Orange Pi 5 Plus Single Board or Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board? Which Orange Pi Model to Buy
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This guide compares the orange pi 5 plus 4gb 8gb 16gb lpddr4 4x vs 3b 8g v2 1 version. Both boards run Android and support Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Debian. They share 8GB RAM options and eMMC storage support. The main difference lies in processing power and connectivity. The Orange Pi 5 Plus uses a faster octa-core chip with dual 2.5G Ethernet. The Orange Pi 3B relies on a quad-core processor with standard gigabit networking.
Key differences
| Aspect | Orange Pi 5 Plus Single Board Computer | Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board Computer |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Rockchip RK3588, 8-core, 2.4GHz | Rockchip RK3566, 4-core, 1.8GHz |
| Ethernet | 2x 2.5G Ethernet | Gigabit LAN |
| Video Resolution | 8K@60Hz | 4K@60fps |
| Wi-Fi | Not listed | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0 |
| RAM Options | 4GB, 8GB, 16GB | 8GB (standard), 2GB, 4GB options |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Orange Pi 5 Plus Single Board Computer if
- You need high-performance video editing or 8K display output.
- You require dual 2.5G Ethernet ports for network throughput.
- You want the option to upgrade to 16GB of RAM.
Choose Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board Computer if
- You prefer a board with built-in Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0.
- You are building a standard media center or home server.
- You need a simpler quad-core setup for basic computing tasks.
Verdict: The Orange Pi 5 Plus is the better choice for demanding workloads, high-res video, and fast networking. The Orange Pi 3B is suitable for standard home use, especially if you need integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth without extra modules.
Orange Pi 5 Plus vs 3B Specs
processor power
The Orange Pi 5 Plus uses the Rockchip RK3588, an eight-core 64-bit chip built on an 8nm process. It combines four Cortex-A76 cores with four Cortex-A55 cores, reaching frequencies up to 2.4GHz. The Orange Pi 3B relies on the RK3566, a quad-core 64-bit processor on a 22nm node with a 1.8GHz limit. The RK3588 offers double the core count and a smaller manufacturing process. This means the 5 Plus handles heavy multitasking and complex calculations much faster. You will notice smoother performance in demanding tasks on the 5 Plus.
networking speed
Connectivity differs significantly between these two boards. The Orange Pi 5 Plus features two 2.5G Ethernet ports, providing high-speed wired connections for servers or NAS setups. It also includes an M.2 E-Key slot for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth modules. The Orange Pi 3B offers only a single Gigabit LAN port and built-in Wi-Fi 5 with Bluetooth 5.0. If you need fast file transfers or low-latency network operations, the 5 Plus is superior. The 3B is sufficient for basic home networking but lacks the bandwidth of the newer model.
video performance
Visual output capabilities vary by model. The Orange Pi 5 Plus supports 8K video decoding at 60Hz, making it suitable for high-resolution media centers and digital signage. It includes two HDMI outputs and one HDMI input. The Orange Pi 3B supports 4K video decoding at 60fps and 1080p encoding. It has a single HDMI output port. If you plan to drive 8K displays or require multiple video outputs, the 5 Plus is the clear choice. The 3B handles standard 4K content well but cannot match the resolution ceiling of its sibling.
storage expansion
Both boards support eMMC storage, but the 5 Plus provides a dedicated socket for 32GB, 64GB, or 256GB modules. It also includes an M.2 M-Key slot for NVMe SSDs, offering fast boot times and large storage capacity. The Orange Pi 3B supports eMMC modules and includes a TF card slot for additional storage. It lacks an M.2 slot for NVMe drives. If you need rapid data access or large local storage for media, the 5 Plus is more versatile. The 3B relies on slower SD cards or basic eMMC for storage.
memory options
Memory configurations allow for flexibility in both models. The Orange Pi 5 Plus comes in 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB LPDDR4/4x variants. The Orange Pi 3B is available in 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB LPDDR4/4X options. Both boards use similar RAM types, ensuring comparable memory bandwidth for their respective processors. If you require 16GB of RAM for heavy virtualization or multitasking, only the 5 Plus offers that option. For 8GB configurations, both boards perform adequately, though the 5 Plus benefits from its faster CPU.
