Can a Thin Client Run OctoPrint?
Yes. OctoPrint is a web interface that controls a 3D printer over USB and runs on a small computer on the printer's network. Thinvent thin clients can host OctoPrint in place of a Raspberry Pi. The Thinvent range includes two families that suit this use: the Micro 5R and the Neo S.
Key Specifications
The Micro 5R uses an ARM Cortex A53 processor with 4 cores, a maximum frequency of 2.0 GHz, 2 GB of onboard RAM and 16 GB of eMMC storage. It has one HDMI 2.0 output, one speaker output, WiFi 6 and Bluetooth, and runs Thinux embedded Linux. It is powered by a 5V 2A adapter.
The Neo S uses an Intel Celeron J1900 processor with 4 cores, a maximum frequency of 2.4 GHz and 2 MB of cache. Neo S models carry 4 GB or 8 GB of DDR3 RAM and 32 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB of SSD storage, and some models have two SSDs. Power comes from a 19V adapter rated at 1.3A or 3A. Neo S models have no WiFi. Operating system options are Ubuntu Linux, Windows 11 Pro or Professional, DOS, or no operating system.
Choosing a Model
| Feature | Micro 5R | Neo S |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ARM Cortex A53, 4 cores | Intel Celeron J1900, 4 cores |
| Max frequency | 2.0 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Memory | 2 GB | 4 GB or 8 GB |
| Storage | 16 GB eMMC | 32 GB to 256 GB SSD |
| WiFi | Yes (WiFi 6) | No |
| Operating system | Thinux (embedded Linux) | Ubuntu, Windows 11 Pro, DOS, or none |
The Micro 5R suits a single printer that needs a small, low-power host with wireless networking. The Neo S suits users who want more memory and storage, a choice of operating system, or a wired network connection.
Use Cases
A thin client running OctoPrint can serve as the control point for one or more printers. It can stream webcam video, run plugins, and host monitoring tools. The Neo S models with 8 GB of RAM and larger SSDs give more room for these tasks.
Thinvent Products for OctoPrint
Thinvent has the Micro 5R Thin Client and the Neo S Thin Client, available in the configurations listed on this page.
