How to Shop the Best Single Board Computers

The ECM-APL2-B SBC, with Intel Pentium/Celeron/Atom BGA processors with an integrated chipset

When you need to shop for single board computers (SBCs), where do you even begin? There are so many different options available to you that choosing one can feel a little overwhelming.

Whether you're looking for the most powerful single board computers on the market or simply the best possible single board computer unit for your budget and operating system, the starting point is the same – you have to consider your specific requirements.

One of the reasons the SBC landscape is so diverse is that the applications of an SBC are incredibly wide-ranging. A component that works well in one particular application may not work well in another, and vice-versa. By getting to know your own operational requirements, you'll be able to narrow down your choice.

Here's what to bear in mind.

Processing Power

Is the most powerful single board computer necessarily the best single board computer? Not in every case. It depends on your specific use case.

For instance, if you are deploying your single board computer within a simple piece of hardware, like a vending machine or a basic object recognition device, you won't need a high-capability processor. On the other hand, a more sophisticated application – such as an autonomous robot – will require a high level of processing power.

It's also worth considering the chipset. Typically, an integrated chipset will provide a limited amount of processing power. For more complex applications – particularly those attached to high-quality video displays – an upgraded, non-integrated chipset may be necessary.

Examples from the Avalue Range:

The ECM-APL2-B single board computer features Intel Pentium/Celeron/Atom BGA processors with an integrated chipset.
The ECM-KBLH single board computer features 7th Gen. Intel Core i7/i5/i3 processors, with a non-integrated Intel QM175 chipset.

The ERX-W480P Micro ATX motherboard, designed for use in low-power applications

Energy Consumption

This is one of the main reasons to be discerning when it comes to processing power. In most cases, the higher the processing power, the higher the energy consumption.

Even when you select an SBC based on your specific processing needs, energy consumption is still an important consideration. While all of the SBC units that Avalue stocks are designed with sustainability in mind, Mini ITX and Micro ATX components may provide the greatest energy savings in some applications.

Examples from the Avalue Range:

The EMX-C246P single board computer is a Mini ITX component designed for low-power applications.
The ERX-W480P single board computer is a Micro ATX component designed for low-power applications.

Physical Dimensions

While SBC units do drive digital performance across a range of different applications, they are still physical components. This means they need to fit into your current hardware setup.

SBC units are available across a range of different sizes, from 3.5" components through 2.5" and down to 1.8" boards. Micro ATX and Mini ITX components may come in different sizes, up to 9.6" and 6.7", respectively.

Examples from the Avalue Range:

The EZX-EHLP single board computer is a 1.8" motherboard.
The EPX-ASLP single board computer is a 2.5" Pico ITX motherboard.

The RSC-IMX8M SBC, with support for the Android 9.0 and Android 10 mobile operating systems, and Linux systems created with Yocto 2.5

Network Compatibility

Your single board computer should be compatible with the operating system you are using. This is a simple yet vital consideration – the system just won't work if the components are not compatible.

Common operating systems include Microsoft's Windows OS, as well as Android OS. Open-source systems like Linux are also frequently supported. You may also need physical USB and LAN ports to achieve reliable connectivity or a SIM card slot for wireless operation.

Examples from the Avalue Range:

The ECM-MTL single board computer supports Windows 11 and Linux operating systems.
The RSC-IMX8M single board computer supports Android 9.0 and Android 10 mobile operating systems, and Yocto 2.5-based Linux systems.

Deployment Hazards

Not all deployment environments are the same. You may have to operate your system within a temperature-controlled environment, safe from any external hazards. In this case, you won't need to worry too much about temperature and voltage ranges or about other dangers.

However, other environments are more challenging – particularly outdoor environments. Selecting SBC units that are designed to withstand temperature and voltage fluctuations can help here. If the SBC could be exposed, you may also need to invest in additional protections, such as casings, to offer a defense against the elements.

Examples from the Avalue Range:

The ECM-SKLH single board computer is a 3.5" component designed for use across a wide range of temperatures and voltages.
The EPX-EHLP single board computer is a 2.5" Pico ITX motherboard designed for use within fanless systems.

Add-ons and Additional Components

Finally, you may need additional components to support your single board computer. These might include additional power modules that connect to the SBC, power convertor modules, or supercapacitor UPS modules.

Bear in mind that different types of modules will be designed for specific applications – for instance, a specially designed module for deployment within a vehicle's on-board system, or another for marine environments.

Examples from the Avalue Range:

The EPM-1722 is a DC to DC 60W power module designed for marine applications.
The EPM-1721 is a DC to DC 60W power module designed for railroad and railyard applications.

Shop Single Board Computers in the Avalue Range

At Avalue, we provide a wealth of different SBC components, designed with a range of applications in mind. To find the best single board computer for your needs, explore our product range today. For more information, reach out to our team directly.