Asus Tinker Board 3N Lite and 3N Plus Single Board Computer (SBC)

Asus Tinker Board 3N Plus and the Asus Tinker Board 3N Lite maintain the original model's dimensions and form factor but differ significantly in their input/output (I/O) options.

Asus Tinker Board 3N Series Differences:

• The Tinker Board 3N Lite has pared-down expansion capabilities, omitting features like the M.2 B Key connector that supports PCIe 3.0 SSDs or wireless modules. In contrast, the Tinker Board 3N Plus is built for tougher conditions, boasting a design that withstands more extreme temperatures.
• While the Lite version comes with a single Gigabit Ethernet port, the Plus model and its counterparts feature dual Ethernet ports.
• Pricing varies, with models listed on Amazon ranging from approximately $170 to $279. Currently, some higher-end configurations benefit from a 10% discount, making the price gap between the Tinker Board 3N and 3N Lite quite minimal.
• Although some models may be found at lower prices on Rutronik24, the Tinker Board 3N Plus is notably backordered there.

Specifications Breakdown for the Tinker Board 3N Series:

• Processor: Each board is powered by a Rockchip RK3568 processor, which includes four ARM Cortex-A55 CPU cores running at 2 GHz, ARM Mali-G52 graphics, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI tasks.
• Memory: Options range from 2GB to 8GB of dual-channel LPDDR4x RAM, depending on the model.
• Storage: Choices include none, 32GB, or 64GB of eMMC storage, along with a microSD card reader for additional storage options. The 3N Plus also features 16MB SPI Flash and an M.2 slot for expansion.
• Connectivity: USB options include USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C and Type-A ports, with additional USB 2.0 pin headers. Wireless capabilities vary, with support for WiFi 5 or 6 and Bluetooth, depending on the model.
• Audio and Video: Support includes HDMI, LCD, eDP outputs, and audio connections, accommodating a wide range of multimedia applications.
• Ethernet: The Lite model has one Gigabit Ethernet port, while others offer two, with the Plus model supporting 25W Power over Ethernet (PoE) with an additional module.
• Internal Headers and Ports: Each board features a variety of headers for LCDs, GPIOs, and other functionalities, catering to custom project needs.
• Power: Power input options include a DC jack and a 4-pin power header.
• OS Support: The boards support Debian 11, Android 12, and Yocto, providing flexibility for various software projects.
• Physical Dimensions: All boards measure 100 x 100mm, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of enclosures.
• Operating Temperatures: The Lite model operates within a 0℃ to 60℃ range, while the Plus model can handle -40℃ to 85℃, suitable for more demanding environments.

Asus Expands Tinker Board 3N Series with 3N Plus and 3N Lite Variants (linuxgizmos.com)