Hardkernel launched a $35 single-board computer last year called the ODROID-C1. It’s basically a Raspberry Pi-like mini computer with an Amlogic S805 ARM Cortex-A5 quad-core processor rather than a Broadcomm chip.

Now Hardkernel has a new model with the same basic specs and a few key improvements. The ODROID C-1+ is now available for $37.

odroid c1 plus

So what’s new? The little computer has a full-sized HDMI port instead of a micro HDMI port, comes with a heat sink on the board, has an I2S bus for HiFi audio add-on boards, and supports CEC functions without an RT backup battery.

Hardkernel says the new model also has improved SD card compatibility and a power path from the USB OTG port so you can charge either with a USB cable or a DC power cable.

Features that haven’t changed include 1GB of RAM, a microSD card slot, support for up to 64GB of eMMC storage, Gigabit Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports, a micro USB port, a 40-pin header that’s compatible with Raspberry Pi accessories, and a compact design: the system measures just 3.4″ x 2.2″ and weighs about 1.4 ounces.

The system supports Android and Linux.

via CNX Software and ODROID forum

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9 replies on “Hardkernel launches ODROID-C1+ mini PC board for $37”

  1. Seems like it would make far more sense for that 40-pin header to be on the bottom side of the card. Yes, a “stack” would be thicker but at least the heat sink might do a lot more good.

  2. While the odroid itself is about the same price as the rpi2 the cost of getting up and running is higher. “extras” are hard to find and definitely more expensive.

    I recently bought an rpi2 from microcenter for 30usd (before taxes). I ordered a case, usb DAC, etc from dx.com which came in under 10usd altogether. I just grabbed my samsung phone charger and that works fine without the rpi2 undervolting (as long as I don’t put much on the usb ports).

  3. I wonder if they “fixed” the Gig-E port on this thing. I read that on the C1, like the RPi the Ethernet port is really bridged through USB-2. So “Gigabit” Ethernet is supposedly nothing more than a bad joke. This makes for obvious bandwidth issues if you want to stream fat content or set up a peppy NAS box. Also, I wonder if there are more options for Linux images. Last time I looked there was no easy option for a thin and light headless load without a whole lot of work pruning out unwanted crud.

    1. That’s wierd. On the odroid there’s clearly a realtek PHY on the PCB that’s driving the ethernet. There’s nothing of that sort on the RPI, it’s just part of the USB hub package.
      I do recall the odroid gigabit being buggy, unable to connect to a gigabit switch, and even if gigabit speeds were forced it maxxed out a CPU which limited bandwidth anyways (which is also bad).

      Looks like they fixed the critical gigabit problems back in february but the throughput is limited to less than what you might expect for gigabit speeds (still looks faster than windows gigabit in my experience).

      I’m more curious about how complete the mali drivers are, and what the chance is of having a full open source mali driver that would allow the odroid to run the mainline kernel without patches.

      1. I dont have my C1 here but I am pretty sure its completely fixed.

        Its NOT as David mentioned tied to the USB port or anything like that.

      2. Ah, thanks for the clarification Brian. Well at least there was an issue with the Gig-E throughput, but it wasn’t a hardware bottleneck (but the mention of Realtek does raise some concern IMO). So maybe Odroid is fine on that end (sorry, my bad.)

        I share your worries about the closed drivers, but most all SoC devices share the problem of closed binary blobs (largely due to a broken government-run patent behemouth in conjunction with greedy Trial-Lawyers).

        I am not so concerned about the Mali drivers, my possible application is a minimal headless always-on NAS. I consider the Odroid C1+ over the XU1 because raw speed is not so critical for me in this one, plus Odroid sells a nice little LiIon battery-backed UPS back-pack for it (which unfortunately is not listed as compatible with their XUX boards).

        1. rpi is 10/100 only and the ethernet can flood and overwhelm the usb bus (at least its reported as being able to).

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