[GTALUG] Raspberry Pi 4 Desktop Kit

[Scott Sullivan]

On 8/7/20 6:49 PM, Aruna Hewapathirane via talk wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> I stumbled across this recently:
> https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-4-model-b/
> 
> I can use some guidance and advice from folks who have experience
> with Raspberry Pi's. What I read so far looks good but I have questions.
> 
> If 'you' were to use a Raspberry Pi as a desktop replacement which one
> would you recommend?

Hello Aruna, I'll try to answer your questions in-line below.

> Is there a major difference in response times between the 4Gb and 8Gb
> models ?

The amount of RAM does make a difference for performance. The software 
is able to keep more of the active data cached in RAM for faster access 
and more applications (or web browser tabs) can be kept open and 
actively used. As the ram is not upgradable, going for more RAM is 
advisable.

> How hot does the unit become ? Does it require an add on fan shim ? Or
> will work fine without one ?

Rather Hot. There a lot options, including some very effective all 
aluminum cases that act as passive heat sinks.

I recommend going through some of the reviews by ETAPRIME.

https://www.youtube.com/c/ETAPRIME/search?query=heatsink

> How easy or difficult would it be to boot off an external hard disk as 
> compared
> to the SD card that comes with the Pi ?

Typically, the Pi does not come with an SD card or any accessories. 
Which is why you will often see is bundles with an SD card, case and 
power supply.

But to answer your question. SD cards are the default way to boot. While 
support for USB boot was recently introduced. It may require you to 
update the firmware first, and doesn't look like it 'just works'. 
Caveat, I've not tried it myself yet.

https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/boot-raspberry-pi-4-usb
https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/raspberrypi/booteeprom.md
https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/raspberrypi/bcm2711_bootloader_config.md

> Any other things to watch out for and be aware of before I purchase ? 
> Instead of buying
> the kit would it be cheaper to buy each item separately from different 
> vendors ?

I would certainly shop around. The case options are considerable, and 
getting either an aluminum case or one with a Fan is strongly recommended.

- https://elmwoodelectronics.ca/collections/raspberry-pi
- https://www.creatroninc.com/category/raspberry-pi/
- https://www.buyapi.ca/



That being said, I will give one further thing to consider.

A Raspberry Pi 4 - 8GB is going to run you around $100 Canadian, + 
$30-50 for a good case, $15 for PSU, $30-80 for SD card or other 
storage. That's $200 or more. Well with in the lower ends of the used or 
refurbished desktop and laptops.

- https://www.freegeektoronto.org/shop/
- https://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?cPath=7_158_1934&sort=3a
- https://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?cPath=710_374&sort=3a

Can you tell us more about how you expect to use the computer?
That would let us help narrow down your options more.

-- 
Scott Sullivan