NanoPi R6C , A Powerful Arm Based SBC With Big Performance!

[@dominick253]

Wow for $100 ready to go that's pretty good. Two Ethernet ports means it would be a great router

[@JamieStuff]

That's what FriendlyWRT is; a dedicated image of OpenWRT. I'm running it on an older R4S, and it works great.

[@mikek5206]

Yeah just wish it had 2x 2.5

[@fk_tech]

@@mikek5206 There is Called R6S

[@christopherpol112]

Would love to see other linux distros running on this, and especially performance running something like plex / gpu transcoding. Seems like it would make a great media server

[@benlex83]

Would be cool if you show how to set it up for home/office use with Open Office, Firefox, Zoom and Windows Emulation for other Windows Apps. That would be the basic software needed for almost any use case for serious work.

[@cpcnw]

When Windows 11 hardware restrictions see people leaving the Windows platform there is a going to be a big opportunity for someone to come in with a complete solution like this with software to match.

[@zupzop9237]

Thanks for another review of a potentially interesting product. Could you please at comparison charts when doing the same benchmarks, mention the (system) power consumption because that could be a reason to go with this system instead of x86, temperatures and (if applicable) noise levels add a pro + cons list and get a bit more critical (It's not just roses and sunshine with this box) ? A test with Ubuntu would be very welcome imho.

[@gordon861]

I bought the R6S towards the end of last year, mainly been using it as a CCTV viewer via Android TV (which I hate) but I see they have released Android Tablet for it too now, so that's going to be my project over the weekend. Once it's a tablet I can make more use of the unit.

[@tomtucker9426]

I saw that too, lmk how that goes im planning to do something of the like in the near future

[@aomusic8754]

So this isn't an April Fools video right?

[@Logan-lk1qp]

I hate April fool's day on KZbin 😢

[@Mentorbo]

His April Fools Video was posted a little bit earlier than this Video.

[@aomusic8754]

@@Mentorbo I know I was hoping it wasn't another one

[@bzipoli]

​@@Logan-lk1qp me too. and it's never funny

[@ownmicelio]

@@bzipoli in my country there is not april fools day. Its so dumb

[@cesarvarela5438]

I think this was made to be a router before being a sbc but yeah good thing about open hardware is you can do whatever you chose with it

[@javierolavarria]

Yea as mini IoT gateway device, with FriendlyWRT is based on OpenWRT router firmware, but you can use it as NAS, remote work station, game streaming (moonlight), Home Assistant, etc

[@yllib2012]

I greatly appreciate this video. I first thought it was the R6S which I already had. When you showed the slot for a NVMe M.2 SSD, I realized it was something new. I ordered one as I've been very pleased with emulation on my R6S. This should give equal performance at a lower cost with a HUGE jump in storage options. I do hope Friendly Elec keeps putting out new SBCs in aluminum cooling cases at affordable prices. I hope you continue to show them on your channel. It may have been months before I realized the new R6C existed if not for this video. Can you post a link for the BT & WiFi combo dongle mentioned?

[@avenge0818]

What OS are you running on yours?

[@mrsittingmongoose]

It would be super cool if you did a dietpi video. It’s become a very powerful server OS in the last few years. Almost everything you could want is built in.

[@abelkilo7242]

He already did

[@BogalaSawundiris]

@@abelkilo7242 what's the video title name ?

[@imacmill]

DietPI is an amazing distro. I have it on all my SBCs and a couple of mini PCs (HP EliteDesks).

[@123Suryasis]

One question, with Android 12 Tablet or TV OS installed, does it support HDR output using Streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime?

[@steeveejee4647]

very nice, would like to see this run batocera if at all possible

[@numberoneappgames]

Thank you so much ETA. I appreciate all the work you do for us. I love this sbc and the price point. I think I'll pick one up when I get the cash for it. :D I only wanted to play up to N64. But seeing that it can handle some Gamecube. I'm just thankful it can go that high.

