Microcomputers have gained massively in importance in recent years. The best example of the triumph of so-called single-board computers is the Raspberry Pi.
But models from other manufacturers are also selling extremely well. The possible uses are growing, further, and development fuels the increasing demand for microcomputers.
With its diverse possibilities, the single-board computer is already a mini-computer that can be used individually, by laypeople and specialists alike. Many a user dreams of one day replacing the compact computer with a single-board computer. A look at the numerous areas of application of the Raspberry Pi and other models reveals how realistic this wish is.
FROM THE SERVER TO THE ROBOT
Single-board computers are already being considered for a wide variety of applications. They are much more than just a pure craft object, as it was a few years ago. The modern circuit boards are a long way from their initial use in the private sector, the professional areas of use are increasing.
Powerful and compact single-board computers are particularly suitable for servers. Due to their small size, they are in demand when building computer-aided devices. Microcomputers are perfect for building and programming robots. In mobile solutions where there is little space, single-board computers also score points because of their size.
Can the boards replace a stationary desktop PC? This is certainly not the case for the general public. For a simple and plain computer, this is already possible. The more powerful a desktop PC has to be, the less likely the single-board computer alternative is. This is especially true when the performance of a graphics card is required for high-resolution games and films or when a lot of RAM is required.
POWERFUL LIKE A SMARTPHONE
The biggest difference between a desktop PC and a circuit board computer lies in the computing power. The board’s USB port writes at a significantly slower speed than a current USB 3.0 port on a desktop PC. SSD hard drives with high write speeds do not achieve the highest possible speeds when connected to the circuit board.
The performance of most single-board computers can be compared to the computing power of a current smartphone from Samsung or Apple. For the most part, the same components are used. The chips are the same and consist of a compact unit of main processor and graphics processor.
READY TO USE AS A DESKTOP PC
The circuit board computer is not yet an equivalent replacement for a desktop PC. At least not for every computer that is currently in the living rooms and offices of the republic.
FOR WHOM IS THE SINGLE-BOARD COMPUTER SUITABLE:
Desktop PC users who mainly use the various office applications can replace their large towers. The performance of the circuit board calculator is more than sufficient for processing documents and creating calculations or presentations. Watching videos or surfing the web also doesn’t require a large desktop PC.
WHERE DOES THE SINGLE-BOARD COMPUTER (STILL) REACH ITS LIMITS:
High-resolution games and videos quickly push board calculators to their limits. A powerful graphics card and additional RAM are missing. Downloading large amounts of data is also not a specialty of the small circuit boards. Here, however, a simple desktop PC is usually not sufficient and a high-end computer is required.
CONCLUSION: THE POSSIBILITIES INCREASE
In 2012, the Raspberry Pi was the first high-performance circuit board computer to hit the market. A lot has changed since then, performance has increased and other manufacturers have brought recommendable products onto the market. Even if circuit board computers are not yet a complete alternative to desktop PC, the area of application is constantly growing.
