When comparing MinnowBoard Max vs ODROID-XU4, the Slant community recommends ODROID-XU4 for most people. In the question“What are the best single-board computers?” ODROID-XU4 is ranked 7th while MinnowBoard Max is ranked 29th. The most important reason people chose ODROID-XU4 is:
Much faster than 10/100 as it contains a gigabit ethernet port.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Completely open source
MinnowBoard is a non-profit backed by Intel. meaning it gets advice for its architecture by Intel. But all hardware and software parts, including all drivers are completely free and open source.
Pro USB 3.0 available
The MinnowBoard Max has 2 USB ports, one of which is a USB 3.0.
Pro Great for hacking away
Other than releasing all drivers as open source, Intel has also made the schematics of the board available to download. This way, hackers can give it a try and build anything they want without restrictions.
Pro Fast ethernet
Much faster than 10/100 as it contains a gigabit ethernet port.
Pro Great performance
The performance runs laps around competitors in terms of raw power with its impressive specs and octa-core processing.
Pro Includes cooling system
Includes fan and heatsink combo standard. Fan spins when CPU is load is high. Other single-board computers require a seperate purchase where fan runs constantly, has improper power supply, or requires complex setup for proper funtion.
Pro USB 3.0 ports
The ODROID-XU4 has two USB 3.0 ports. Making it one of the few single board computers to have them.
Pro Great OS support
ODROID supports and can run a full desktop version of Ubuntu. Other than that it can run Android, of which there are some excellent ports for ODROID-XU4.
Pro Supports eMMC 5.0 storage
Pro Includes a power button
Some single-board computers have no power button, requiring the power supply to be unplugged or customization to add a button.
Pro Fast processor and good memory capacity
It is very good for emulation.
Pro Fast processor and good memory capacity
Very good for emulation
Pro Practically very usable general purpose computer experience
Practically very usable general purpose computer experience with much lower power consumption when eMMC 5.0 storage is used for booting.
Pro Includes power adapter
Many single-board computers require you to purchase a power adapter separately.
Cons
Con Multi-USB hub almost a necessity
Because it has only two USB ports, one of which to be used for charging, a multi-USB hub is needed to connect a keyboard and mouse which are the absolute minimal external devices to be able to use and configure the MinnowBoard.
Con No official OS images have the kernel with GPIO enabled
Although this is not the board's fault per-se, no official OS image has enabled support for GPIO. But if the kernel is compiled from source, it can be compiled with GPIO and PWM enabled.
Con SD card corrupts
SD card corrupts easily with the XU4, use emmc for more stability but even then it is not that reliable. Also need to reimage the memory every so often.
Con No Audio CODEC
To get Audio out of the XU4 you need to use an HDMI device that has built-in speakers. A USB pdif will work, too.
Con Expensive
It’s expensive for a SBC, for ~$20 more you can get a faster x86 PC barebone.
Con No SATA port
Con Requires a separate power supply (no power via USB OTG)
Con Does not natively support most accessories and sensors on the market
The ODROID GPIO pins operate at 1.8V which means that it cannot support most accessories and sensors on the market which operate at 3.3V or 5V. But this can be fixed for the XU4 with the XU4 Shifter Shield which adapts them for voltages used in the market. It comes at an extra cost of $18 though.
Con SD card corrupts
SD card corrupts easily with the XU4, you can use emmc for more stability but even then it is not that reliable. You will also need to reimage the memory every so often.