Choose your Orange Pi model
You need high-speed networking and storage
The Orange Pi 5 Plus includes dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, offering faster wired connectivity than the 3B's single Gigabit port. It also features an M.2 M-Key slot for NVMe SSDs, allowing you to install high-speed storage. The dual HDMI outputs provide better display flexibility for multi-monitor setups.
You require 8K video processing
This model supports 8K@60Hz video decoding, which delivers significantly higher resolution than the 3B's 4K limit. The RK3588 processor with its quad-core Cortex-A76 architecture provides the computing power needed for demanding multimedia tasks and high-resolution content playback without bottlenecking.
You want built-in wireless and camera support
The Orange Pi 3B integrates Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 directly on the board, whereas the 5 Plus requires separate modules. It also includes MIPI CSI and DSI ports for connecting cameras and displays. This makes it a more self-contained solution for IoT and smart home projects.
You need audio output and edge AI
This board features a 3.5mm headphone jack for direct audio playback, which the 5 Plus lacks in its listed ports. It also includes an NPU with 0.8 TOPS computing power for local AI acceleration. The Gigabit Ethernet is sufficient for most standard network connections.
The products compared
Orange Pi 5 Plus Single Board Computer
Best for: Users needing dual 2.5G Ethernet and NVMe storage
- Processor
- Rockchip RK3588
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB
- RAM Type
- LPDDR4/4x
- Ethernet
- 2x 2.5G Ethernet
- Video Resolution
- 8K@60Hz
- Operating System Support
- Orange Pi OS, Ubuntu, Debian, Android
View on Amazon: Orange Pi 5 Plus Single Board Computer Affiliate link
The Orange Pi 5 Plus uses a Rockchip RK3588 8-core processor for high performance. It supports up to 16GB of LPDDR4/4x RAM. You get dual 2.5G Ethernet ports and an M.2 NVMe slot for fast storage. The board handles 8K video decoding. It runs Android, Linux, or Windows alternatives. This model suits users who need robust connectivity and processing power for demanding tasks.
Pros
- Rockchip RK3588 8-core processor with up to 2.4GHz clock speed
- Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports for high-speed networking
- M.2 M-Key slot supports NVMe SSDs for fast storage
- Supports 8K@60Hz video decoding for high-resolution media
- Flexible RAM options up to 16GB LPDDR4/4x
Cons
- Base model includes only 4GB of RAM
- Requires separate purchase of eMMC or NVMe storage
- No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules included
Good fit if
- You need dual 2.5G Ethernet for networking
- You want to attach an NVMe SSD for speed
- You require 8K video processing capabilities
Skip if
- You need a fully assembled system with storage included
- You require built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- You only need 4GB of RAM or less
Verdict: Orange Pi 5 Plus 8-Core Mini PC is a powerful single-board computer for users who need dual 2.5G Ethernet and NVMe storage expansion. It fits developers and media enthusiasts who want high-end specs and are comfortable configuring their own operating system and storage.
Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board Computer
Best for: basic home servers and media centers
- Processor
- Rockchip RK3566
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB
- RAM Type
- LPDDR4/4X
- Ethernet
- Gigabit LAN
- Wireless Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0
- Video Resolution
- 4K@60fps
View on Amazon: Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board Computer Affiliate link
The Orange Pi 3B 8GB is a compact single board computer built around the Rockchip RK3566 quad-core processor. It includes 8GB of LPDDR4/4X RAM and supports 4K video decoding at 60fps. You get Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and a Gigabit LAN port for connectivity. This model runs Android, Ubuntu, and Debian, making it suitable for home servers, media centers, or edge computing tasks where moderate processing power is sufficient.