[@alancesarbusnello7914]

Hi ETAPrime, I am searching for the link of the wifi+bluetooth dongle on video description but I can't find. Can you help please?

[@Raphtor13]

So tempting - I have an early Raspberry Pi that I used as media server years ago but no time for extra toys right now.

[@dennisolof9994]

The only issue left for me with Raspberry Pi 4 is the lack of a ribbon style connector to provide a native SATA port, and the ability to boot from that. Otherwise I think the Raspberry Pi is good enough for most things and the software support is amazing. If anything this NanoPi 6RC might inspire the next Raspberry Pi 5, who knows.

[@JimmyZeng]

3588S has 2 combo PIPE PHY, either could be used as PCIe or SATA, it looks like they used one for 2.5G eth and one for M.2, which one would you choose to sacrifice for a SATA?

[@BeetleBuns]

I too can't wait for the next heavily scalped, unavailable sbc that will be outshone in a matter of days by 50 other options

[@AlteredCarbons]

man, this is a pretty nice little board. i really wish this came out last month, i bought a steam deck so now i just use it for everything. even desktop mode with a monitor. its funny pulling that out in college classes and a portable monitor and a mini keyboard

[@steve43ful]

EndeavourOS ARM could be a good way to run an Arch-based distro on this.

[@srvuk]

Not bad at all and I am glad that they implemented NVMe as this just gives the device more appeal and with it being a 2280 makes it even better. WiFi and Bluetooth add to the appeal. If I had not already purchased an Orange Pi 5 I might well have given this a go. I would be happy to ditch the 2.5Gb ethernet and have more USB ports too.

[@Guitario666]

Wow, $83 for shipping.. What a rip, that's almost the price of the sbc!

[@AndrewAHayes]

Kudos for not turning this into an April Fools video, I hate them, no one falls for them apart from numtys!

[@robertb7003]

Too bad the raspberry pi foundation is losing to all these Chinese sbc companies. I'm gonna switch to nano pi or orange pi

[@martinantelo7086]

Yeah same I want a SBC for my web development projects, a small database and stuff like that, I would be served with a Pi Zero but they cost as much as this board

[@robertb7003]

@@martinantelo7086 same here. I need a few more SBCs for a self hosted stack and rpi isn't gonna work out.

[@kattz753]

They always say, "But it won't have the software support of the Raspberry Pi." A lot of these RK3588 boards are running very similar hardware and, while I could be wrong, it seems like it isn't that hard to port software between brands. Sometimes all you have to do is try it. I realize that what Raspberry Pi is going through isn't their fault. I do think that everything has been changing while they were away. They're most likely going to have some stiff competition when they get back.

[@PakitoVlogs]

wow! I really like this one!😍

[@davidgrim5990]

My problem with these boards has always been software support. That's where the pi really shines. Its also why I don't buy small arm boards any more and just get ryzen mini PC's.

[@RNG_Anarchist]

It's runs debain and Ubuntu this thing can run anything docker pi hole hell you could make a whole kubernatize lab if you have 3 or 4 of them

[@Gulroeg]

One thing the Raspi 4 cannot do is playback AV1 files. It would be great to know if this box can do it, because I think that a lot of content is going to be in AV1 in th future, be it streaming or download.

[@LivingLinux]

The hardware has AV1 support up to 4K@60 according to the specs. But I'm not sure there are software drivers for it yet.

[@BoguZk]

Very nice little piece, but did you manage to do a bluetooth range test? Does the gamepad work without lag or disconnects in a 2 meter range?

[@SlyInH3ll]

The R6S is also a nice option, especially to build an OpenWRT router, but you loose the M.2 slot in the process... I which that they offered the option for 8GB with the eMMC, since I'm going for the M.2 anyway... also, 83$USD for shipping is awefull...

[@choboutube]

Perhaps a silly question - can you run Steam OS or Batocera on it please? I'm looking for something to do a lightgun project for the big screen TV

[@vkh2k6]

I’d love to know this too

[@griss_168no4]

It looks amazing, price is also great. Please always measure the consumption in idle and load. Thank you.

