2
ODROID C2 USER MANUAL
Differences between a typical PC
and a Single Board Computer (SBC)
If you are used to using a standard PC such as an OSX or
Windows machine, there are a few small differences to note when
transitioning to an ARM device. To begin with, the speed of an ARM
processor is not directly comparable to the speed of an Intel proces-
sor. Because of the efficiency of the CPU, the ODROID-C2 can give
great response time that feels just as fast as using a more expensive
computer. The operating systems available for the ODROID-C2 are
also highly optimized, and benefit from the expertise of many open-
source contributors that continually review each other’s work that
bring daily improvements to the OS.
In addition, nearly all of the applications available for the
ODROID-C2 also have their source code publicly available, which
means that you can freely modify and update the applications to fit
your specific needs. Program authors often maintain a GitHub re-
pository, where suggestions can be submitted, reviewed and distrib-
uted to all of the application’s users.
The ODROID-C2 also uses Solid State technology for its storage
media, although a conventional hard disk may be used as an auxiliary
device. The boot partition can be stored on either a microSD card or
the much faster eMMC module, and Hardkernel’s products have the
unique distinction of supporting removable eMMC modules, so that
operating systems may be switched out conveniently and easily. An
eMMC module is a type of storage typically used in a smart phone,
and is one of the more advanced compact media devices available.
The power consumption of a typical personal computer can
be anywhere between 100W and 1000W or more, depending on the
peripherals, processor and type of power supply used. However, the
ODROID-C2 uses between 5W ~ 10W, greatly reducing your elec-
tricity bills, as well as allowing unique power configurations such as
compact solar power cells and long-running batteries.
Components Included on an SBC
The ODROID-C2 contains many of the same connections as
a typical computer, with 4 USB 2.0 ports, a micro-USB OTG port, an
Ethernet port that supports Gigabit transfer speeds, a HDMI 2.0 con-
nector for monitors that can display at resolutions up to 4K, and a
5V/2A DC power connector. In addition to these standard inputs, the
ODROID-C2 also includes a 40-pin GPIO port, a USB-UART serial
console port, an eMMC module connector, and a dedicated slot for a
microSD card. For more details, refer to the ODROID-C2 introductory
video at
http://bit.ly/1WQ2yQw
.
Chapter 1
