When comparing Olimex A64-OLinuXino vs Intel NUC boards, the Slant community recommends Intel NUC boards for most people. In the question“What are the best single-board computers?” Intel NUC boards is ranked 12th while Olimex A64-OLinuXino is ranked 33rd. The most important reason people chose Intel NUC boards is:
You can have 16GB GSkill DDR4 Memory + 500gb SSD and 10TB external HDD. Go with the kit so you can be assured that it runs Linux and only Linux (or whatever your preference) out of the box and isn't subjected to any unnecessary use/abuse at the hand of Doors.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Designed using KiCad
This board is designed using completely free and open source software that may be run on Linux, Windows, or OS X.
Pro Open source hardware
The design files for this board are available on GitHub!
Pro OLIMEX Ltd. provides active support
OLIMEX Ltd. regularly scans the support forums and provides assistance.
Pro On paper the J5005 maxes out at 8gb DDR4 RAM however it can accommodate at lease double that
You can have 16GB GSkill DDR4 Memory + 500gb SSD and 10TB external HDD. Go with the kit so you can be assured that it runs Linux and only Linux (or whatever your preference) out of the box and isn't subjected to any unnecessary use/abuse at the hand of Doors.
Pro Has at least one SATA port
Pro DRAM is not soldered
DRAM modules are not soldered to the board so they can be changed, upgraded or replaced.
Pro x86-based
Can run all IBM-PC compatible software.
Cons
Con Limited number of supported operating systems
Few operating systems are officially supported, but community-provided ones may be found.
Con Small community
The community is small, so existing project designs and references are limited.
Con Cost as much as other Barebones
Price is almost the same as a full Intel/Zotac barebone, which can also be dismantled.
Con No GPIO
So it is not really useful for DIY projects.
Con No DRAM included
DRAM modules must be bought separately.