{
  "id": 18143365,
  "title": "I replaced my Pis with mini PCs everywhere except one place, because x86 boxes don't have GPIO pins",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/i-replaced-my-pis-with-mini-pcs-everywhere-except-one-place-because",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-04T16:00:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/i-replaced-my-pis-with-mini-pcs-everywhere-except-one-place-because-x86-boxes-dont-have-gpio-pins/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2026, I have replaced my Raspberry Pis with mini PCs in nearly all my projects, with just one exception due to the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins. Once known as my primary companion for tinkering, the Raspberry Pi has become less appealing due to its high prices and underwhelming hardware. Mini-PCs, especially those powered by N100 and similar processors, have gained popularity as viable alternatives. They offer superior performance and eliminate compatibility issues, making them better suited for demanding experiments. However, certain lightweight Raspberry Pi boards with low power draw remain useful for specific applications such as self-hosting setups, retro-gaming projects, and light media servers. These high-end Raspberry Pi models can still pull their own weight in these areas, but their premium pricing makes them less ideal for demanding tasks. The cost of 8GB RAM Raspberry Pi 5 variants often exceeds $200, while 5GB RAM models are frequently out of stock. For demanding tasks like Jellyfin hubs, emulation, and virtualization, even the most affordable x86 mini-PCs outperform Raspberry Pi boards. Mini-PCs also have advantages in networking, NAS setups, and general-purpose office work. Despite these advantages, Raspberry Pi boards retain their edge in energy efficiency, with idle power consumption as low as 1W for first-generation models. The GPIO pins on Raspberry Pi boards allow for the connection of various sensors, circuit components, motors, and HATs, making them an attractive option for IoT and robotics projects. Although I have shifted towards mini-PCs for performance and compatibility, I still consider the Raspberry Pi Zero family as the best choice for simple projects that require GPIO connections and an underlying OS.",
  "summary": "Mini PCs replaced almost every Raspberry Pi I own, but GPIO pins kept one on my desk",
  "key_points": [
    "Replaced Raspberry Pis with mini PCs in most projects except one.",
    "Mini-PCs offer superior performance and eliminate compatibility issues.",
    "Raspberry Pi Zero family remains best for simple GPIO projects."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}