[@damvcoool]

I would love to see some bench marks between the different dev boards that are capable of running Emulators even a quick benchmark with Godot 4.0 + FRT would be awesome!

[@Hreimr]

I would love to see a couple of Linux distros tested, Arch among them. BTW: What is the power draw of this thing?

[@sireallard4207]

I don't think this has been released, yet. I have a 16 GB ram Orange Pi 5, which has pretty much the same specs with a fan and an NVME ssd installed; it is consuming 0-1 watt on idle on Android 12 OS and around 10 watts was the maximum I could pull running Skyline emulator. Insanely efficient tiny thing.

[@johnnada1917]

@@sireallard4207 There are linux distros available.

[@JamesJones-zt2yx]

Would very much like to see Arch on it. Thanks for a great reviww.

[@yorkan213swd6]

...and with a USB 2.0 instead a USB 3.0 - very intelligent. I buyed a R5S because of that - which also has a second 2.6GB ethernet port.

[@dracwula]

What Bluetooth Dongle + WiFi supports under Android Tablet 12 Platform ? any info is greatly appreciated.

[@donalddodd7914]

What about batocera? What image would you use and what systems would work? Also as a Linux mint user I would like to see Debian does it run cinnamon desktop? Also browsers like Firefox Vivaldi brave etc. Libre office and wine

[@jierenzheng7670]

I always wanted to play with ARM, but looking at the prices of stuff like the RK3588 put me off. I was initially looking at a old M1 Macbook Air to run Asahi Linux but those aren't really cheap too. I ended up getting a used Launch Day Nintendo Switch and installing Ubuntu on it.

[@EdToml]

Arch build would be interesting. Do not care much about Android/Debian/Ubuntu. And what kernel is provided? Can you build your own kernel?

[@MrRockfish01]

ETA, do you have a review for that monitor you are using in this video???

[@chromerims]

Incredible 👍 Yes, please post your Linux video. Kindest regards, neighbours and friends.

[@Griddelman]

Question for you ETA Prime, i hate the new Nvidia shield pill/tube version, any recommendations for a better Android tv box?

[@PiMania]

Would have been nice to see it side by side with the Nanopi R6S which i know you also have. (R6S has 2 x 2.5Gbps/1 x Gbps, IR, 32gb eMMC, 8gb Ram. Doesn't have NVME support or Gpio. (The RK3588s limits NVME speed available here) The Android 12TV build I've been running on my R6S is perfect and is a step above my Nvidia Shield in power with a smaller footprint. This is a better/neater layout for PC or Gaming use (Obviously the R6S wins if you want a Router/iPerf3 server) But still No Wifi/BT is a missed opportunity. (2in1 USB Dongle Works) In Stock SOON Aussies...

[@ACtheLawyer]

Which dongle are you using?

[@Draxooo]

hi, love your videos 🙂 very helpful and interesting. I have one question, I am considering to buy this "router" for emulation purpose, but I have already my S21, so what is more powerful for that, this NanoPi or my S21 EU version (Exynos 2100, GPU:Mali-G78 MP14)? thx

[@GustavoMsTrashCan]

Goodbye, rpi 4. It was nice knowing you.

[@IngwiePhoenix]

I have an R6s, it is GREAT! Personally, I'd like them to come out with a device with four or more ethernet plugs. Super neat =)

[@johnnada1917]

Isn't the only difference that this also supports NVME??? Or am i mistaken???

[@IngwiePhoenix]

@@johnnada1917 My chip doesn't have the C at tne end, but the clock speeds match up. So I guess that you could be right. Maybe instead of the third ethernet port and the usb3 port, they traced the PCIe lanes to an NVMe slot? ... Now im curious and will read up on the actual chip I/O. xD

[@johnnada1917]

@@IngwiePhoenix Thanks for updating me brother... Hahahahahaha yeah usually sacrifice something to add another feature.

