The single-board computer (SBC) market is crowded with Raspberry Pi competitors, but few have generated as much mixed reception as the ASUS Tinker Board 2S. Priced at $119–$134, this board boasts impressive specs on paper—including a 6-core Rockchip RK3399 CPU, 4GB RAM, and 16GB eMMC storage—but does it deliver where it counts?

After weeks of testing, here’s the honest breakdown: The Tinker Board 2S is a capable but frustrating device—powerful hardware let down by spotty software support, poor documentation, and questionable design choices.

First Impressions: What’s in the Box?

The Tinker Board 2S arrives in a no-frills package, with just the board and minimal documentation. At first glance, it looks like a premium Raspberry Pi clone, with a sleek black PCB and gold-plated ports.

Key Specs at a Glance

• CPU: Rockchip RK3399 (2x Cortex-A72 @ 2.0GHz + 4x Cortex-A53 @ 1.5GHz)
• GPU: Mali-T860 MP4 (supports 4K video)
• RAM: 2GB or 4GB LPDDR4
• Storage: 16GB eMMC + microSD slot
• Ports:
• 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 (Type-A)
• 1x HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz)
• Gigabit Ethernet
• M.2 slot (Wi-Fi/BT module included)
• GPIO: 40-pin header (Raspberry Pi-compatible layout)

The hardware is undeniably well-built, but the real test is how it performs in real-world use.

Performance: Where It Shines (and Stumbles)

CPU & GPU Power

The RK3399’s big.LITTLE architecture delivers solid performance:

• ~25% faster than Raspberry Pi 4 in multi-core tasks.
• Smooth 4K video playback (H.265/VP9 decoding).
• Handles light gaming (emulators up to PS1/N64 work well).

However, thermal throttling is a problem. Without a fan, the CPU quickly hits 70°C+ under load, dropping clock speeds to 1.2GHz. A heatsink helps, but active cooling is recommended for sustained workloads.

Storage & Networking

• eMMC is sluggish (~50MB/s reads)—barely faster than a good microSD card.
• Gigabit Ethernet performs well (~900Mbps in tests), but Wi-Fi is mediocre (2.4GHz-only on the included M.2 card).

Software: The Biggest Letdown

Limited OS Support

ASUS provides Tinker OS (Debian-based) and Android 10/11 images, but:

• Tinker OS feels outdated (based on Debian 10 “Buster”).
• No mainline Linux kernel support (stuck on 5.10–6.1).
• Community builds (Armbian) are unstable—Wi-Fi, GPU acceleration, and GPIO often break.

Missing Raspberry Pi Compatibility

• No native RPi.GPIO library—GPIO programming requires manual pin mapping.
• Camera/display HATs don’t work (CSI/DSI ports use non-Pi standards).

Firmware & Documentation Issues

• OTA updates are hit-or-miss.
• Official docs are sparse, forcing users to rely on forums for troubleshooting.

Real-World Use Cases: Who Should Buy It?

Good For:

Media Centers (4K Kodi/LibreELEC works well).
Light Desktop Use (web browsing, office apps).
Network Appliances (firewalls, Pi-hole—thanks to Gigabit Ethernet).

Bad For:

Beginners (setup is fiddly, support is lacking).
GPIO Projects (poor documentation, no Pi ecosystem).
High-Performance Computing (throttles without cooling).

Alternatives to Consider

Final Verdict: A Niche Board with Potential

The Tinker Board 2S isn’t a bad device—it’s just outclassed by cheaper, better-supported options. If you:

• Need a media player with 4K support
• Want a lightweight Linux desktop
• Don’t mind tinkering with drivers

…it might be worth a look. But for most users, a Raspberry Pi 5 or Orange Pi 5 is a safer bet.

Rating: 6.5/10
Hardware: 8/10 | Software: 5/10 | Value: 6/10

Where to Buy

• Amazon (~$119 for 2GB, ~$134 for 4GB).
• ASUS Store (occasional discounts).

