than a Raspberry Pi 3.

The ODROID series of single-board computers is manufactured by Hardkernel [1] out of South Korea. The ODROID-C1+ ($35) and the ODROID-C2 ($46) have a form factor similar to the Raspberry Pi 3 (RPi3) (Figure 1). The higher end ODROID-XU ($59), which is around five times faster than the RPi3, has a significantly different board layout.

I've been happy with the functionality and openness of the Raspberry Pi platform; however, I find its desktop performance a bit sluggish. For only a few dollars more than an RPi3, the ODROID-C2 CPU, RAM, and GPU specs are impressive (Table 1). My goal was to see whether I could use the ODROID-C2 for some typical Raspberry Pi applications.

First Impressions

The ODROID-C2 has almost the same footprint as the RPi3, but not exactly. Because the microSD mount is different, I could use some, but not all, of my Pi cases (Figure 2). When you are designing your projects, it is important to note that the ODROID-C2 does not have built-in WiFi or Bluetooth adapters, so you'll need wired connections or USB adapters. Like some of the Orange Pi modules, the ODROID-C2 has a built-in infrared (IR) connection.

[...]

Use Express-Checkout link below to read the full article (PDF).

Buy this article as PDF

Express-Checkout as PDF
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • Linux over Android

    Linux desktop users can now use an estimated two million Android apps that were previously unavailable on Linux with VolksPC OS.

  • ODROID: Portable Android-Based Game Console

    In simple terms, the ODROID game console comes down to iPhone hardware mixed with Android software in a Nintendo box.

  • Volumio 2

    Volumio and a Raspberry Pi can add smart functions to any stereo system. Whether playing diverse audio formats or streaming Spotify, the combination of smartphone control, a Raspberry Pi Display, and Volumio outperforms many commercial solutions.

  • Julia on the Pi

    Create GUIs and a web app that connects to sensors.

  • openSUSE Conference 2017

    Swapnil shares some highlights of openSUSE Conference 2017.

comments powered by Disqus