Single board fans beware! The new generation of the ODROID H series from Hardkernel is now available. The H4, H4+ and the H4 Ultra are versatile and offer all the familiar and popular features of the H3 series, with noticeably higher performance and more interfaces for individual projects.
From H3 to H4: same as usual, but better
The new ODROID H4 series with integrated x86 processor offers several improvements over the older H3 series. It is characterized by higher base and boost CPU frequencies and a more powerful iGPU. The DRAM interface has been upgraded from DDR4 with 2933 MT/s to DDR5 with 4800 MT/s, which enables significantly faster data processing. The CPU architecture has also evolved: instead of Jasper Lake, the new H4 models are equipped with Alder Lake N. The H4 series also has an additional DisplayPort, which allows the simultaneous use of up to three monitors. This noticeably increases both performance and efficiency.
The three models in comparison
The H4 series consists of three models, ranging from the inexpensive basic model to the high-performance board. Which variant suits you best depends primarily on the intended purpose:
- The ODROID H4 is the basic model in the series with a full focus on cost efficiency. To ensure this, the number of additional functions has been reduced to the essentials without reducing performance. For example, the ODROID H4 does not have any SATA functions or a second Ethernet connection. This makes it a cost-effective and energy-efficient variant. This makes the board ideal for use in embedded systems, such as factory automation or robot control.
- The ODROID H4 + is ideal for routing functions and as mass storage for high-performance NAS – thanks to four SATA ports, a second Ethernet port and the dual BIOS function. This can be used to boot into the backup BIOS and then restore the BIOS if there is a malfunction due to a power failure or other defect.
- The ODROID H4 Ultra offers the highest performance thanks to the upgrade to the Alder Lake N305 chipset: With 8 CPU cores and a high clock frequency, it has twice the computing power of the other two models, but this also results in a higher purchase price. The H4 Ultra was designed for applications that require high data processing performance. Examples of this are IoT applications, model training or the development of games.
Special features of the H4 series
When developing the H4 models, a number of decisions were made that clearly set the series apart from other single-board computers. For one thing, the INTEL Processor N97 was installed instead of the INTEL Processor N100. Even if the name suggests otherwise, the N97 has better performance overall than the N100. The 200 MHz higher turbo frequency of 3.60 GHz and the 450 MHz higher GPU frequency of 1.2 GHz are the deciding factors in this case.
The number of connection options is also impressive. In addition to an HDMI and DisplayPort output, the new H4 series is equipped with an additional DisplayPort, so that a total of three 4K monitors can be connected at the same time. Thanks to a controller that supports four SATA ports, the H4+ and H4 Ultra models can also be connected to various storage devices.
Another special feature of the H4 series is the heat sink. The CPU is cooled passively via a large heat sink. However, if the performance is to be increased to the maximum, the format makes it possible to install a fan inside the case. This prevents the device from overheating and the possible consequences that this can have.
The right accessories for your board
The H4 series also has a lot to offer when it comes to choosing a case – depending on the intended use and equipment. If you only want to store and protect the board itself, the ODROID H4 Case1 is a good choice. If, however, you need space for an additional network card, Case2 from the same series is a good choice. The H4 series also has suitable options for storing 2.5″ SATA drives or 3.5″ SATA drives. But that’s not all: If that’s not enough for you, you can use the ODROID H4 Mini-ITX Kit to install your H4 board in a standard Mini-ITX case. This option is perfect for a DIY miniature PC or NAS.
There is also a choice and compatibility when it comes to memory and network cards: for example, the well-known eMMC memory, in 8 to 64 GB, is also suitable for the H4 series. Anyone who owns a board from the H2 or H3 series can therefore easily use this component. The network card from the H2 and H3 series is also compatible with the H4 models. It offers additional 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports and thus opens up even more application possibilities for users.
Conclusion: Versatility convinces
The ODROID H4 serie has been further developed and improved based on the feedback and experience of users. This is particularly obvious in the wide range of application possibilities. Due to the high demand for an energy-efficient model that significantly reduces power consumption when idle, the basic model has been adapted and now contributes significantly to energy savings. At the same time, the serie models remain extensively expandable, for example by connecting hard drives, graphics cards and SATA cards. This offers a high level of flexibility for a wide variety of requirements.
Images: Adobe Stock