Recommended Accessories:

• Active cooler (~$10, prevents throttling).
• Quality microSD card (Samsung Evo+ for better speeds).

The single-board computer market has needed a true Raspberry Pi alternative for years – one that offers comparable ease of use but with more horsepower. The Orange Pi 5 Plus might just be that board. With specs that dwarf the Raspberry Pi 5 and a price tag that undercuts comparable x86 systems, this compact computer deserves serious consideration from makers, hobbyists, and even professionals.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Right out of the box, the Orange Pi 5 Plus makes an impression:

• The board has a premium feel with its matte black PCB and gold-plated ports
• An abundance of connectivity options immediately stands out
• The layout is logical, though slightly more crowded than a Raspberry Pi
• Included documentation is minimal – typical for these types of boards

What you won’t find in the box that you might expect:

• No heatsink or fan (essential for sustained performance)
• No power supply (requires USB-C PD)
• No storage (no microSD card included)

Technical Specifications That Matter

Let’s break down what makes this board special:

Processing Power:

• Rockchip RK3588 SoC with 8 cores (4x Cortex-A76 @ 2.4GHz + 4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz)
• ARM Mali-G610 MP4 GPU with support for modern APIs
• Neural Processing Unit capable of 6 TOPS for AI workloads

Memory and Storage:

• LPDDR4X RAM options from 4GB up to 16GB
• NVMe SSD support via PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
• eMMC module support (optional)
• Standard microSD card slot

Connectivity Highlights:

• Dual 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports (a rarity at this price point)
• USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports
• USB-C with DisplayPort alternate mode
• M.2 slot for adding Wi-Fi 6/Bluetooth

Video Capabilities:

• Dual HDMI 2.1 outputs supporting 8K@60Hz
• HDMI 2.0 input (4K@60Hz) for video capture
• MIPI DSI display interface

Real-World Performance Testing

After weeks of testing across various workloads, here’s how the Orange Pi 5 Plus performs:

General Computing:

• Noticeably faster than Raspberry Pi 5 in daily tasks
• Handles web browsing with multiple tabs smoothly
• Office applications run without lag

Media Performance:

• 4K video playback is flawless
• 8K playback works but can be demanding on some codecs
• HDMI input works well for video capture applications

Gaming:

• Emulates up to PlayStation 2/GameCube well
• Native Linux games run respectably at 1080p
• Vulkan support opens up more gaming possibilities

Server Applications:

• Dual 2.5G Ethernet makes it excellent for network applications
• NVMe support provides storage performance unseen in most SBCs
• Handles multiple Docker containers with ease

Software Ecosystem and Compatibility

This is where things get interesting – and where potential buyers should pay close attention.

Supported Operating Systems:

• Orange Pi OS (based on Arch Linux and Android)
• Ubuntu and Debian variants
• Armbian (recommended for stability)
• Android 12

The Good:

• Mainline Linux kernel support is improving
• Most basic peripherals work out of the box
• Active community support forums

The Challenges:

• Some hardware acceleration features aren’t fully optimized
• Occasional driver quirks, especially with newer kernels
• Not all GPIO functions are as polished as Raspberry Pi’s

Thermals and Power Consumption

Thermal Performance:

• Requires active cooling for sustained workloads
• With a good heatsink and fan, stays under 70°C even at full load
• Passive cooling only works for light tasks

Power Efficiency:

• Idles around 5W
• Peaks around 15W under heavy load
• More efficient than comparable x86 solutions

Use Cases Where the Orange Pi 5 Plus Excels

After extensive testing, these are the scenarios where this board truly shines:

1. High-Performance Home Server

• NAS functionality with NVMe storage
• Media server with hardware transcoding
• Network firewall/router with dual 2.5G ports

2. Desktop Replacement

• Capable office workstation
• Media playback center
• Light gaming system

3. Development Platform

• ARM software development
• AI/ML experimentation
• Edge computing applications

4. Retro Gaming System

• Emulates consoles up to PS2/GameCube
• Supports modern game controllers
• Handles shaders well for retro aesthetics

Comparison to the Competition

How does it stack up against other popular SBCs?

