Raspberry Pi 5 vs N100 PC (featuring Ubuntu 23.10)
This YouTube video compares the performance of a mini-ITX PC with an Intel N100 CPU and a Raspberry Pi 5, both running Ubuntu 23.10. Key takeaways include:
Hardware & Cost:
- N100 PC: Larger physically, more expensive (~$187 without case and SSD, ~$160 with on Amazon), higher power consumption (11W idle, 30W load), x86 architecture, better connectivity (more USB ports, SATA, etc.).
- Raspberry Pi 5: Smaller, cheaper (~$126), more energy-efficient (6W idle, 16W load), ARM architecture, limited connectivity. Both use 8GB DDR4 RAM, but the Pi 5’s RAM runs at a higher speed.
Performance Benchmarks:
- Boot Time: Raspberry Pi 5 slightly faster (24 seconds vs. 26 seconds for N100).
- General Responsiveness: Both systems were deemed very responsive for everyday tasks (web browsing, office applications).
- CIS Bench (prime number factoring): Similar performance, with the N100 slightly faster (2.25 seconds vs. 2.42 seconds).
- GNU Image Manipulation Program (filter test): N100 significantly faster (3.8 seconds vs. 10.7 seconds).
- Video Rendering (Kdenlive): N100 significantly faster (1 minute 23 seconds vs. 2 minutes 10 seconds). This difference is attributed to the N100’s hardware video encoding capabilities.
- Streaming Media: Both systems handled 1080p YouTube playback flawlessly.
Conclusion:
The Raspberry Pi 5 is a viable alternative to the N100 mini-ITX PC for many users due to its lower cost and power consumption. However, the N100 offers superior performance in demanding tasks like image and video processing, better connectivity, and broader software compatibility thanks to its x86 architecture. The choice depends on individual needs and priorities. The Pi 5’s ARM architecture also offers better security against malware.