[@zandatsu07]

I wonder how good the friendlywrt in this new r6c because i want to replace my crappy mirouter4ag running with openwrt

[@IngwiePhoenix]

​@@johnnada1917 They have a very limited set of PCIe lanes; a few gen3 and a few gen2 - and I do mean "few". xD So they just replaced the third ethernet port and USB3 on the R6s and plugged something else in instead. Literally. xD

[@dragonflame9615]

This would be amazing to use for a retro game emulation set up !

[@zzdestroyallhumanzz1134]

I would love to see/know if ArmFling (ESXI) would be able to run on this. I am intregued with the 2.5Gbe Ethernet as replacement to my Rpi4. On thing missing from this review is the NVME performance, and i would really love to see more information on this.

[@ansonchew_sg]

Hi, not sure if I missed it in the video, was it mentioned if the wifi was built in?

[@hamsteerio]

Openwrt honestly. I would watch any video explaining my options for low watt firewalls for beginners

[@Skeletor2711-]

Hi ETA, thanks for your great channel. Is there a way to put my retropie built directly to this machine?

[@chrisw8069]

Raspberry Pi will be able to match this performance in another 10years.

[@wanderingakii8729]

I'm very much intrigued wether you can pair this up with a touchscreen monitor and turn it into a sort of large tablet. I wonder hows the touch sampling rate and fps would fare.

[@SirDimpls]

I wonder whether this board is a viable upgrade from nvidia shield tv which can't run GC/Wii/PS2, nv nuked geforce gamestream recently, and there are no more native game ports coming to it (like tomb raider, doom3, half life 2, etc). bonus is that m.2! these are cheaper than sdcards for large storage

[@stanthompson1010]

ETAPrime what screen do you use with this device. I’m running Android tablet OS on the device but when I connect to my TV or monitor I can’t close Dolphin Emulator and can’t swipe to close apps. I’m assuming that Android TV won’t be any easier to do those things. I got it for a small emulation device but am having trouble finding a screen to connect it to in order to close apps, etc. Thanks for your help!

[@carlfranz6805]

Been to their web site... It's not quite worthless... So what's better, 32gb EEMC or a 1tb SSD.

[@MegaManNeo]

How is support for Nano Pis in the long-term? Also, does Netflix, Prime and the likes work on Android? Also Dualboot? If yes, I could actually see myself picking this one up if there is a European reseller.

[@j_tootie]

I have the R6s running Android (same device just no nvme, and one extra 2.5Gb ethernet) I have netflix and prime working just fine, I did need to use a gps emulator since it couldn't determine its location without wifi (at least it wouldn't work for me). The Hulu app just wouldn't work even with the gps emulation app, but it was fine when used through Google Chrome or Edge. the R6S can dual boot so I'd imagine this one can as well. Friendlyelec has a version for installing to the emmc, and another ISO for booting from the sd card.

[@MegaManNeo]

@@j_tootie That sounds very promising 👀 Thanks for the input.

[@microlinux]

Support? They all are going be rockchip linux based for most parts, so it doesn't matter the maker that much. But friendlyarm is one of the best on the hw side of things, so, they make them rock solid. That's for sure, but no mainline until 6 months later and so on, and forget about media decoding on mainline, but good panfrost mesa for sure.

[@rcso2010]

It gives the same performance as the Orange Pi 5? can you compare them please?

[@csolisr]

If this thing can run Debian, it will be a great starter kit to install a local server on.

[@DigitalDiabloUK]

Might make a nice travel router if openwrt runs on it. I presume the little plastic thing on the case is for a Wi-Fi aerial.

[@utoracat18]

Love ya work mate!

[@petrklic7064]

Energy consumption ? Idle/average/full load ?

[@AFistfulOf4K]

I want to see Ubuntu, is it good enough as a true "decent" desktop replacement? 4K60 video without weird custom version of Chrome, h264ify plugin, etc, etc.... does it run good out of the box or is it another hackjob?

