I realize this is Raspberry Pi community, but considering the overlap, I hope Pi-adjacent is acceptable.

Looking at the Orange Pi Zero W2 for a project since it’s available with a lot more RAM than the Pi ZeroW2 (1-4 GB vs 512 MB). I’m not doing anything complex with it (no GPIO, USB gadget, etc), and it’ll basically just be a tiny server running Kiwix and possibly some light groupware and/or file share. Maybe even CodeServer if I go with the 4 GB model.

Essentially my requirements for it are:

  • Wifi AP support so devices can connect to it. Preferably AP+STA so it can also provide internet and PiHole services.
  • Runs a supported distro (e.g. not the one-and-done version from the manufacturer that’s never updated)
  • Fairly stable
  • Supports 256 to 512 GB SD card

According to what I’ve read, Armbian seems to be the go-to distro for these boards. It also seems to be supported by DietPi.

I’ve got a handful of Pi Zero’s (both 1 and 2) and they work well, but even with zram enabled, I’m limited by the 512 MB of memory, so these “fruit clone” ones are tempting. Anyone have hands-on experience with them? Is there a better distro besides Armbian? Should I just stick with Raspberry Pi and manage with the limited RAM?

  • owenfromcanada@lemmy.caEnglish
    2·
    2 days ago

    I can’t speak for Orange Pi specifically, but I have a few things from Pine64 and they’ve been great. I’m using Armbian on my HC4 and it’s doing well, and DietPi on another SMB from them. I’ve heard that Orange Pi is decent as well, I might have to pick up one and see for myself.