# SBC: Orange Pi 3B

**Purchased:** Orange Pi 3B 8GB, with 256GB eMMC module
**Cost:** $189.00 (incl. tax and shipping)
**CPU:** Rockchip RK3566 (quad Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz, 22nm)

---

## Specifications

### SoC: Rockchip RK3566

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| CPU | 4× Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE |
| NPU | 0.8 TOPS AI accelerator |
| Process | 22nm |

### Memory

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4/LPDDR4X |
| Onboard storage | 256GB eMMC module |

### Storage Options

| Interface | Speed | Notes |
|-----------|-------|-------|
| **eMMC** (onboard) | ~300 MB/s read | **Primary boot.** 256GB module installed. |
| MicroSD | Up to 512GB | Backup/expansion |
| M.2 M-key | PCIe 2.0 x1 (~300 MB/s) or SATA III | NVMe or SATA SSD |

### Connectivity

| Port | Count | Speed / Spec | Notes |
|------|-------|-------------|-------|
| USB 3.0 | 2 | 5 Gbps | **Two** native USB 3.0 ports (vs 1 on OPi5) |
| USB 2.0 | 2 | 480 Mbps | |
| USB-C | 1 | Power only (5V input) | |
| Ethernet | 1 | Gigabit (RTL8211F) | |
| HDMI | 1 | 2.0, 4K60 | |
| eDP | 1 | Native eDP | **Direct panel connection possible** |
| MIPI DSI | 1 | Display | |
| MIPI CSI | 1 | Camera | |
| GPIO | 26-pin | I2C, SPI, UART, PWM | |
| WiFi | Built-in | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | **No USB dongle needed** |
| Bluetooth | Built-in | BT 5.0 with BLE | |

### Power

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Input | 5V USB-C only |
| Current | 3A recommended |
| Typical draw | 3-5W under load |

Much more power-efficient than OPi5 (~8W) — battery lasts longer, less heat.

---

## Why This Board

### What Changed From OPi5

The original plan was an Orange Pi 5 16GB (~$104). This OPi 3B is a different class:

| Comparison | OPi 3B (purchased) | OPi 5 (planned) |
|------------|-------------------|-----------------|
| CPU | 4× A55 @ 1.8GHz | 4× A76 + 4× A55 |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| Storage | **256GB eMMC onboard** | MicroSD only |
| WiFi | **Built-in** | None (needed dongle) |
| USB 3.0 | **2 ports** | 1 port |
| eDP | **Native port** | None (HDMI only) |
| Power draw | ~3-5W | ~8W |
| Cost | $189 | $104 |

**Tradeoffs:**
- Less CPU performance and half the RAM, but 256GB onboard eMMC and built-in WiFi eliminate two separate purchases
- Native eDP port may replace the external controller board (~$24 savings, pending cable compatibility)
- Lower power draw means simpler battery system
- Higher upfront cost ($189 vs $104) but includes eMMC and WiFi that the OPi5 would have required buying separately

### Why Still the Right Pick

1. **256GB eMMC is huge** — No SD card for boot needed. OS + apps + projects fit onboard.
2. **Built-in WiFi+BT** — No USB dongle, no antenna wiring, one less thing to buy.
3. **2× USB 3.0 native** — More bandwidth for peripherals without hub contention.
4. **Native eDP port** — If cable/adapter works with the N156HGE-EAB panel, the external controller board isn't needed.
5. **Lower power** — 3-5W means the IP5389 battery system can be smaller/lighter.
6. **M.2 M-key** — Can add an NVMe or SATA SSD for bulk storage if needed.

---

## Accessories Included With Purchase

The $189 purchase is the board with 256GB eMMC module pre-installed. Still needed:

| Item | Cost | Notes |
|------|------|-------|
| USB-C power supply (5V/3A) | ~$8-12 | For initial testing before battery integration |
| Heatsink | TBD | RK3566 at 1.8GHz needs passive or active cooling |

---

## Resources

- [Orange Pi 3B Official Page](http://www.orangepi.org/html/hardWare/computerAndMicrocontrollers/details/Orange-Pi-3B.html)
- [Orange Pi 3B Wiki](http://www.orangepi.org/orangepiwiki/index.php/Orange_Pi_3B)
- [CNX Software review](https://www.cnx-software.com/2023/08/05/orange-pi-3b-a-rockchip-rk3566-sbc-with-an-m-2-nvme-sata-ssd-socket-up-to-8gb-ram/)
- [Armbian for RK3566](https://www.armbian.com/)