Vs Raspberry Pi 5:

• Significantly more CPU power
• Far better I/O options
• Less polished software experience
• Higher power consumption

Vs Rock 5B:

• Similar core specs
• Better Ethernet configuration
• More affordable pricing
• Comparable software support

Vs x86 Mini PCs:

• More power efficient
• Better suited for ARM-native workloads
• Lacks Windows support
• More limited in some professional applications

Who Should Buy the Orange Pi 5 Plus?

Ideal For:

• Tech enthusiasts wanting maximum SBC performance
• Homelab users needing compact power
• Developers working on ARM software
• Media center enthusiasts
• Network appliance builders

Not Ideal For:

• Absolute beginners to single-board computers
• Those needing plug-and-play simplicity
• Users dependent on Raspberry Pi-specific accessories
• Applications requiring certified reliability

Final Verdict: A New High Water Mark for ARM SBCs

The Orange Pi 5 Plus represents a significant leap forward for single-board computers. While it doesn’t quite match the Raspberry Pi’s polish and ecosystem, it offers substantially more performance and flexibility for power users.

The Bottom Line:
Buy if you need high-end ARM performance and can handle some Linux configuration
Avoid if you want absolute simplicity or need Raspberry Pi compatibility

Priced competitively against both other SBCs and low-end x86 systems, the Orange Pi 5 Plus carves out an interesting niche. For those willing to work within its limitations, it offers a glimpse at the future of affordable, high-performance computing.

Have you used the Orange Pi 5 Plus? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

In the ever-expanding world of single-board computers, the Libre Computer AML-S905X-CC – affectionately known as “Le Potato” – has emerged as a compelling alternative to the ubiquitous Raspberry Pi. At a time when Pi boards remain frustratingly difficult to find at reasonable prices, this $35-40 board offers surprisingly capable performance with some unique advantages that make it worth considering for your next project.

First Impressions: Unboxing the Le Potato

The moment you take the Le Potato out of its packaging, you notice several things:

• The clean, high-contrast PCB design with clear labeling makes it immediately user-friendly
• The board feels surprisingly sturdy despite its budget price point
• At 85 x 56mm, it’s slightly larger than a Raspberry Pi 3B+ but still fits most Pi cases
• The signature “Le Potato” branding adds a touch of whimsy to an otherwise serious piece of hardware

Under the Hood: Technical Specifications

Let’s break down what makes this little board tick:

Processing Power:

• Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.5GHz
• Mali-450MP3 GPU handling graphics
• 2GB of DDR3 RAM (a nice upgrade from the Pi 3B+’s 1GB)

Connectivity Options:

• 4x USB 2.0 ports (no USB 3.0 unfortunately)
• HDMI 2.0 output supporting 4K@60Hz
• 100Mbps Ethernet (no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth)
• 40-pin GPIO header with mostly Raspberry Pi compatible layout

Storage Solutions:

• Standard microSD card slot
• Optional eMMC module support for faster storage

Power Requirements:

• Micro-USB or GPIO header power input (5V)
• Noticeably lower power draw than comparable boards

Performance Showdown: Le Potato vs Raspberry Pi 3B+

Having tested both boards extensively, here’s how they stack up:

Where Le Potato Wins:

• Approximately 50-60% faster in CPU-intensive tasks
• Superior 4K video playback with H.265/HEVC support
• Lower power consumption (about half the idle draw of a Pi 3B+)
• Generally better thermal performance

Where Raspberry Pi 3B+ Wins:

• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Better peripheral support (CSI/DSI connectors)
• More mature software ecosystem
• Faster networking (300Mbps via USB vs Le Potato’s 100Mbps)

Software Support: Surprisingly Robust

One of the biggest concerns with alternative SBCs is software compatibility. The Le Potato pleasantly surprises here with support for:

• Multiple Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Armbian)
• Raspberry Pi OS (with some adaptation)
• Media center OS options (LibreELEC, CoreELEC)
• Android 9.0 (though with limited usefulness)

The process of getting Raspberry Pi OS running involves using Libre’s Raspbian Portability Script, which does a decent job of making Pi-specific software work, though with some limitations.

