Hardware Guide
Build professional video conferencing systems for under $250 per room. Choose the right hardware for your space, from small huddle rooms to large conference rooms.
Platform Flexibility
While this guide focuses on Raspberry Pi for affordability, Croom runs on any Linux system: x86/x64 desktops, ARM single-board computers, mini PCs, or virtual machines. Use any compatible hardware you prefer!
Minimum requirements: 2GB RAM, 8GB storage, ARM or x86 64-bit processor, Linux kernel 5.4+
Room Size Recommendations
Small Room
1-4 people
- Raspberry Pi 4B (4GB)
- 1080p USB webcam
- USB speakerphone
Medium Room
5-8 people
- Raspberry Pi 4B (8GB)
- 4K USB webcam
- Conference speakerphone
- Optional: 7" touchscreen
Large Room
9-16 people
- Mini PC or Pi 5 (8GB)
- 4K PTZ camera
- Ceiling microphone array
- 10" touchscreen controller
Detailed Component Guide
1. Compute Unit
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
Best value for most rooms
Specifications:
- • Quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 @ 1.5GHz
- • 4GB or 8GB RAM options
- • Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
- • 2× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0
- • Dual 4K display support via micro HDMI
Recommendations:
- • 4GB RAM: Small rooms (1-4 people)
- • 8GB RAM: Medium rooms (5-8 people)
- • Requires USB power supply (5V/3A minimum)
- • Add heatsink/fan for continuous operation
Where to buy: Official Pi Store, Amazon, Adafruit, CanaKit
Raspberry Pi 5
Latest generation with better performance
Specifications:
- • Quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 @ 2.4GHz
- • 4GB or 8GB RAM options
- • Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
- • 2× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0
- • PCIe 2.0 interface for M.2 HAT
Benefits:
- • 2-3× faster than Pi 4
- • Better 4K video performance
- • Enhanced AI processing capabilities
- • Ideal for medium-to-large rooms
Where to buy: Official Pi Store, Approved resellers
x86 Mini PC
Maximum performance and compatibility
Recommended specs:
- • Intel N100/N305 or AMD Ryzen 3
- • 8GB+ RAM
- • 128GB+ SSD storage
- • Gigabit Ethernet
- • Multiple USB ports, HDMI
Use cases:
- • Large conference rooms (9+ people)
- • Multiple 4K displays
- • Advanced AI features
- • Enterprise deployments
Brands: Beelink, GMKtec, MINISFORUM, Intel NUC
2. Cameras
1080p USB Webcam
Basic quality for small rooms
- • 1920×1080 @ 30fps
- • 90° field of view
- • USB-A connection (UVC compatible)
- • Suitable for 1-4 people
Models: Logitech C920, C922, C925e; Microsoft LifeCam
4K USB Webcam
Professional quality for medium rooms
- • 3840×2160 @ 30fps (or 1080p @ 60fps)
- • 90-120° field of view
- • Better low-light performance
- • Suitable for 4-8 people
Models: Logitech Brio 4K, Razer Kiyo Pro, Anker PowerConf C300
PTZ Camera (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)
Best for large rooms with speaker tracking
- • 1080p or 4K resolution
- • Mechanical pan/tilt with 10-20× zoom
- • Auto-framing and speaker tracking
- • HDMI and USB outputs
- • Suitable for 8+ people
Models: Logitech Rally, AVer CAM520, PTZOptics 12X/20X
3. Audio Equipment
USB Speakerphone
All-in-one solution for small rooms
- • Built-in microphone and speaker
- • 360° microphone pickup
- • Echo cancellation and noise reduction
- • 6-10 ft pickup range
- • Suitable for 1-4 people
Models: Jabra Speak 510, Anker PowerConf S3, eMeet M2
Conference Speakerphone
Professional audio for medium rooms
- • Multiple microphone arrays
- • Wider pickup range (15-20 ft)
- • Better echo cancellation
- • Daisy-chain capability
- • Suitable for 4-8 people
Models: Jabra Speak 750, Poly Sync 40/60, Anker PowerConf+
Ceiling Microphone Array
Best audio quality for large rooms
- • Ceiling-mounted for clean installation
