ODROID-C1

Overview

The ODROID-C1 is Hardkernel's first-generation C-series single-board computer, released in 2015 as a direct competitor to the Raspberry Pi Model B+. Built around the Amlogic S805 quad-core Cortex-A5 SoC clocked at 1.5 GHz with 1 GB of DDR3 RAM, it offered better raw performance than the Pi B+ at a comparable price point, quickly establishing a loyal following in the maker and embedded Linux community.

The board features both microSD and eMMC storage options for flexible OS deployment, a 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet port, and four USB 2.0 Type-A ports for peripherals. Unlike many modern SBCs, the C1 does not include onboard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, keeping the design simple and wired-first. Power is delivered via a 5V micro-USB connector. The GPIO header is compatible with many Raspberry Pi HATs, further lowering the barrier for existing users to migrate.

Armbian provides long-term Linux support for the ODROID-C1, allowing it to run modern Debian-based systems years after its release. While superseded by the ODROID-C2 and later models, the C1 remains a capable and inexpensive platform for learning embedded Linux, home automation projects, and lightweight server tasks.