Pros
- Rockchip RK3566 quad-core processor with 1.8 GHz frequency
- 8GB LPDDR4/4X RAM capacity
- 4K@60fps video decoding support via built-in VPU
- Gigabit LAN port for wired network connections
- Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity
Cons
- Quad-core CPU is less powerful than the octa-core RK3588 in the Orange Pi 5 Plus
- Wi-Fi 5 standard is slower than the Wi-Fi 6 found in the Orange Pi 5 Plus
- No mention of a heatsink or cooling fan included in the package
Good fit if
- You need a budget-friendly board for basic home automation or media playback
- You require 8GB of RAM for multitasking light workloads
- You prefer a smaller form factor for embedded projects
Skip if
- You need high-end performance for heavy video editing or gaming
- You require the fastest Wi-Fi speeds available
- You want a pre-assembled system with active cooling included
Verdict: The Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board Computer offers solid performance for entry-level projects but lacks the processing power and modern connectivity of the Orange Pi 5 Plus. It is a practical option for users who prioritize cost over raw speed.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Orange Pi 5 Plus Single Board Computer | Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board Computer |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Rockchip RK3588 | Rockchip RK3566 |
| RAM Capacity | 4GB | 8GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR4/4x | LPDDR4/4X |
| Ethernet | 2x 2.5G Ethernet | Gigabit LAN |
| Wireless Connectivity | not stated | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0 |
| Video Resolution | 8K@60Hz | 4K@60fps |
| Operating System Support | Orange Pi OS, Ubuntu, Debian, Android | Orange Pi OS, Android, Debian, Ubuntu |
| Operating System | Android | Android |
| Color | 4GB+Power Supply | Pi 3B 8GB |
| Model | Orange Pi 5 Plus | not stated |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Orange Pi 5 Plus support dual network connections?
Yes, the Orange Pi 5 Plus features dual 2.5G Ethernet ports. This setup allows you to handle higher bandwidth tasks or configure separate networks for different uses. The Orange Pi 3B offers only a single Gigabit Ethernet port, which is sufficient for basic home servers but limits high-speed wired connectivity.
Can I use NVMe storage on the Orange Pi 5 Plus?
Yes, the Orange Pi 5 Plus includes an M.2 M-Key slot for NVMe SSDs. This provides fast storage expansion for developers and media enthusiasts. The Orange Pi 3B lacks this specific high-speed expansion slot, relying instead on standard eMMC storage support for its operating system and data.
Is the Orange Pi 5 Plus better for media enthusiasts?
The Orange Pi 5 Plus is better suited for media enthusiasts who need high-end specs. Its Rockchip RK3588 processor and dual 2.5G Ethernet support robust media streaming and processing. The Orange Pi 3B is a practical option for entry-level projects but lacks the processing power for demanding media tasks.
Which board is better for developers needing fast storage?
The Orange Pi 5 Plus is the better choice for developers requiring fast storage. It supports NVMe SSDs via its M.2 slot, offering significantly faster read and write speeds. The Orange Pi 3B is designed for basic home servers and does not include this high-speed storage expansion capability.
Do both boards run Android operating systems?
Yes, both the Orange Pi 5 Plus and the Orange Pi 3B support Android as their operating system. They also support Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Debian. This shared software compatibility makes both boards flexible for various projects, though their hardware capabilities differ significantly in performance and connectivity.
Is the Orange Pi 3B suitable for basic home servers?
Yes, the Orange Pi 3B is a practical option for basic home servers and media centers. It offers solid performance for entry-level projects at a lower cost. However, it lacks the raw speed and modern connectivity features found in the Orange Pi 5 Plus, making it less ideal for advanced tasks.
What is the main difference between the two Orange Pi models?
The main difference lies in processing power and connectivity. The Orange Pi 5 Plus uses the Rockchip RK3588 chip and offers dual 2.5G Ethernet and NVMe storage. The Orange Pi 3B focuses on cost-efficiency with a single Gigabit port and lacks the high-speed expansion slots of the Plus model.