Real-World Use Cases: Where Le Potato Excels

After months of testing, these are the scenarios where the Le Potato really shines:

1. Media Center Duty
With its excellent 4K video decoding, the Le Potato makes for a fantastic budget media player. Running LibreELEC or CoreELEC, it handles high-quality video streaming without breaking a sweat.

2. Lightweight Server Applications
The combination of decent CPU performance and low power draw makes it ideal for:

• Network-wide ad blocking (Pi-hole)
• Home automation (Home Assistant)
• IoT control hub (Node-RED)

3. Retro Gaming (Within Limits)
While it won’t handle PSP or N64 emulation well, it’s perfectly capable with 8-bit and 16-bit consoles through Lakka or RetroArch.

4. Electronics Projects
The GPIO header, while not 100% Pi-compatible, works well for basic electronics projects involving sensors, LEDs, and simple control systems.

Limitations and Quirks to Consider

No review would be complete without mentioning the challenges:

1. Missing Wireless Connectivity
The lack of built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth means you’ll need USB dongles for wireless functionality, adding to cost and complexity.

2. Documentation Could Be Better
While improving, the available documentation remains somewhat scattered across forums and wikis, making some features harder to implement than they should be.

3. Storage Performance
Like most SBCs, performance suffers when using microSD cards. The optional eMMC module helps significantly but adds to the cost.

4. Occasional Boot Issues
Some users report boot problems after power interruptions, though these can usually be resolved with proper shutdown procedures.

How It Compares to Other Budget SBCs

When stacked against similar boards in its price range:

Against Raspberry Pi 3B+:

• Better raw performance
• Superior video capabilities
• But lacks the Pi’s ecosystem and wireless features

Against Orange Pi Zero 2:

• Similar CPU performance
• Orange Pi offers Wi-Fi/BT and USB 3.0
• Le Potato has better video decoding

Against Rock Pi S:

• Le Potato offers more RAM
• Rock Pi has smaller form factor
• Similar GPIO capabilities

Who Should Consider the Le Potato?

Ideal For:

• Budget-conscious makers needing Pi 3B+-level performance
• Media center builds requiring 4K playback
• Users frustrated by Raspberry Pi shortages
• Projects where low power draw matters

Not Ideal For:

• Applications requiring built-in wireless
• Projects needing Pi-specific HATs or cameras
• Users wanting absolute plug-and-play simplicity

Final Verdict: A Tasty Alternative Worth Considering

After extensive testing, the Le Potato has proven itself to be more than just a novelty – it’s a genuinely capable single-board computer that fills an important niche in today’s market. While it doesn’t quite match the Raspberry Pi’s polish and ecosystem, it offers better raw performance in several areas at a very competitive price point.

For certain use cases – particularly media centers and basic computing tasks – it can actually outperform similarly priced alternatives. The lack of wireless is disappointing, but understandable given the price, and the GPIO compatibility is good enough for most basic electronics projects.

If you’ve been struggling to find Raspberry Pis at reasonable prices, or simply want to explore what else is out there, the Le Potato is absolutely worth a taste. Just be prepared for a slightly different flavor than what you might be used to.

Have you tried the Le Potato in your projects? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

If you’ve ever wanted to create dazzling light displays for your home, stage productions, or commercial spaces, the BTF-LIGHTING K-1000C Pixel LED Controller might be your perfect starting point. This compact yet powerful device opens up a world of possibilities for controlling addressable LEDs, from simple decorative lighting to complex synchronized shows.

First Impressions: What’s in the Box?

Unboxing the K-1000C reveals a surprisingly sturdy metal enclosure that feels more premium than its price tag suggests. The package includes:

• The main controller unit
• A 256MB SD card (preloaded with software and sample effects)
• Basic wiring accessories

The controller’s compact size (about the size of a smartphone) makes it easy to tuck away in most installations, while the metal casing helps with heat dissipation during extended use.

