Potential Pi Killer: Libre Computer Renegade Elite ROC-RK3399-PC
Libre Computer offers a neat lineup of hardware including the Libre Computer Project AML-S905X-CC "Le Potato." Its various single-board computer (SBC) devices yield excellent performance at reasonable prices. The Libre Computer Renegade Elite clocks in at over $100, but boasts the advanced processing over boards like the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ and Odroid XU4. As the name suggests, the Libre Computer ROC-RK3399-PC Renegade uses a Rockchip RK3399. Learn more about the Libre Computer!
Libre Computer Renegade Elite Specs
With its Rockchip RK3399, the Libre Computer Board ROC-RK3399-PC brings beefy processing to a SBC. The Renegade Elite features hexa-core processing, with dual ARM Cortex-A72 cores and four ARM Cortex-A53 cores with an ARM Mali-T860 GPU. Onboard, you'll see 4GB of RAM and an eMMC module as well as microSD card slot. There's an HDMI 2.0 output, two USB Type-C ports complete with DisplayPort support, an IR receiver, and loads of I/O connectivity. On the software side, the Libre Computer Renegade Elite is compatible with Linux kernel 4.19 and 4.4. As such, you can run the likes of Ubuntu 18.04 LTS on the Libre Computer board ROC-RK3399-PC. Moreover, you can run Android operating systems including Android Oreo.
Libre Computer Board ROC-RK3399-PC Cost
The Libre Computer Renegade Elite arrives as the successor of the Libre Computer Renegade, a Raspberry Pi competitor. While the vanilla Renegade retails for $35, the same price as the Raspberry Pi, the Renegade Elite costs roughly $100. Tack on accessories such as a case, power supply, and microSD card and you'll likely hit $200.Libre Computer Renegade Elite ROC-RK3399-PC: Final Thoughts
Powered by a Rockchip RK3399 processor, the Libre Computer Renegade Elite is a beastly SBC. Though it's substantially more money than boards like the Raspberry Pi, Odroid XU4, and Banana Pi, it's far more powerful. The Libre Computer ROC-RK3399-PC offers a median between standard single-board computers and hardcore maker boards boards such as the UDOO BOLT Ryzen Embedded V3 and V8.The biggest question which will in turn dictate adoption is support. While many SBCs including the Odroid XU4 offer stellar specs, the Raspberry Pi remains the most popular option, largely because of its widespread support. There are loads of Raspberry Pi operating system options, accessories, and support channels, both official and unofficial. Nevertheless, boards like the Odroid XU4 do benefit from dedicated communities such as Odroid Arena which produce OSes like a RetroPie image. Thus, SBCs such as the Libre Computer Renegade Elite ROC-RK3399-ROC provide a viable option, especially with a dedicated community.
Will you be getting a Libre Computer Renegade Elite? What SBCs are your favorites?
Moe Long is an editor, writer, and tech buff with a particular appreciation for Linux, Raspberry Pis, and retro gaming. Writing online since 2013, Moe has bylines at MakeUseOf, TechBeacon, DZone, SmartHomeBeginner, DEV.to, DVD Netflix, and Electropages. You can read his writings on film and pop culture at Cup of Moe, check out his tech reviews, guides, and tutorials at Tech Up Your Life, and hear his thoughts on movies on the Celluloid Fiends podcast. Aside from writing and editing, Moe has an online course, the Beginner's Guide to Affiliate Blogging From Scratch. When he's not hammering away at his keyboard, he enjoys running, reading, watching cinema, listening to vinyl, and playing with his dog Sebastian.
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