Single Board Computers: The Future?

[xunil]

For those unfamiliar, a single board computer is a computer, usually based upon the ARM processor architecture, which all of it's components are based upon a single PBC.  Although SBC's are typically used in embedded systems from washing machines to security cameras, the SBC has been making it's way into the desktop computer industry, the most famous example being the Raspberry Pi.  I recently purchased an ODroid XU4 from hardkernel and I love it.  Ever since I've made the switch to a single board computer as my daily driver, I haven't looked back.  The ODroid I got was 74 dollars and features 8 cores, with the more powerful 4 running at 2ghz and the less powerful 4 ones running at 1.4ghz. The biggest limitation in the device is the measly 2gb of ram.   Using a single board computer in opposition to a full on desktop is amazing for a few reasons.

 

1.) Power:  The amount of power I am now saving is ridiculous!  Under load, the maximum my board draws that I've seen is around 8 watts.  Compared to my old computer, that is a 442 watt saving.

 

2.) Resources:  Being so small, SBC's use far less resources (as in metal and plastic) than the typical computer

 

3.) Price:  I have replaced a quad-core monster of a computer with a 74 dollar SBC, and I am beyond content with the switch.  

 

So I would like to pose the question, are Single Board Computers the future of the Desktop Computer industry?

[ThatOneRussian]

FPS = 2 in GTAV end of story

[i_build_nanosuits]

...but can it run crysis?

[NeatSquidYT]

I hope not

[The Official Czex]

...but can it run crysis?

 

It can't.

[xunil]

You guys are missing the point, I mean in the future

[i_build_nanosuits]

You guys are missing the point, I mean in the future

in the future...i still want to run crysis.

[007agentHP]

You guys are missing the point, I mean in the future

when something that small can game at 4k ultra settings on every single game out there, i wont get one

[jaffacakes]

Kappa? Right?

[xunil]

Since when did I say this was a gaming device, it isn't.  But, the typical PC, as we all know is dying to the ARM architecture.

[ThatOneRussian]

when something like that can game in 4k we will be gaming in virtual surround with holograms and shit

[i_build_nanosuits]

Since when did I say this was a gaming device, it isn't.  But, the typical PC, as we all know is dying to the ARM architecture.

for a machine that can max out facebook and tweeter, yes they are awesome...

[Spellbound]

Resisting urge to feed the troll.