Technical Specifications That Matter

The K-1000C boasts some impressive specs for its class:

• Supports up to 2,048 RGB pixels (or 768 RGBW)
• Works with 5V-24V LED strips
• Handles most popular LED chips including WS2812B, WS2811, and APA102
• Offers a refresh rate up to 30 FPS (depending on pixel count)
• Features SD card storage for lighting programs

Setting Up: Easier Than You Might Think

Getting started with the K-1000C follows a straightforward process:

1. Install the included LEDEdit software on a Windows PC
2. Design your light sequences or choose from pre-made effects
3. Save your configuration to the SD card
4. Insert the card into the controller and power up your LED installation

While the setup isn’t complicated, first-time users should note that the software only runs on Windows. The interface, while functional, shows its age with some translations that could be clearer.

Real-World Performance: Where It Shines

In practical use, the K-1000C delivers reliable performance for medium-sized installations. Testing with various LED types revealed:

• Smooth animation playback at up to 1,500 pixels
• Noticeable but acceptable frame rate reduction at maximum capacity
• Excellent color accuracy and brightness control
• Stable operation even during extended 8+ hour runs

The controller particularly excels at:

• Holiday lighting displays
• Architectural accent lighting
• Small-to-medium stage productions
• Permanent art installations

Software Capabilities: Powerful But Quirky

The bundled LEDEdit software offers a robust set of features:

• 22 built-in animation presets
• Custom effect creation tools
• Image/video import for pattern generation
• Precise timing and transition controls

While powerful, the software does show some rough edges:

• Occasionally confusing menu options
• Some untranslated Chinese text in places
• Limited documentation for advanced features

Comparing to Alternatives

When stacked against similar controllers, the K-1000C holds its own:

• More affordable than professional-grade solutions
• Supports more LED types than many competitors
• Offers better cascading support than entry-level models

However, it lacks some modern conveniences like:

• Wireless control options
• Mobile app integration
• Cloud-based programming

Who Should Consider This Controller?

The K-1000C is ideal for:

• DIY enthusiasts ready to step up from basic controllers
• Small businesses needing reliable lighting control
• Event planners creating custom light environments
• Artists incorporating LEDs into installations

It might not be the best fit for:

• Those needing wireless control
• Mac/Linux users unwilling to use Windows
• Complete beginners wanting plug-and-play simplicity

Final Verdict: Great Value With Some Tradeoffs

After extensive testing, the K-1000C emerges as a compelling option in its price range. While it’s not without its quirks, the combination of solid performance, flexible compatibility, and professional features makes it stand out from cheaper alternatives.

For about $40, you’re getting controller capabilities that would have cost hundreds just a few years ago. If you can work within its limitations, the K-1000C offers tremendous creative potential for your lighting projects.

Have you used the K-1000C in your projects? What was your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The Raspberry Pi Pico is not your typical Raspberry Pi. Unlike its Linux-running siblings, this $4 microcontroller is designed for embedded projects, offering raw performance, low power consumption, and a surprising amount of flexibility. Since its launch, it has become a favorite among hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

What Makes the Raspberry Pi Pico Special?

1. Raspberry Pi’s First Custom Silicon: The RP2040

The Pico is powered by the RP2040, Raspberry Pi’s first in-house designed microcontroller chip. This dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ processor runs at 133 MHz, which is impressive for its price range. Compared to classic microcontrollers like the Arduino Uno (16 MHz), the Pico delivers significantly more processing power .

Key features of the RP2040:

• 264KB of SRAM (way more than most microcontrollers in this class).
• 2MB of onboard Flash storage (expandable up to 16MB via QSPI).
• Programmable I/O (PIO) state machines – a unique feature that lets you create custom hardware interfaces without bit-banging .

2. Unbeatable Price-Performance Ratio

At just $4, the Pico is one of the cheapest Cortex-M0+ boards available, yet it outperforms many competitors. For comparison:

• The Arduino Uno R3 costs around $25 but runs at just 16 MHz.
• The ESP8266 (Wi-Fi-enabled) is similarly priced but lacks the Pico’s dual-core performance .

