Help with choosing a board:

Former Member over 12 years ago

I'm interested in getting a board to do the following:

XBMC

firewall/NAT

VPN server

torrent,usenet, emule downloads

BOINC

VNC

All external devices including ethernet adapters, hard drives and TV tuner sticks will be connected by a powered USB hub

My emphasis would be on low cost and low power consumption.

Which board would be better for this.

Thanks

wallarug over 12 years ago

Model B.

Reason: For torrenting and anthing involving the internet the raspberry pi model B is the way to go. It is the model with the Ethernet port which is vital for all those applications.
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Former Member over 12 years ago
Get the Model B

AFAIK (and from the XBMC wiki (http://wiki.xbmc.org/?title=Raspberry_Pi))
The Model A doesn't have an RJ45 Ethernet port, it can connect to a network by using a user supplied USB Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter.
As such the XBMC will not be able to update "out of the box" so to speak and will posibly have issues with the newer codex/video .

secondly the model A as only 256 mb ram where the model b has 512 mb according to the XMBC FAQ - http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Raspberry_Pi/FAQ
Video and audio formats the Raspberry Pi can playback
H.264 (up to High Profile) encoded videos are supported up to 1080P using hardware video decoding. Note: Hi10P will not work.
For proper HD playback you will need hardware decoding. The Raspberry Pi Foundation offers additional video codec licenses for a few dollars. At the moment you can purchase MPEG2 and VC1, both with support up to 1080P. Others may be available in the future. Read below on how to enable these.
Some SD content can be played back with software decoding.
DVD ISOs and DVD menu navigation is early in development and might not always work.
XBMC on the Raspberry Pi will struggle with DTS audio tracks since it relies heavily on CPU power. The Foundation is reportedly working on a hardware decoding license, meanwhile use passthrough (with a compatible TV and/or receiver) when possible.
The fact that some of the codex need software decoding would lend (in my opinion) to posibly needing more RAM.

Also - If your really serious about using the unit for media pay the few extra pounds for the hardware decoding licencing.

And as a tip once the board is up and running check the system settings to start with as audio is not "always" set to work properly.
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Former Member over 12 years ago in reply to Former Member

Thanks for the detailed reply. It looks like the MK808B will be more appropliate for my need. Don't you agree?
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fidelsalinas over 12 years ago in reply to Former Member

If you aren't looking to do anywork with I/O pins or any type of development, the MK is faster and comes inclosed and will suit all your needs. Even though I shouldn't be talking you out of getting a model B, considering where we are... I'm just giving you my truthful unbias opinion.

F/S
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Former Member over 12 years ago in reply to fidelsalinas

Yes thank you very much.

Now how do I give people point for correct answers?
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wallarug over 12 years ago in reply to Former Member

There should be a button on the top right of the post you wish to mark correct / mark as helpful.
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Help with choosing a board:

Video and audio formats the Raspberry Pi can playback