When comparing Embedded Now Piconium 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 Embedded Now Piconium is ranked 61st. 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
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Performance
This thing cooks. It has 4 cores and a GPU.
Pro x86 Compatible
It uses an Intel Atom processor, so most OSes and software run on it without modification.
Pro Lots of RAM
It comes with 2GB of ECC DDR3L RAM, but they can deliver it with up to 8GB.
Pro Integration
It's slathered in ports. Because it runs Linux, there are a lot of peripherals that work out-of-the-box with it.
Pro Support
Online docs are great. Their engineers are willing to help out.
Pro Connectivity
It comes with built-in GbE and has accessories for WiFi and Bluetooth.
Pro Fanless
The board is able to operate with only a heatsink or heat spreader. Eliminating moving parts is great.
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 Cost
This is an expensive board, but for a reason. It's built with rugged components for professional products. It's overkill if you are looking for a board to tinker with.
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.