1
Pick what you are comparing
Start from a board, a mini PC, or a used machine.
No signup. No vendor bias. Just a faster way to price the full build.
BoardBudget shows the real setup cost of an SBC, mini PC, or used box before you buy.
In under 30 seconds, decide whether a single-board computer still makes sense for your project — or whether a mini PC wins once power supply, storage, case, cooling, and adapters are included.
No signup. No vendor bias. Just a faster way to price the full build.
SBC pricing changed. Most comparisons did not.
Recent coverage from Tom’s Hardware highlighted a shift many makers already felt: Raspberry Pi and mini PC pricing moved much closer, and some Pi 5 configurations became dramatically more expensive as memory costs rose. The problem is that most buying decisions are still made from board price alone.
Compare a setup now
Stop comparing sticker prices. Compare the full build.
BoardBudget helps you decide in under 30 seconds whether an SBC still fits the job or whether a mini PC gives you more for the real money.
Option A — SBC / board build
Option B — mini PC / used micro PC
How BoardBudget works
Use it to shortlist faster, then do the deeper technical comparison only on the options that still make financial sense.
2
Add the real setup parts
Include the extras you will actually need: power, storage, enclosure, cooling, SD card, NVMe, SATA adapter, or other essentials.
3
See the true cost delta
BoardBudget totals the full setup and highlights which option gives you the better starting point for your use case.
4
Check the value score
A simple score helps you weigh purchase cost, expected usefulness, expandability, and power profile without pretending every build has the same priorities.
Common comparisons you can run fast
Home lab starter node
Compare a Raspberry Pi build against an entry mini PC or a used office box when you want Docker, lightweight services, DNS, backups, or monitoring.
Edge device or portable project
Check whether an SBC still wins when size and power draw matter, or whether a compact x86 box gives you better headroom for nearly the same money.
Budget performance build
Price a higher-end SBC against a refurbished mini PC with RAM and storage already included, so you can see when the "cheap board" path stops being the cheaper path.
What the value score means
The value score is a practical buying shortcut.
It does not try to guess benchmark results or replace deep hardware reviews. It simply helps answer a more useful early question: which setup gives you the most sensible overall starting point for the money you are about to spend?
- Total setup cost, not bare-board price alone
- What is already included versus what still needs to be added
- Practical flexibility for storage, networking, and future upgrades
- Power-consciousness for always-on or portable builds
- Fit for the selected use case rather than one generic ranking
Value score microcopy
Use it to shortlist faster, then do the deeper technical comparison only on the options that still make financial sense.
Best starter — Lowest-friction setup for getting a useful build running quickly.
Best low power — The strongest fit when watts, heat, and always-on efficiency matter most.
Best performance per euro — The option that gives the most usable headroom for the full setup cost.
Mini PC wins — Once accessories are included, the x86 option is the better buy here.
Portable pick — The most sensible choice when compact size and mobile-friendly power matter.
FAQ
Is this a benchmark tool?
No. BoardBudget is for fast cost comparison. It helps you decide what deserves a deeper look before you buy.
Does it only compare Raspberry Pi?
No. It is built for SBCs in general, plus mini PCs and used small-form-factor machines.
Why include accessories?
Because the board price is rarely the real setup price. Storage, power, cooling, and enclosures often change the decision.
Is the cheapest option always the best one?
Not necessarily. A slightly higher upfront cost can still be the better value if it includes more hardware or avoids immediate upgrades.
Who is this for?
Makers, homelab users, tinkerers, and anyone choosing hardware for a small self-hosted or edge project.
How should I use the result?
Start with a preset or enter your own parts list, use the cost and value score to shortlist the better fit, then move on to a deeper technical review only for the finalists.
Stop comparing sticker prices. Compare the full build.
BoardBudget helps you decide in under 30 seconds whether an SBC still fits the job or whether a mini PC gives you more for the real money.
Start with a preset or enter your own parts list.