Update: As much as I love the price point and hardware, Orange Pi did not include any GPU driver support for the Orange Pi 3 LTS, nor its predecessors. This means that any video playback is not possible. My picture frame project does play some videos from time to time, and this won't work. Quite surprised they build this product but didn't provide any support for its GPU. If I need a NAS server or something, this would had been great. Obviously there are many specialized Pi images out there for various projects, and they won't be compatible with the Orange Pi without some work, but if your goal is to run a small Linux server with the software of your choice, from Home Assistant to networking services, you can easily run Ubuntu or Debian on the Orange Pi, and the result is no different than running Linux on a Raspberry Pi. Considering that the Pi4 cost 4 times as much, the Orange Pi is a no brainer. I don't need any GPIO ports, and having full sized HDMI is actually a plus. My little project is to run a networked picture frame, and this Orange Pi is an overkill. Guess I can run some other services here while I have another server online. Read more

It was easy enough to get running. But I ran into several issues that I didn't feel I should have to solve on a production device. All of the support and downloads are through a google drive. Most of the supported OS's images were last worked on in 2022. Updating and upgrading broke things. Arbmian broke headphone jack support in December 2024. In the supported Debian 12 image, The manufacturers' own config utility locked up the device when trying to configure it to boot to terminal rather than the GUI. From the GUI - the only available config utility in Arabian was labelled beta and wouldn't open when it was the first item I tried to use after boot up. The thing really just seemed beta and half finished. I returned it and spent the $4 more on a Pi 3B+. My project worked immediately on that device so I didn't have to fool with janky hardware for hours on end. These devices are supposed to enhance project creation NOT hinder it with fixing things that I shouldn't have to deal with. Read more

Easily flashed a microSD card with Solar Assistant to integrate my SOK battery bank with Home Assistant. The Orange Pi 3 LTS was Solar Assistant's recommendation and it has been working fine using power from the batteries through a 48v to 5v usb buck converter. The Orange Pi was available and much cheaper than an equivalent Raspberry Pi. Read more

Nice little device, love the eMMC memory, the USB-C power, external WiFi, etc. Depending on your needs this can be a really nice RPi alternative, especially since RPi's can't be found at any sort of reasonable price or qty in the last year or two. My unit has been stable and pretty much as expected. I thought I received a dead unit at first, but found my HDMI was not fully plugged in, it took some extra effort to get it seated all the way, this may be what some of the "Do not buy" reviews saying DOA are all about. There's another one star review complaining about trying to run Linux apps --- the unit comes pre-loaded with Android, of course it's not going to run Linux apps. I've been running Debian Bullseye on mine and it behaves as expected. I've been running .net 7 apps compiled for ARM64 on it 24/7 with no issues at all & it seems quite stable. CPU hovers around 50C with small load and jumps to 70C with heavier loads with no fan or heatsink. Read more

The Orange Pi 3 LTS 2GB LPDDR3 Allwinner H6 processor is a true gem for tech enthusiasts and DIY enthusiasts alike. This single-board computer offers impressive performance and versatility that opens up a world of possibilities. With its powerful Allwinner H6 quad-core Cortex-A53 processor and 2GB LPDDR3 RAM, this Orange Pi delivers a smooth and responsive computing experience. Whether you're running demanding applications, multimedia projects, or even light gaming, it handles it all with ease. The variety of connectivity options, including USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and HDMI output, make it incredibly convenient for various projects and setups. The onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth further enhance its usability and expand its potential. What sets the Orange Pi 3 LTS apart is its wide range of operating system options. Whether you prefer Ubuntu, Debian, or any other compatible Linux distribution, you can easily customize and optimize your setup to suit your specific needs. The board's compact size and GPIO headers make it perfect for electronics projects and prototyping. The community support and active forums provide a wealth of resources and guidance for beginners and experienced users alike. Overall, the Orange Pi 3 LTS 2GB LPDDR3 is a fantastic choice for tech-savvy individuals seeking a powerful, versatile, and affordable single-board computer. Whether you're a hobbyist, a developer, or simply looking to tinker with the latest technology, this board will undoubtedly impress you with its capabilities. Invest in the Orange Pi 3 LTS and unlock a world of endless possibilities! Read more