We have another small gadget, UP Core. That is small PC with the size of Raspberry Pi. But instead, here you can install full operating systems like Windows 10 or Android or Ubuntu on UP Core. Every month a new alternative is born for the Raspberry Pi. It is true even if we talk about Asus, which introduces Asus Tinker Board. or if we talk about Huawei or its cheaper clones. But in all these launches, rarely there is any mini-PC like UP Core.
UP Core x86 processor for 32 Bit Applications
Here we are not talking about a basic version of Windows 10 or other operating systems. But a fully functional version and without eliminating any functionality that is available in UP Core. This is possible thanks to UP Core x86 processor (what is known as 32 bits, Intel Architecture 32). On the other hand, it is also possible to install the IoT (Internet of Things) version of Windows in UP Core.
Watch out Special Audio card for Asus Tinker Board and Raspberry Pi 3
So UP Core offer at the same time compatibility with the Operating System Windows 10, Android 6.0 Marshmallow and even Ubuntu … on one plate. The UP Core does, and is ready to revolutionize the market for miniature PCs.
The UP Core was born as a crowdfunding project on Kickstarter. So that aims to stand out against the Raspberry Pi for several reasons. First, because of its size: its creators say that we are adding the smallest quad-core (x86) processor in the world. It weighs only 40 grams and feeds on technical specifications that have nothing to envy neither the Raspberry Pi 3. The price starts at 69 euros.
Since UP Core is a project that is still in the funding phase. So the price of UP Core will range from 69 to 75 euros depending on the number of units sold by the company during the first months of the project. The goal of its creators was to get 10,000 euros. But at the time of writing, this article already exceed 35,000 euros of funding for UP Core project. The project is a success, and there are several reasons that explain it.
UP Core Specifications
For starters, if we look at the specifications of the UP Core. So you will see that inside the UP Core the processor hides is Intel Atom x5-Z8350 of four cores reaching a clock speed up to 1.84 GHz. With all accessories accompanied by a graphic enhancement from Intel HD 400 and a memory RAM of 2 / 4 GB (DDR3L-1600). The Pi 3 Model B of Raspberry, remember, incorporates an ARMv8 (four cores, @ 1.2 GHz) supported by only 1 GB of RAM.
UP Core More powerful than Raspberry Pi, but also more expensive
The base configuration offers Intel Atom x5-Z8350, an SC with a 4-core CPU and frequency up to 1.84 GHz . In addition, it incorporates a Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n card and integrated Bluetooth 4.2 and capacities for 1GB of DDR3L 1600MHz RAM (possibility to increase up to 4GB) and 16GB of storage (with the possibility to increase up to 64GB). The video and audio connections are HDMI, Full eDP with MIPI-CSI and 5V power connector. There is a USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports.
But beyond UP Core performance, what makes UP Core so special is its compatibility with different operating systems. It is compatible with the full version of Windows 10. But it can also install other operating systems such as Android or Linux ( ubilinux , Ubuntu and Yocto ). The size of the board does not exceed 56 x 66 mm. And if we take a look at its complete table of features we will see that it has an HDMI output, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 and a USB 3.0 port.
The UP Core can be bought now at a price of 69 euros following this link. As soon as the first drives are exhausted, the price of the most basic version of the board will rise to 79 euros. While a complete alternative (4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage and all connectivity available) is available for 225 Euros.
Up Core – technical data
- Intel Atom Z8350-x5
- GPU Intel HD Graphics 400
- 2 and 4 GB of memory DDR3L-1600
- 16, 32 or 64 of storage (memory eMMC)
- USB 3.0 (+ 2 connectors for USB 2.0), HDMI, eDP
- Wi-Fi b / g / n 2.4 GHz
- Bluetooth 4.0 LE
- 100-pin dock connector
- 66 x 56.5 mm
Expansion Boards and Compatibility of UP Core
In addition, we have several expansion boards. The A-board adds PCI-Express, Gigabit LAN and USB 3.0. Plate B does not allow RS-232/422/484, I2C, I2S and GPIO. It is possible to connect one or both plates to the main. Finally, we have a small chassis with external connections and also allows to “stack” several of this equipment.
At the level of compatibility with different operating systems, we will be able to “run” Windows 10 full version, Windows 10 IoT Core, Linux (ublinux, Ubuntu, Yocto) or Android Marshmallow. This is one of the few boards of this type that allow you to have Windows 10 as on any desktop PC.
UP Core controllers define it as the world’s smallest quad-core quad-core (SBC) computer. They explain that they are now looking to bridge the gap between systems like Raspberry Pi and modular computers. Its size is approximately half of a current smartphone but has many expansion capabilities.
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