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Minnow Board

Minnow Board

The Minnow Board is a low-cost, open-source single-board computer that can run various Linux distributions and Android. It features an Intel Atom processor and is aimed at developers, hobbyists, and embedded system projects.
System & Hardware Single-Board Computers
opensource intel-atom linux android developers hobbyists embedded-systems
Minnow Board screenshot
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Minnow Board: Low-Cost Open-Source Single-Board Computer

Discover the Minnow Board, a cost-effective Linux and Android-compatible single-board computer powered by Intel Atom processor, designed for developers, hobbyists, and embedded system projects.

What is Minnow Board?

The Minnow Board is an open-source, hacker-friendly single-board computer originally released in 2013 by MinnowBoard.org and the MinnowBoard foundation. It features an Intel Atom processor (originally an Atom E640 but upgraded in later versions) and is designed to be a low-cost development board for projects needing modest processing power.

The Minnow Board runs various Linux distributions or Android and is targeted at developers, makers, hobbyists, and those working on embedded systems. Its small size, low price point, and open design makes it well-suited for prototyping internet-connected devices, robots, electronics projects, home media centers, and more.

Some key features and specifications of the Minnow Board include:

  • Intel Atom processor
  • 1GB or 2GB of RAM
  • Gigabit ethernet
  • MicroSD card slot
  • HDMI out
  • USB ports
  • Low 5-10W power draw
  • Open source schematics and design files

The Minnow Board community is active with guides, projects, and resources available for working with the board. It can interface with standard Arduino shields or other expansion boards via its headers to allow for analog inputs, wireless connectivity, motor control, and more. The latest Minnow Board Turbot version added more RAM, faster CPU speeds, and other upgrades.

Minnow Board Features

Features

  1. Open-source hardware design
  2. Intel Atom E3800 Bay Trail System-on-Chip
  3. 1GB or 2GB RAM options
  4. Gigabit Ethernet
  5. SATA 2.0
  6. USB 3.0
  7. HDMI
  8. GPIO header
  9. Low power consumption

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Inexpensive

Good performance

Very customizable and hackable

Great for hobbyists and tinkerers

Supports various Linux distros and Android

Active open source community

Cons

Limited onboard storage

No built-in WiFi

May require extra peripherals and accessories

Not as powerful as latest ARM boards

Limited official support and documentation

Official Links

Official Website
https://www.minnowboard.org

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