When comparing HummingBoard Gate 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 HummingBoard Gate is ranked 23rd. 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 Same software runs on single to quad CPU without any problems
Since the HummingBoard Gate comes with different versions, including different CPU versions, it can also run the same software without any problem on any CPU regardless of the number of cores.
Pro Some models fit inside a Raspberry Pi case
HummingBoard-Pro and HummingBoard-Base fit inside a Raspberry Pi model B case (but be aware that many cases will block the IR).
Pro Extremely extendable
Hummingboard Gate has a native mikroBUS system which lets users attach any “click board” that’s compatible with MikroElektronika’s system. This way the board can be extended by adding motion sensors, wifi cards, physical buttons, temperature sensors, NFC or Bluetooth and much more.
Pro Can be used as a media streaming device
HummingBoard works really well with Kodi and can be turned into a media streaming device with ease.
Pro Selection of great operating systems
Hummingboard supports OpenELEC 5.0, GeexBox XBMC, Android and Debian officially, but it can also run ArchLinux, openSUSE and Fedora successfully.
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 Pretty expensive
Starting at $70, prices can go up to $235 depending on the model and the components that users choose to add to the board. For these prices it's rather expensive relative to other single board computers.
Con No built-in Wifi for the cheapest version
The cheapest version of the Humingboard Gate doesn't have a built-in Wifi card. You can either buy it separately as an add-on or you can buy a more expensive version of the Humingboard Gate which has a built-in Wifi card.
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.