Learning how to build your own cheap Android PC, tablet, or phone from scratch requires parts. Unfortunately, Android was not designed for desktop or laptop computers so you’ll have problems finding fully compatible parts.
This article covers the operating systems and hardware needed to make two kinds of Android PC: a pocketable mini PC and a cheap DIY computer.
How to Build Your Own Android Mini PC
The easiest way to build an Android mini PC requires just two parts: a Single Board Computer (SBC) and a case. Some cases can add battery support and a display.
Best Android Motherboard: Single-Board Computers
Android works with most Single Board Computer (SBC) boards. In fact, we recommend using SBCs over everything else for one simple reason: they work with Android and have custom versions of Android designed specifically for that SBC, which massively improves reliability.
If you want a simple way to get Android on a computer, an SBC is the best option. We’ve rounded up the best SBC units around
The Best Single-Board Computers for Chrome OS and Android
Did you know some SBCs support Android and Chrome OS? Here are the best single-board computers to check out!
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. Here are just a few Android-compatible boards:
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
Buy Now On Amazon $40.94
Best Touchscreen Display and Case for an Android Computer
The Raspberry Pi 4 can very easily convert into a tablet. All you need is an all-in-one case-touchscreen add-on module. A case-touchscreen combo unit provides both a case and a touchscreen.
Raspberry Pi Touch Screen
Raspberry Pi Touch Screen
Buy Now On Amazon $29.99
If you need cellular reception for a carputer build, there is a cellular data and GPS dongle add-on module. This expansion module is not fully compatible with the screen-case linked to above.
Raspberry Pi GPS HAT Expansion
Raspberry Pi GPS HAT Expansion
Buy Now On Amazon $38.85
How to Make a Cheap Android PC From Computer Parts
If you already have old computer parts, you may want to try installing Android on either an old computer or on parts pulled from used computers. If you take this path, you’ll need to find a version of Android that supports PC-hardware, also known as x86-compatible hardware, along with x86-compatible hardware. Sometimes the computer you already have will work; others, it will not.
Android Operating Systems for PC Parts
The most important part of your DIY Android PC is its operating system. There are different flavors of installable Android. Some are designed for mobile processors while others work on any former Windows computer.
Best x86 Android Motherboards
Don’t buy a PC motherboard for an Android project. A custom Android PC from off-the-shelf x86-compatible parts is more likely to have problems. If you absolutely need to buy one, use an Intel Atom motherboard. While almost every motherboard will boot Android, the problem is that many features, such as sound and ports, won’t function properly.
Older processors designed for the mobile markets, such as the Intel Atom series of processor, work best. For example, the Asrock Q1900-ITX motherboard’s audio worked in Android. That’s because the Realtek ALC662 audio chipset is fully supported by Android x86. The ALC792 and ALC892 chipsets may or may not work properly. When audio doesn’t work, I suggest using Bluetooth speakers.
Best Networking Card for Android Computers
If you’re building from scratch and your networking card doesn’t work, buy an Intel wireless card. Of the models that I’ve tested, Intel’s cards are the most likely to work. We’d recommend the Intel 3160 for its combination of rock-bottom pricing and decent performance. If you have a slightly larger budget, the Intel 7260 is a much better card.
Android PC Parts That Don’t Matter
The rest of the parts, such as the case, storage drive, monitor, and power supply, do not matter. If you do purchase any component, consider a solid state drive (SSD) instead of a hard disc drive (HDD). That’s mostly because Android as an operating system wasn’t designed to use an HDD.
What Parts Should You Use for an Android PC?
You can build your own Android computer using two methods: an SBC or used parts. Using an SBC is both cheap and results in a reliable computer. Using PC, or x86, parts is far less reliable but can cost very little.
If you do want to pick up PC components, before actually building an Android computer learn how to pick out the right PC components
How to Pick the Right Components for Building Your Next PC
Building a PC is challenging, but get the hardware balance right and the result can be a computer that is as powerful as you need.
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and how to save on buying PC parts
3 Simple Ways to Save Money When Building a New Computer
There are a few tips and tricks you should know to save even more money when building a PC.
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