Best ARM Single Board Computer for AI Projects in 2025: Performance & Buying Guide

The demand for ARM-based single-board computers (SBCs) in AI and machine learning projects has skyrocketed, thanks to their power efficiency, affordability, and versatility. But with so many options—from Raspberry Pi 5 to Orange Pi 5B—how do you choose the best ARM SBC for AI workloads?

In this guide, we'll compare the top ARM SBCs for AI development, focusing on performance, NPU capabilities, and real-world usability. We'll also highlight why the Kiwi Pi 5 Ultra stands out with its 6 TOPS NPU, 8K AI vision processing, and superior connectivity—making it a game-changer for edge AI applications.

1. What Makes an ARM SBC Great for AI?

AI projects require high computational power, efficient neural processing, and robust I/O support. Here's what to look for:

Key Features for AI-Optimized SBCs

• NPU (Neural Processing Unit) – Dedicated AI acceleration (TOPS performance)

• CPU/GPU Power – Multi-core ARM CPUs + GPU for parallel tasks

• Memory & Storage – Minimum 8GB RAM, fast eMMC/NVMe support

• Camera & Video I/O – MIPI-CSI for AI vision, 4K/8K encoding

• Connectivity – Wi-Fi 6, USB 3.0, PCIe for expandability

Why ARM SBCs Beat x86 for Edge AI

• Lower power consumption (ideal for drones, robotics)

• Cost-effective vs. NVIDIA Jetson or Intel NUC

• Linux/Android support for AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)

2. Top 3 ARM SBCs for AI Compared

We tested the Kiwi Pi 5 Ultra, Raspberry Pi 5, and Orange Pi 5B for AI workloads.

Performance Comparison Table

Why Kiwi Pi 5 Ultra Wins for AI

• 6 TOPS NPU – Runs YOLOv8, Stable Diffusion faster than RPi 5

• 8K Video Pipeline – Best for real-time object detection

• PCIe & Dual Ethernet – For AI servers or multi-camera setups

3. How to Set Up Kiwi Pi 5 Ultra for AI Projects

Step 1: Install AI Frameworks

sudo apt install python3-opencv tensorflow-lite
pip install pytorch torchvision

Step 2: Optimize NPU Performance

• Use RKNN-Toolkit2 for NPU acceleration

• Enable INT8 quantization for faster inference

Step 3: Deploy AI Models

• Robotics: ROS 2 + OpenCV on Ubuntu 22.04

• Surveillance: Frigate NVR with 4x CSI cameras

Conclusion: Best ARM SBC for AI?

For serious AI developers, the Kiwi Pi 5 Ultra is the clear winner in 2025, thanks to:

• ✅ 6 TOPS NPU for edge AI acceleration

• ✅ 8K video decoding (ideal for computer vision)

• ✅ PCIe and Wi-Fi 6 for scalability

While Raspberry Pi 5 is cheaper, it lacks an NPU. Orange Pi 5B is a close second but has weaker I/O.