SBCs or Single Board Computers are a rage among users around the world. From mainstream makers to small, unknown brands, they are engaged in the development and design of the latest single-board computers. One has to understand that single board computers are not built for one-size-fits-all. It is, therefore, essential to pick the right product as per the needs and demands of the users. The market is flooded with multiple options. It is confusing to choose one brand, thereby considering specific benchmarks will help filter the choices.
Power
When a user plans to buy a single-board computer, he/she must consider the power the SBC can consume while operating. When single-board computers are designed, they are incorporated into projects where the power usage of the standard computer is not practical. Thus, the power factor is an important benchmark that is vital to install power sources that can cater to the existing demands of the SBC. A buyer must keep an eye on the power ratings of SBCs under technical specifications and accordingly make the choices.
Central Processing Unit
The ability to implement specific instruction and perform arithmetic functions optimally is the backbone of a single-board computer. One must assess the chip used in a specific single-board computer. Once the user knows about the chip used, he/she is recommended to run searches on the internet. One can find information like speed, core numbers, architecture, etc. Experts believe that the higher the speed, the better the execution of instructions by the CPU.
Graphics
With the advancement of technology, single board computers are becoming more powerful. The graphics have become so advanced in SBCs that they can be used in low-end gaming machines and home-theatre personal computer devices as well. OpenGL ES and OpenGL versions are commonly used in today’s single-board computers for seamless graphics handling. The graphical potential of a single-board computer can be analyzed by taking a simple graphics evaluation that involves drawing 2D shapes. It is suggested to check the time required for SBC to draw circles in a window.
RAM
It is the cache that consists of volatile and short-term data and is accessed between the CPU and the memory. Evaluating the RAM is essential when buying a single-board computer. It can be evaluated by testing the potential reading and writing speed of a single-board computer.
Flash memory
The hard drives play a critical role in storing non-volatile data on a computer device. The majority of single-board computers don’t rely on a hard disk. But SBCs are backed up by an SD memory card or flash memory (onboard eMMC). The potential of the flash memory of a single-board computer can be assessed similarly to RAM, which is a reading and writing test of SBCs.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned benchmarks or factors evaluate the functionality and potential of single board computers. The selection of an ideal SBC depends on one’s need and usage. The market is filled with a wide array of SBCs, and it is overwhelming to choose from. The essential benchmarks filter the choices and help pick the suitable SBC.
