This 2.9″x3.9″, dual core 64- bit Intel Atom-based system operates at 1.33GHz, with 2GB of DDR3 RAM. Unlike the BeagleBone Black or Nvidia Jetson TK1, MinnowBoard Max is x86 architecture, not ARM, but still runs a familiar Linux operating system.

The open hardware Max offers low-speed buses such as SPI, I2C, I2S audio, two UARTS, and 8 buffered GPIO (two configurable for PWM), all accessible on a 26-pin male header. Its high-speed buses for SATA2, PCIe, and more are accessible from a 60-pin high-density connector. USB 2.0, 3.0, and gigabit Ethernet are also standard, so connecting Max to fancy USB accessories is a snap.