[@Senrab46]

Very interesting device, imo would be ideal addition for upgrading old tv to smart tv. My only question is can you add wifi? Thanks for sharing👍

[@PiMania]

Yes. USB WIFI/BT Dongle a few are supported. (depending on which O/S)

[@gabriels.huertar9168]

@@PiMania is android not the one that’s supported?

[@PiMania]

@@gabriels.huertar9168 Yes i have a R6S running Android with USB wifi working fine.

[@johngallagher7762]

So, can you just move an image from a Raspberry Pi and run it on this SBC? I was thinking of just running from the SSD I have am using on my Pi. Thanks, John

[@markmcgeehan]

whats the difference between this and the NanoPi R6C? which one you recommend?

[@unknown183]

Link to your Wifi Bluetooth Dongle? Does it work with Android?

[@unknown183]

Will a small 30mm fan fit in the case for some added airflow?

[@crizcroz]

Great looking board! Looking for the link for the bluetooth/wifi5 adapter?

[@ACtheLawyer]

@ETA PRIME: What dongle are you using?

[@lexluthermiester]

This is nice! I'm happy with Android.

[@unknown183]

Which is better to use for this Android 12 Tablet or TV version and WHY?

[@spr00sem00se]

How did you get redream on there? Playstore says it's not for this version. I've had issue with prime video not working on the supplied Android TV image. KZbin goes sideways when you back out of a video. A lot of things seem kind of unfinished in the android image provided.

[@spr00sem00se]

So. After some fiddling on the tablet os provided, KZbin stopped rotating, so that's good. Saturn emulation is pretty decent on ya a sanshiro 2 pro with. Chd files. Can't get call of duty to work. Can't load redream. Ps2 emulation of shadow of the colosus heats the case up pretty well. About 65c after an hour. A small 30mm fan on the case keeps it at room temp whilst doing Ps2. Ps2 runs well. Wii runs OK ish with some audio errors, especially in menus etc. But in general it's a solid option for an android TV box with some gaming to be had. MY kids have gotten hooked on Baku Baku since I got it. That was a serious goal, playing Baku Baku without getting the saturn out. My main gripe with saturn emulation is the need to run at the same resolution as Android or you get a black screen.

[@giannisd961]

I will like to see Debian 11 performance I might get this board for hosting docker containers and jellyfin

[@bigpoppapalmer13]

Will any of the current Batocera images install on this board?

[@vkh2k6]

I’d love to know this too

[@ardenswirl7361]

1)Can you compare this with orange pi 5 specs and benchmark wise ( blog also fine if video is not possible) 2) and installation of windows on this

[@timj3784]

Could you test if it supports a UWQHD display (3440x1440 resolution), on ubuntu/debian, if possible? Bought a Vim3 some time ago, planned to use it as a low powered desktop, but found out it supports only 16:9/16:10 resolutions, without any fix available, as nobody cares to fix the drivers.

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

What GPU drivers does it use on Debian/Ubuntu?

[@Basheski]

Archlinux gets so little love on those SBC... Maybe you could straight that issue? 🧐

[@LivingLinux]

I think he already did a video with RebornOS running on a RK3588 Radxa Rock 5B?

[@Basheski]

​@@LivingLinux Thanks for point it out. Apparently I have missed that one...

[@lilman227]

I’ve got 3 4gb Raspberry Pi 4’s that I got for $60 back in 2019. Honestly, I don’t think they’re worth much more than that.

[@c462-]

it would be nice to see void linux on this machine, better than arch in my opinion, at least when it comes to resources usage, but also minecraft runs better on void than on a SystemD-based system from my experience

[@zero7dd]

I’m in the market look at systems like this to self host my own website. Could you host your own website from this hardware? if so, what operating system would you run on this and what software do you need to run in order to host your own website from this device?

[@cakerer]

2 x LAN makes it ideal for a router. I wonder if OPNSense can be run on this.

