I’m aware of things like framework and they’re a cool system, but they’re limited in what chipsets can be used by the mother boards they offer.

I’m thinking in the context of a cheap low spec system that can be handed out for use by a group. Most of the options available are just very pricy.

Maybe something like a SBC would be a better fit since there are plenty of cheap options out there and they can be mounted in a custom built shell with the other needed elements.

A thought that crossed my mind was ordering printed circuit board and just soldering on the sockets and the like, but that’s a very involved process with a lot that could go wrong. Especially for someone with very little experience.

Short of custom ordering from a company that does such things, are there any systems for building a mother board?

This is more out of curiosity about what options there are out there. Any other thoughts people have about custom built laptops or interesting things in that space?

  • megopie@beehaw.orgOP
    2·
    10 months ago

    I was interested in using older cheaper CPUs but they only have relatively modern stuff, which makes sense, but isn’t what I was looking for, and I’m looking at the SBC stuff now because that seems like the best option.

    • senseamidmadness@beehaw.org
      3·
      10 months ago

      Oh I see what you meant than. Older and cheaper would definitely fit your application better and all of Framework’s stuff is expensive. Repairable and upgradeable comes at a cost!