Quartz64 VS. Raspberry Pi 4 is one of the most popular Single Board Computers (SBCs) in today’s market. While one is better for developing software applications, the other is better for running single 4k displays.
However, these SBCs share many similarities in their seemingly unending differences, making deciding between Quartz64 vs. Raspberry Pi 4 challenging.
Table of Contents
- What is Quartz64?
- What is the Raspberry Pi 4?
- Quartz 64 vs. Raspberry Pi 4: The Differences
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Raspberry Pi 4 Vs. Quartz64—Which Board is Best for You?
What is Quartz64?
Quartz64 is a small computer built on a single circuit board for robotics, IoT, automation, and digital signage projects. It’s the brainchild of Pine64, a California-based company that makes low-cost SBCs as alternatives to Raspberry Pi products.
Pine64 released two versions of Quart64, Quartz64 A in June 2021 and Quartz B in May 2022. Both SBCs run on the mid-range Rockchip RK 3566 SoC with Mali G-52 GPU. They also share the popular 64-Bit Quadcore ARM Cortex A55 processor.
What is the Raspberry Pi 4?
Raspberry Pi 4 is an SBC with open-source software that easily connects to other electronic components and sensors.
You can use it with your PC or Keyboard for projects like creating a media center, controlling smart devices, digital signage, or home automation.
Raspberry Pi Foundation released this machine as the fourth generation of the Raspberry Pi series in June 2019. It runs on Broadcom BCM2711 SoC and Quad-core Cortex A-72 processor.
Raspberry Pi 4 board
Quartz 64 vs. Raspberry Pi 4: The Differences
Let’s compare their features to help you understand which SBC is suitable for you:
Processor Power
Quartz64 is the clear winner when considering the processors since it has a newer, equally powerful, and more efficient processor.
The Rockchip RK 3566 is clocked at 1.8 HZ, while Broadcom BCM2711 SoC in Pi 4 is clocked at 1.5 HZ. This means that Quartz64 can operate +0.3 Hz higher at a speed Raspberry Pi 4 may not be able to realize.
Interestingly, the Quadcore ARM Cortex A55 in Quartz64 is less powerful than the quad-core Cortex-A72 in Raspberry Pi 4. However, the cores have little impact on the processor’s speed and efficiency compared to SoC.
GPU
In terms of GPU, Quartz64 uses the Mali-G52 GPU. This integrated mid-range graphics processor supports OpenCL 2.0, Vulkan 1.1, and OpenGL ES 3.2.
Raspberry Pi 4, on the other hand, uses the VideoCore IV GPU. This is an integrated graphic processor way more powerful than the Mali-G52. It’s also more energy-efficient than Mali-G52 and can run at up to 4K resolution across all its frequencies.
Mali-G52 achieves 4K resolution only at 60Hz or 30 Hz. This higher refresh rate puts additional strain on the GPU and increases the system power consumption.
RAM
Raspberry Pi 4 has the edge over Quartz64 when it comes to RAM. To put this into perspective, Pi 4 comes with three LPDDR4 RAM options (2GB, 4GB, and 8GB). Quartz64 has two DDR4 RAM options (2GB and 4GB).
There’s also a clear difference in the bandwidth that gives Raspberry Pi 4 a plus. Quartz64 operates at 2133 MHz, while Raspberry Pi 4 operates at 3200 MHz. So besides offering you more space, Pi 4 is faster than Quartz64.
Connectivity
There’s no significant difference between Quartz64 and Raspberry Pi 4 regarding connectivity options. Both SBCs have similar features like Gigabit Ethernet ports, 4 USB ports, Dual-band WI-FI 5, and 40-pin GPIO Headers.
However, we noticed that Raspberry Pi 4 offers additional video output features like two MIPI displays and two micro-HDMI ports lacking in Quartz64.
To balance this difference, Quartz64 features two PCI-e slots, while Pi 4 has a single PCI-e line.
Mini PC showing USB port
HDMI
Both Quartz64 and Raspberry Pi 4 have HDMI ports for video output. However, these ports differ in terms of version and number.
To begin with, Quartz64 has only one HDMI port rated 2.0, achieving the maximum 4K resolution at 30 Hz and 60 Hz, respectively. Raspberry Pi 4, on the other hand, has two separate HDMIs.
The first can be a standard or micro-HDMI, leading to an HDMI cable. The second is a micro-HDMI leading to an HDMI adapter.
Each HDMI in Raspberry Pi 4 supports 4k resolution at 60 Hz. You can connect the HDMIs simultaneously since the SBC supports the dual-output function.
Operating Systems
Raspberry Pi Foundation designed the Pi 4 specifically for Android and Linux OSes. It runs Armbian, Arch Linux, and DietPi.
You can also use it with other specialized operating systems designed for specific tasks, including OSMC and Retropie.
On the other hand, Quartz64 doesn’t run a specific OS. It supports all operating systems in its open-source community, like all Linux products, Android, and BSD.
Price
Pine64 made Quarz64 to be the low-cost alternative for Raspberry Pi products. Their promise doesn’t apply to our review. The starting price of Quartz64 B is around $59.99, while Raspberry Pi’s is around $35.
This means, Quartz64 is approximately $24 more expensive and not the best choice when tight on budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many USB Ports are Present in Raspberry Pi 4?
USB Pi 4 has four USB ports—two 2.0 ports and two 3.0 ports
Raspberry Pi board showing USB port
What is the Size of Quartz 64?
Quartz64 is slightly larger than a credit card, measuring 5.2 x 3.1 inches.
What is Quartz64 Used For?
Quartz 64 has many uses, including home automation, desktop computing, media center, and all IoT projects.
Raspberry Pi 4 Vs. Quartz64—Which Board is Best for You?
Choosing an ultimate winner between Raspberry Pi4 and Quartz64 is always challenging since both are standard SBCs that share much in common.
If price is your primary consideration, then we recommend Raspberry Pi 4 as it is cheaper. This small computer also supports dual-display, a feature unavailable in Quartz64.
However, if you want a single and crisp 4k display, Quartz 64 is your best option. Your preference and the functionalities you’re looking for should guide you further.