The Raspberry Pi may be the most famous single-board computer, but it’s no longer the only serious option for makers. Over the years, other boards have emerged that outperform the Pi in specialized use cases, often offering better performance, connectivity, or flexibility. Some of them come from familiar names, while others are hidden gems that deserve more attention from the home lab and hobbyist communities.

These boards excel not by trying to copy the Pi, but by filling the gaps it leaves open. Whether you need PC compatibility, AI processing, or an open hardware architecture, each alternative offers something distinctive. For the right project, they can easily outperform a Raspberry Pi and deliver capabilities that the Pi still can’t match.

LattePanda IOTA for hybrid PC and maker projects

x86 power meets maker-friendly flexibility

Credit: Source: LattePanda

The LattePanda IOTA combines a compact design with a surprisingly capable Intel N150 processor. Unlike most ARM-based SBCs, it runs x86_64 software natively, which means you can install full desktop operating systems like Windows or traditional Linux distributions without emulation. It also includes an integrated RP2040 microcontroller for direct hardware control, making it ideal for complex projects that mix software and real-world interactions. This pairing gives the IOTA a serious edge in versatility and computing power.

Where the Raspberry Pi focuses on low-cost accessibility, the LattePanda IOTA focuses on raw performance and flexibility. It includes M.2 NVMe support, multiple USB 3 ports, and the ability to handle heavier workloads such as data visualization or virtual machines. It can easily outperform a Raspberry Pi 5 in single- and multi-core benchmarks, particularly when running demanding applications such as development environments or lightweight servers. For makers who want more than basic GPIO control, this board offers a major upgrade in capability.

In hybrid projects that require both hardware responsiveness and full PC software compatibility, the LattePanda IOTA stands apart. It can serve as a compact workstation, a kiosk system, or a portable testing platform with more power than any ARM-based Pi. While it costs more, it opens the door to new project types that would otherwise require separate computers and microcontrollers. Its mix of processing strength, expandability, and flexibility makes it a compelling choice for developers who want to bridge the gap between embedded systems and full-fledged computers.

Sipeed Nezha D1 for RISC-V experimentation

An open-architecture SBC for innovators

The Sipeed Lichee RV Nezha CM uses a RISC-V 64-bit processor rather than the usual ARM architecture, making it one of the first Linux-capable boards designed for open-hardware enthusiasts. This distinction makes it an excellent tool for learning how processors operate at the instruction-set level. Developers can explore new toolchains and contribute to the growing RISC-V software ecosystem. It’s less about raw power and more about freedom and education.

This board provides an affordable way to study and deploy RISC-V in practical scenarios. It supports lightweight Linux distributions and can easily handle small web servers or sensor gateways. While multimedia or gaming performance is modest, its focus on transparency and accessibility makes it unique. The open instruction set architecture allows developers to understand and modify low-level behavior in ways that ARM-based platforms do not permit.

For classrooms, research labs, and edge computing enthusiasts, the Nezha CM is a platform worth exploring. It helps developers experiment with open systems while still being practical enough for real-world projects. In that niche, it offers something no Raspberry Pi can: complete architectural openness and independence from proprietary CPU designs. As the RISC-V ecosystem grows, this board may become an important reference point for a more open and customizable computing future.

A robust SBC with serious connectivity

The Radxa ROCK 3 Model B brings enterprise-grade connectivity and flexibility to the SBC scene. Built around the RK3568 processor, it includes features like dual gigabit Ethernet, PCIe and NVMe storage support, and multiple video outputs. These make it far more capable for data-heavy or networked environments. It is designed with stability and expandability in mind, appealing to users who want a dependable long-term solution.

In projects that require constant uptime or multiple simultaneous data streams, this board excels. The ROCK 3 Model B performs well in automation control, media servers, and even small NAS setups. Its better heat management and power design help it stay reliable under sustained load. Compared to the Raspberry Pi, it provides more robust I/O options that benefit both industrial and creative projects.

For anyone building digital signage, remote monitoring systems, or home automation servers, this board offers both speed and reliability. It allows for larger storage volumes and more stable network performance than most Pis can deliver. In this kind of environment, the ROCK 3 Model B stands out as a professional-grade alternative that still feels accessible to makers. Its combination of durability, expandability, and smooth operation makes it a wise investment for projects that demand consistent performance over time.

Asus Tinker Board 3S for graphics-intensive builds

Better GPU performance and hardware storage options

Credit: Source: SimonWaldherr/Creative Commons

The Asus Tinker Board 3S targets users who need smoother visuals and better hardware performance than the Pi can deliver. It uses a Rockchip RK3566 processor and comes with improved GPU throughput and faster onboard eMMC storage. These features translate into quicker response times for applications that rely heavily on visuals. It’s one of the most polished alternatives for anyone building interactive displays or emulation stations.

For projects that emphasize media output or user interface design, the Tinker Board 3S is an excellent fit. Its graphics performance makes it ideal for retro gaming, digital art displays, and small desktop environments. The board also supports the familiar 40-pin GPIO layout, allowing the use of many existing Raspberry Pi accessories. Asus’s manufacturing standards ensure consistent build quality and long-term durability.

While it may not match the Raspberry Pi’s community size, the Tinker Board 3S compensates with better overall multimedia performance. Users who want responsive video playback or reliable graphics rendering will appreciate the boost it provides. For kiosk displays or multimedia devices, this board offers a level of smoothness and hardware refinement that most Pis can’t reach. Combined with strong vendor support and wide availability, it’s a capable and reliable choice for demanding visual applications.

Nvidia Jetson Nano for AI and machine learning

Bringing GPU acceleration to edge computing

The Nvidia Jetson Nano is purpose-built for artificial intelligence and machine learning projects. It combines a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 CPU with a 128-core Maxwell GPU, providing desktop-class GPU acceleration in a small form factor. Developers can run TensorFlow, PyTorch, and other deep learning frameworks locally without relying on cloud resources. That ability alone sets it apart from nearly every other SBC on the market.

Its strength lies in handling tasks that require real-time processing. From robotics and computer vision to voice recognition, the Jetson Nano allows AI workloads to happen at the edge. This improves speed, reduces latency, and increases privacy since no external server is required for inference. It performs reliably even under sustained GPU-intensive operations, making it ideal for continuous-automation systems or sensor-driven robots.

For makers exploring AI-driven automation or smart robotics, the Jetson Nano offers capabilities well beyond those of a Raspberry Pi. It transforms compact devices into intelligent systems capable of perception and decision-making. With the backing of Nvidia’s JetPack SDK, developers have access to professional-grade tools and documentation that make the experience even smoother. As AI becomes more common in home and industrial projects alike, the Jetson Nano remains one of the best ways to bring that power directly to the edge.

Choosing the right SBC for your niche projects

Each of these boards beats the Raspberry Pi in its own category. The LattePanda IOTA offers true PC compatibility. The Nezha D1 pushes open hardware experimentation forward. The Radxa ROCK 3 Model B adds industrial strength and expandability. The Tinker Board 3S shines in multimedia performance. And the Jetson Nano opens the door to AI and machine learning on the edge. While the Raspberry Pi remains unmatched in terms of community size and accessibility, these alternatives show that specialized power and innovation thrive outside the mainstream.

Raspberry Pi 5

CPU Arm Cortex-A76 (quad-core, 2.4GHz)

Memory Up to 8GB LPDDR4X SDRAM

If none of the SBCs above suit your needs, the Raspberry Pi 5 is a terrific all-around option.