- • Beamforming microphone arrays
- • 20+ ft pickup range
- • Professional audio processing
- • Requires separate speakers
- • Suitable for 8-16 people
Models: ClearOne CHAT 150, Yamaha ADECIA, Shure MXA910
4. Display & Accessories
Touchscreen Controller
Optional room control interface
- • 7" display: $60-$80 (budget option)
- • 10" display: $100-$150 (standard)
- • 15" display: $150-$200 (premium)
- • Mount on wall or desk stand
- • Shows calendar, join meetings, control room
Options: Official Pi touchscreen, USB touchscreen monitors
Storage & Power
Essential accessories
- • MicroSD card: 32GB minimum (Class 10/U3) - $8-$15
- • Power supply: Official Pi adapter or USB-C PD - $10-$15
- • Case: Passive or active cooling - $5-$20
- • Ethernet cable: Cat6 recommended - $5-$10
AI Accelerator (Optional)
For enhanced edge AI features
- • Coral USB Accelerator: $25-$30 (if available)
- • Hailo-8 AI Kit: $50-$75
- • Enables faster auto-framing and speaker tracking
- • Background blur and noise reduction
- • Optional but recommended for best experience
Complete Room Configurations
Budget Huddle Room
Perfect for small offices and home offices (1-4 people)
Total cost
Components:
Features & Capabilities:
- 1080p video quality at 30fps
- 360° audio pickup up to 8 ft
- One-tap join with Meet, Teams, Zoom, Webex
- Calendar integration for meeting visibility
- Plug-and-play setup in 15 minutes
Standard Conference Room
Ideal for most meeting rooms (5-8 people)
Total cost
Components:
Features & Capabilities:
- 4K video quality (or 1080p @ 60fps)
- 360° audio pickup up to 15 ft
- Touch interface for calendar and controls
- Advanced noise cancellation
- Optional AI accelerator for auto-framing
Premium Boardroom
Executive-grade setup for large spaces (9-16 people)
Total cost
Components:
Features & Capabilities:
- 4K PTZ camera with auto-tracking
- Professional ceiling microphone array
- 20+ ft audio pickup range
- Dual display support
- Enterprise-grade performance
Cost Comparison
See how much you save with Croom compared to traditional enterprise solutions
| Configuration | Cisco Room Kit | Poly G7500 | Croom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Room (1-4 people) | $3,200 | $2,800 | $180 |
| Medium Room (5-8 people) | $5,500 | $4,200 | $315 |
| Large Room (9-16 people) | $15,000+ | $11,000+ | $730 |
| 10 Medium Rooms | $55,000+ | $42,000+ | $3,150 |
| Annual Licensing (per device) | $180/year | $144/year | $0 |
Save $51,850+ on a 10-room deployment (94% savings)
Buying Tips & Best Practices
🛒 Where to Buy
- • Raspberry Pi: Official store, Adafruit, CanaKit, PiShop.us, The Pi Hut
- • Cameras: Amazon, B&H Photo, Newegg, manufacturer websites
- • Audio: Amazon, B&H Photo, CDW, manufacturer direct
- • Touchscreens: Amazon, AliExpress, manufacturer stores
✅ Compatibility Checklist
- • Ensure cameras are UVC (USB Video Class) compatible
- • Audio devices should be UAC (USB Audio Class) compatible
- • Use quality microSD cards (SanDisk, Samsung) - avoid cheap brands
- • Get official or high-quality power supplies (minimum 3A for Pi 4)
- • Consider active cooling (heatsink + fan) for 24/7 operation
💡 Pro Tips
- • Start with one room to test before large deployment
- • Buy equipment in bulk for better pricing (10+ units)
- • Keep spare microSD cards and power supplies on hand
- • Label all equipment with room names and asset tags
- • Document your configuration for reproducibility
🔄 Future-Proofing
- • Choose USB-C cameras and audio for better compatibility
- • Consider 8GB RAM models for longevity
- • Plan for AI accelerators even if not using initially
- • Buy quality components - they'll last 5+ years
Ready to Build Your System?
Start with our quick installation guide and have your first room running in 15 minutes.