ODROID-HC4
Initial Unboxing Video
Third Party Review
Do-it-yourself Network Attached Storage (NAS) servers can now be as low-cost as the ODROID-HC4, a tiny PC with a dual-SATA disc dock from Odroid. Centralizes data and allows users to stream media from a server to their cell phones, tablets, and other devices on the same network.
The ODROID-HC4 can be customized in a plethora of ways using software that is readily accessible. It’s time to add a few additional HDD/SSDs to this server’s storage capacity. To create a faster network storage device, the HC4 has two high-performance SATA ports and a Gigabit Ethernet port. It also supports RAID configurations. The HC4 may accommodate any combination of two 2.5-inch HDD/SSDs or three 3.5-inch HDDs.
Like the ODROID-C4, the HC4 is powered by an extremely powerful Amlogic S905X3 chip. There are a variety of server applications that can be run smoothly with complete Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and Arch.
Features:
- AMD A55 processor with Mali-G31 MP2 GPU in a quad-core Amlogic S905X3 SoC
- A total of four gigabytes of DDR4 RAM
- The Petitboot bootloader uses a 128 Mbit SPI flash memory card.
- Slot for MicroSD cards compatible with UHS-1 in the computer’s operating system
- JMB582 ASM1061 PCIe to SATA controller implements two SATA III ports for HDDs and SSDs.
- Realtek RTL8211F PHY for Gigabit Ethernet on RJ45 port
- Up to 4K UHD at 60 Hz video output over HDMI 2.0
- SPI/I2C 7-pin header for optional 1-inch OLED display plus RTC
- The following USB ports are available: 1x USB Host ports 2.0
- A 4-pin UART header for a serial console for debugging
- Accessories: IR receiver, two system LEDs, boot switch, fan header, etc.
- Powered by a 15-volt power barrel, of course
- 84 x 90.5 x 25.0 mm is the total size.
- The heatsink, fan, and casing all add up to 280 grams.
Who should be interested in this board?
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to set up a twin NAS system, this is the best option. It’s perfect for small teams, families, and individuals alike.
What should users know about it?
Pros
- The SATA III disc interface is significantly quicker than USB for external drives, making the Raspberry Pi a better choice for NAS applications than the USB-based Raspberry Pis.
- Unlike several previous single-board computer designs, this one includes onboard memory.
- Running OMV is a snap.
Cons:
- Full-sized HDDs fit perfectly in the slots. However current 2 1/2-inch drives only barely fit in the slots. A lot of wiggle area is available when using smaller SATA discs, which could lead to the SATA connection being ruined.
- Standard Linux commands, whether issued from OMV or as root, do not affect putting the board to sleep.
- For any root configuration that requires a mouse, either through a keyboard touchpad or a keyboard USB port, the mouse must be integrated into the keyboard, either via the touchpad or the USB port.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Android-based Home Cloud platform ODROID-HC4 uses the same CPU as Android-based Android-based ODROID-C4. Hardkernel chose a 1.8Ghz Cortex-A55 four-core processor and 4GB DDR4 RAM in a 12nm manufactured chip. Petitboot makes use of a 16MiB SPI flash chip on the board.
ODROID-HC4 Stock Images
