Can the PI 3 be run as a computer?

Question

Can I run Windows 10? what all I need to run as a computer?

mconners · Answer

The windows 10 available for the Pi is not an end user version, it is meant for making IoT (Internet of Things) programs to connect sensors or control devices through the internet. Raspian is an end user operating system, it is a variant of Linux that can be used with a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to allow you to use the Ras Pi as a desktop system (albeit not as powerful as an intel desktop). So you would need, a keyboard, mouse, monitor, sd card for the OS, and a power supply. Bear in mind, Linux has it's own eco system. You cannot run windows programs on the Raspberry Pi Mike

cstanton · Answer

The Raspberry Pi 3 is a computer. Though its capabilities are not entirely on par with a shop bought, recent desktop or laptop computer system. Because of the processor type of the Raspberry Pi, which is ARM, it means that Operating Systems such as Windows have to be compiled for it. Microsoft have only compiled Windows 10 for ARM for their Surface tablets, and no other platform. Windows 10 IoT Core is not a desktop environment. So the short answer to your question, if I make assumptions as to what you mean, is no. The long answer, is yes, but not with Windows.

johnbeetem · Answer

I agree with niutech. The 1 GB DRAM is going to constrain you as a desktop computer. Last year I used a Hardkernel ODROID-C1 as a desktop computer. It has Quad ARM Cortex-A5 and 1 GB DRAM, and I used it with an external USB 2.0 hard drive. I found it about 20% faster than a RasPi 2. It worked pretty well most of the time, but would hang with overly-complex Web pages.

I would suggest checking out the new Hardkernel ODROID-C2, which has a quad Cortex-A53 (like the RasPi 3) but has 2 GB DRAM and dedicated (not through USB) Gigabit Ethernet. It includes a large heat sink.