The recent announcement of Raspberry Pi's branded NVMe SSDs and SSD kits has ignited a heated discussion within the tech community about the changing landscape of single-board computers (SBCs) and their value proposition in 2024. While the new storage solutions aim to enhance the Pi 5's capabilities, many users are questioning whether SBCs remain the best choice for home computing projects.
The New Storage Options
Raspberry Pi's latest offering includes:
- 256GB NVMe SSD at $30
- 512GB NVMe SSD at $45
- SSD Kit bundles (including M.2 HAT+) at $40 for 256GB and $55 for 512GB
The drives, manufactured by Biwin (an OEM supplier for HP and Acer), feature PCIe Gen 3 compliance and impressive performance specs:
- 256GB model: 40,000 IOPS (4kB random reads) and 70,000 IOPS (4kB random writes)
- 512GB model: 50,000 IOPS (random reads) and 90,000 IOPS (random writes)
The Value Proposition Debate
A significant portion of the community argues that the traditional advantages of Raspberry Pi - affordability and low power consumption - are becoming less compelling. Here's why:
Alternative Solutions
- Refurbished Thin Clients
- Often available for €20-25
- Full x86 compatibility
- Built-in case and PSU
- Native SATA support without additional hardware
- Used Mini PCs
- Models like Lenovo ThinkCentre and HP thin clients
- Better performance than Pi
- Similar form factor
- Competitive total cost of ownership
Power Consumption Considerations
While Raspberry Pis are known for their energy efficiency, some users report:
- SBC setups: ~1.4W idle ($2-3/year in energy costs)
- x86 thin clients: ~11W idle ($20/year in energy costs)
Use Case Considerations
The community suggests that Raspberry Pis remain viable for:
- GPIO-intensive projects
- Educational purposes
- Specific hardware projects
- Learning and tinkering
However, for home server applications, media centers, or general computing tasks, refurbished x86 systems often provide better value.
The Future of SBCs
The discussion reveals growing concerns about Raspberry Pi's market position. With the base Pi 5 starting at around $60-70 and requiring additional accessories, the total cost often approaches that of more powerful alternatives. This has led some community members to suggest that Raspberry Pi may be transitioning from its original mission of providing affordable computing to becoming a premium SBC brand.
Conclusion
While Raspberry Pi's new storage solutions offer reliable performance and seamless compatibility, the broader discussion suggests that potential buyers should carefully consider their specific use cases and explore all available options, including refurbished x86 systems, before making a purchase decision.