Raspberry Pi Element14 Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Motherboard vs SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO LGA 1150 Motherboard for

Overview of Element14 Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Motherboard and SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO Motherboard

The Element14 Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Motherboard is priced at $49.39, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO Motherboard retails for $79.99, making the Raspberry Pi about 38% cheaper. This significant price difference highlights the distinct target markets and applications of each product. The Raspberry Pi 3 B+ is designed primarily for hobbyists and educational purposes, offering a compact single-board computer with integrated wireless capabilities. In contrast, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO is tailored for more traditional desktop computing, designed for Intel's 4th generation processors and supporting more extensive configurations.

Performance Comparison

In terms of performance, the Element14 Raspberry Pi 3 B+ features a 1.4GHz quad-core ARMv8 CPU and 1 GB of RAM, which is suitable for lightweight tasks, programming, and DIY projects. Conversely, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO is compatible with Intel's 4th generation Core processors, such as the i7 4790k, offering a more powerful computing experience for demanding applications. The B85M PRO supports dual-channel DDR3 memory up to 32 GB, allowing for significantly better multitasking capabilities and overall performance compared to the Raspberry Pi.

Connectivity Features

Connectivity options differ greatly between the two motherboards. The Element14 Raspberry Pi 3 B+ comes with built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, making it easy to connect to the internet and other devices wirelessly. Additionally, it has four USB ports and a full HDMI port for video output. On the other hand, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO includes multiple high-speed interfaces, including M.2 for NVME SSDs and several SATA 3.0 ports, allowing for expansive storage solutions. It also supports VGA, DVI, and HDMI outputs, providing versatility for different display setups.

Design and Form Factor

The Element14 Raspberry Pi 3 B+ is compact and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for projects requiring minimal space. It utilizes a single-board design that simplifies integration into various setups. In contrast, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO is a Micro-ATX motherboard, which is larger and designed to fit into standard computer cases. This added size allows for more expansion slots and features, such as additional PCIe slots for graphics cards and other hardware, catering to users who need a robust desktop experience.

Power Supply Requirements

Power supply requirements also differ between the two products. The Element14 Raspberry Pi 3 B+ requires a 2.5A adapter for optimal performance, which ensures that it can support more powerful USB devices. This is a relatively low power requirement, suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO requires at least a 500W power supply, reflecting its design for high-performance desktop setups. This significant difference in power requirements indicates that the Raspberry Pi is more energy-efficient, while the B85M PRO is built for performance and stability under load.

Target Audience

The Element14 Raspberry Pi 3 B+ is primarily aimed at hobbyists, educators, and developers looking for an inexpensive yet capable computing platform for projects and learning. Its features cater to those who need a versatile tool for programming, robotics, and more. In contrast, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO is designed for users looking to build or upgrade their desktop PCs, particularly gamers or professionals requiring a reliable platform for intensive applications. This targeted design influences the overall user experience and functionality of each product.

Price Analysis Over Time

The current price of the Element14 Raspberry Pi 3 B+ is $49.39, with an average price over the last 90 days of $49.87. This stability suggests a consistent demand and value retention in the market. In comparison, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO is currently priced at $79.99, with an average price of $78.74 over the same period, indicating a slight increase. The price trends suggest that while both products maintain their value, the Raspberry Pi offers a more budget-friendly option for those not requiring the advanced features of the B85M PRO.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Element14 Raspberry Pi 3 B+ and the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO ultimately depends on your specific needs and use case. If you are a hobbyist, educator, or someone looking for a low-cost, versatile computing solution, the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ is an excellent choice at $49.39. However, if you require a high-performance motherboard capable of handling demanding applications and you are planning to build a desktop PC, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO, priced at $79.99, is the better option. Considering their distinct applications, the decision should align with your computing requirements and budget.