2
ODROID C1 USER MANUAL
Differences between a typical PC and a Single Board Com-
puter (SBC)
If you are used to using a standard PC such as an OSX or Win-
dows machine, there are a few small differences to note when transi-
tioning to an ARM device. To begin with, the speed of an ARM pro-
cessor is not directly comparable to the speed of an Intel processor.
Because of the efficiency of the CPU, the C1 can give great response
time that feels just as fast as using a more expensive computer. The
operating systems available for the C1 are also highly optimized,
and benefit from the expertise of many open-source contributors that
continually review each others’ work that bring daily improvements to
the OS.
In addition, nearly all of the applications available for the C1
also have their source code publicly available, which means that
you can freely modify and update the applications to fit your specific
needs. Program authors often maintain a GitHub repository, where
suggestions can be submitted, reviewed and distributed to all of the
application’s users.
The C1 also uses Solid State technology for its storage media,
although a conventional hard disk may be used as an auxiliary de-
vice. The boot partition can be stored on either a microSD card or
the much faster eMMC module, and Hardkernel’s products have the
unique distinction of supporting removable eMMC modules, so that
operating systems may be switched out conveniently and easily. An
eMMC module is a type of storage typically used in a smart phone,
and is one of the more advanced compact media devices available.
The power consumption of a typical personal computer can be
anywhere between 100W and 1000W or more, depending on the pe-
ripherals, processor and type of power supply used. However, the
ODROID-C1 uses between 5W and 10W, greatly reducing your elec-
tricity bills, as well as allowing unique power configurations such as
compact solar power cells and long-running batteries.
Components Included on an SBC
The ODROID-C1 contains many of the same connections as a
typical computer, with 4 USB ports, a microUSB OTG port, an Ethernet
port that supports Gigabit transfer speeds, a microHDMI connector for
720p and 1080p monitors, and a 5V/2A DC power connector. In addi-
tion to these standard inputs, the C1 also includes a 40-pin GPIO port,
an external RTC battery connector, a USB-UART serial console port,
an eMMC module connector, and a dedicated slot for a microSD card.
For more details, refer to the ODROID-C1 introductory video at http://
Chapter 1