[@PiMania]

The R6S is even better for that purpose.

[@cakerer]

@@PiMania Thanks. I didn't realise NanoPi had so many options with multiple Ethernet ports. The R6C is a bit cheaper though. The R5S might be a good option if needing 3 x LAN on a budget too.

[@ckthmpson]

Unfortunately no OpnSense or PFSense options for ARM. There are some low cost x86 options like the Zima Board or some the protectli boxes.

[@TonyoPet]

Could this work as a Steam Link system? I've been wanting to build a Raspberry Pi 4 Steam Link but availability is ridiculous.

[@michaelwhaley4638]

any recommendations on power for it? where I can get up to 19v or 20v for it?

[@jorgeluisaguillon3313]

It would have been cool to look at the power consumption of it.

[@JohnAnderson-Catfish]

I'm not a game player but I'd love to find a SBC that could run my Wyze cameras live on one monitor, I do use Wyze for work and at home.

[@SlyInH3ll]

What about installing Big Box on this?? My Arcade1UP cabinet would be happy with this one :D

[@stigberntsen9301]

Missing info on distros and how to use the gpio and such, lot of channels shows pi replacments, but none show how it will work with gpio and such.

[@fumast3rmasteroffu716]

ARCH Build! Yes please 🙂

[@joescritch9903]

Can this be made portable as easily as a raspberry? I'd love to see a video if you have the time

[@RaminRady]

Hi. What about install original kali or ubuntu instead friendly version?

[@paulreader1777]

-I would love to see if this machine can run "real world" LinuxCNC to drive 2.5 axis CNC

[@Necris94]

Right now it sounds better than Orange Pi and Rock Pi thanks to the great OS support. Although from what I see Orange Pi is getting better in this category. I'm currently looking to purchase some small SBC to connect to TV mainly for playing media (I watch a lot of anime which often use quite CPU-heavy codecs and subtitles effects), but I would also like if it could be occasionally used as a simple PC for web browsing and maybe some emulation, and so far NanoPI seems the best for that.

[@EMNM22]

🤘😁 I know there are other benchmarks out there but I'd love to know if these devices are "gmail" certified! It might help me decide to buy one or not.

[@stevesomers3162]

Gmail is a web service. Hence ANYTHING that can run a web browser, from smart watches, mobiles, small board computers etc. has access automatically.

[@myusrngml]

Does it support single cable mode operation?

[@abrfilho]

When using Android on this type of device, which widevine level it supports? Is it possible to play 4K Netflix?

[@kamertonaudiophileplayer847]

8 Gb Orange Pi 5 - $100 delivered. Why pay extra $10? Any idea?

[@Chakeis]

That's really cool but I need it to be able to have a 4tb ssd so it can hold my entire launchbox library. Surely it doesn't support that much?

[@Chakeis]

Just realized Launchbox doesn't support Linux... rip

[@maliceflare]

i don't see the bluetooth/wifi adapter in the desc. can you link to it? i already have the box and installed android 12 tablet...

[@tomtucker9426]

It doesn’t come pre installed?

[@tomtucker9426]

Im sorry to annoy you and double write but, by any chance can you tell me how to load this on?

[@maliceflare]

@@tomtucker9426 the default is their router os FriendlyWrt. their wiki has the instructions to load a new os, and the links to their images. you just need an 8GB micro SD card...

[@tomtucker9426]

@@maliceflare got it installed, any luck on the dongle?

[@maliceflare]

@@tomtucker9426 nope. i have ordered the M.2 Wifi that is suggested in the wiki. hopefully that'll work...

[@myusrngml]

Will the android tablet install support msft endpoint manager company portal app enrollment so you can use it to run work apps and access work content?

[@XxBigguy3xX]

If you could do a gaming os like pop os that would be cool.

[@ABRetroCollections]

We need far more competitive options to make the British lower the price of the RPi. Importing them is the biggest portion to the cost of the device.