If you need Wi-Fi, the Pico W (at $6) adds an Infineon CYW43439 chip, making it a budget-friendly IoT solution .

Hardware & Design: Small but Mighty

Compact and Breadboard-Friendly

Measuring just 51 x 21mm, the Pico is smaller than a Raspberry Pi Zero. It comes with 40 GPIO pins, including:

• 26 multi-function pins (supporting digital I/O, PWM, UART, SPI, I2C).
• 3 × 12-bit ADC inputs (for analog sensors).
• 8 × PIO state machines (for custom protocols like VGA or WS2812B LED control) .

Unlike traditional Pis, the Pico has no HDMI or USB ports—just a micro-USB for power and programming. It’s designed to be embedded directly into projects, either via soldered headers or castellated edges for surface mounting .

Power Efficiency

One of the Pico’s biggest advantages is its low power consumption. In tests, it drew just 0.7W while driving 12 NeoPixel LEDs at full brightness—compared to a Raspberry Pi 4, which idles at 4-5W . This makes it ideal for battery-powered projects.

Software & Programming: MicroPython vs. C

MicroPython: Beginner-Friendly

The Pico supports MicroPython, a stripped-down version of Python 3 optimized for microcontrollers. Setting it up is simple:

1. Hold the BOOTSEL button while plugging in USB.
2. Drag-and-drop the MicroPython .UF2 file onto the Pico.
3. Use Thonny IDE to write and upload code .

Example (Blinking an LED):

Real-World Use Cases

1. IoT & Wireless Projects (Pico W)

The Pico W adds Wi-Fi, making it great for:

• Home automation (sensor logging, smart lights).

• MQTT messaging (sending data to Node-RED or Home Assistant).

• Web servers (though library support is still limited).

Example (Connecting to Wi-Fi):

2. Robotics & Motor Control

With 16 PWM channels and support for servos, steppers, and DC motors, the Pico is a solid choice for robotics. The PIO blocks can even handle precise timing for protocols like DShot (used in drones) .

3. Custom Interfaces (Thanks to PIO)

The Programmable I/O (PIO) is a game-changer. It lets you:

• Emulate VGA output (with external resistors).
• Drive NeoPixel LEDs without CPU overhead.
• Create custom communication protocols (e.g., for obscure sensors) .

Limitations & Alternatives

1. No Built-in Bluetooth (Even on Pico W)

Unlike the ESP32, the Pico W’s Infineon chip supports Bluetooth 5.2—but it’s disabled in firmware. Hackers might enable it later, but for now, Bluetooth projects require an external module .

2. Library Support Is Still Growing

While MicroPython is well-supported, some advanced libraries (like HTTP servers) are missing. The Arduino IDE now supports the Pico, but stability varies .

3. No 5V Output

The GPIO runs at 3.3V, so interfacing with 5V devices requires level shifters .

Alternatives to Consider

• ESP32: Better for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth projects.
• Arduino Nano: More beginner-friendly IDE.
• Raspberry Pi Zero: If you need Linux.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?

Get the Pico If You…

Want a fast, low-cost microcontroller for embedded projects.
Need dual-core performance or custom I/O (PIO).
Prefer MicroPython for quick prototyping.

Skip It If You…

Need built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (unless you get the Pico W).
Require extensive library support (C/C++ is still maturing).
Work mostly with 5V components.

Where to Buy & Starter Kits

The Pico is widely available for $4–$8 (Amazon, Adafruit, etc.). For beginners, the Elecrow Pico Advanced Kit ($38–$68) includes sensors, a robot car, and tutorials—perfect for learning .

Final Thoughts

The Raspberry Pi Pico is a revolutionary $4 board that punches above its weight. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced maker, its performance, PIO flexibility, and low power make it a must-have for electronics projects. And with the Pico W bringing Wi-Fi, it’s only getting better.

Have you tried the Pico? Share your projects in the comments!