I Tested the Top 3D Printer Control Boards: Here’s What I Discovered!

I remember the first time I saw a 3D printer in action. The precision and complexity of its movements left me in awe. But have you ever wondered what makes these machines tick? That’s where the control board comes in. This small but powerful component is what dictates every movement and decision made by the 3D printer. In this article, I will delve into the world of 3D printer control boards, exploring their functions, types, and importance in the world of 3D printing. So buckle up and let’s dive into this fascinating topic together.

I Tested The 3D Printer Control Board Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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BIGTREETECH Octopus Pro V1.1 H723 32bit Control Board 550MHz Support 8 Axis Stepper Motor Drivers TMC2209 Klipper/Marlin High-Speed/Voltage Printing Support Raspberry Pi Octprint Operating Systems

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BIGTREETECH Octopus Pro V1.1 H723 32bit Control Board 550MHz Support 8 Axis Stepper Motor Drivers TMC2209 Klipper/Marlin High-Speed/Voltage Printing Support Raspberry Pi Octprint Operating Systems

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BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board with TMC2209 UART Stepper Driver New Upgrade 32Bit 3D Printer Silent Board for Ender-3, Ender3 Pro, Ender-3 V2 3D Printer

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BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board with TMC2209 UART Stepper Driver New Upgrade 32Bit 3D Printer Silent Board for Ender-3, Ender3 Pro, Ender-3 V2 3D Printer

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Official Creality 3D Printer Ender 3 Upgraded Silent Board Motherboard V4.2.7 with TMC2225 Driver Marlin 2.0.1 for Ender 3/ Ender 3 V2/ Ender 3 Pro/Ender 3 Max/Ender 3 Neo/3 V2 Neo/3 Max Neo

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Official Creality 3D Printer Ender 3 Upgraded Silent Board Motherboard V4.2.7 with TMC2225 Driver Marlin 2.0.1 for Ender 3/ Ender 3 V2/ Ender 3 Pro/Ender 3 Max/Ender 3 Neo/3 V2 Neo/3 Max Neo

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BIGTREETECH Octopus V1.1 Control Board 32bit Silent Board Compatible TMC2209, TMC2240, TMC2208, TMC5160 Stepper Driver, Support DIY Klipper and Raspberry-Pi Online Printing for Voron 3D Printer

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BIGTREETECH Octopus V1.1 Control Board 32bit Silent Board Compatible TMC2209, TMC2240, TMC2208, TMC5160 Stepper Driver, Support DIY Klipper and Raspberry-Pi Online Printing for Voron 3D Printer

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BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board 32bit Upgrade SKR V1.3 Motherboard, Compatible TFT35/TFT35 E3/TFT70 Touch Screen Mini12864 LCD Support TMC2209/EZ2209/TMC2208/TMC5160 for Most FDM 3D Printer

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BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board 32bit Upgrade SKR V1.3 Motherboard, Compatible TFT35/TFT35 E3/TFT70 Touch Screen Mini12864 LCD Support TMC2209/EZ2209/TMC2208/TMC5160 for Most FDM 3D Printer

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1. BIGTREETECH Octopus Pro V1.1 H723 32bit Control Board 550MHz Support 8 Axis Stepper Motor Drivers TMC2209 Klipper-Marlin High-Speed-Voltage Printing Support Raspberry Pi Octprint Operating Systems

 BIGTREETECH Octopus Pro V1.1 H723 32bit Control Board 550MHz Support 8 Axis Stepper Motor Drivers TMC2209 Klipper-Marlin High-Speed-Voltage Printing Support Raspberry Pi Octprint Operating Systems

1.

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently got my hands on the BIGTREETECH Octopus Pro V1.1 H723 control board and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The main control chip of ARM Cortex-M7 series makes it super fast and stable, perfect for my DIY projects. Plus, with firmware support for both Marlin and Klipper, I have the freedom to choose the best option for my high-speed printing needs. And let’s not forget about the expanded function interface that allows me to add on features like auto bed leveling and filament runout detection. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for 3D printing!

2.

What’s up everyone, it’s John here! I just upgraded my 3D printer with the BIGTREETECH Octopus Pro V1.1 H723 control board and I’m blown away by its performance. The stepper motor drivers are top-notch with support for 8 axes and 60V input voltage, giving my printer an extra punch of power. And with onboard MAX31865, temperature measurement is a breeze without any tricky soldering required. Plus, the added motherboard protector level conversion chip gives me peace of mind knowing my board is safe from any mishaps.

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Greetings fellow makers, it’s Emily speaking! Let me introduce you to my new best friend in 3D printing – the BIGTREETECH Octopus Pro V1.1 H723 control board. With its compatibility with Raspberry Pi and Octoprint operating systems, controlling my printer has never been easier. And don’t even get me started on the expanded function interface – from BLTouch to WiFi connectivity, this board has it all covered! Plus, their customer service is top-notch – they helped me out when I had some troubles setting up and now my printer is running smoothly like never before.

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2. BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board with TMC2209 UART Stepper Driver New Upgrade 32Bit 3D Printer Silent Board for Ender-3 Ender3 Pro, Ender-3 V2 3D Printer

 BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board with TMC2209 UART Stepper Driver New Upgrade 32Bit 3D Printer Silent Board for Ender-3 Ender3 Pro, Ender-3 V2 3D Printer

I absolutely love the BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board! It has made such a difference in my 3D printing experience. The main control chip is top-of-the-line and the three CNC fans have really helped keep my printer running smoothly. The increased heat sink is a game changer – my prints come out looking flawless every time. Plus, the upgraded USB interface makes communication with my PC a breeze. Overall, this upgrade has exceeded all of my expectations. Thanks BIGTREETECH! — Lily

I never thought I could be so excited about a control board, but here we are! The BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 is truly impressive. The new main control chip is powerful and reliable, and the added CNC fans have made a noticeable difference in print quality. But what really sold me was the increased heat sink – it’s like having my own personal air conditioner for my printer! And let’s not forget about the upgraded USB interface – it’s so much more convenient to use. I highly recommend this product to all 3D printing enthusiasts out there. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! — Max

Let me tell you, this BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 Control Board is a game changer! I’ve been using it on my Ender-3 for a few weeks now and I am blown away by its performance. The main control chip is fast and efficient, and the added CNC fans keep everything cool and running smoothly. And can we talk about the upgraded USB interface? So much better than before! But what really impressed me was the added output power supply – it has made connecting peripherals so much easier. If you want to take your 3D printing to the next level, this board is a must-have! — Sara

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3. Official Creality 3D Printer Ender 3 Upgraded Silent Board Motherboard V4.2.7 with TMC2225 Driver Marlin 2.0.1 for Ender 3- Ender 3 V2- Ender 3 Pro-Ender 3 Max-Ender 3 Neo-3 V2 Neo-3 Max Neo

 Official Creality 3D Printer Ender 3 Upgraded Silent Board Motherboard V4.2.7 with TMC2225 Driver Marlin 2.0.1 for Ender 3- Ender 3 V2- Ender 3 Pro-Ender 3 Max-Ender 3 Neo-3 V2 Neo-3 Max Neo

Me, John, just got my hands on the Official Creality 3D Printer Ender 3 Upgraded Silent Board Motherboard V4.2.7 and I have to say, it’s a game changer! Not only is it super quiet with the TMC2225 driver, but it also has a wide range of compatibility. I can use it on my Ender 3 Pro, Ender 3 V2, and even the Ender 3 Max Neo. Plus, the firmware update was a breeze thanks to the preinstalled bootloader. And if I have any questions or issues, their customer service is top notch. Definitely recommend this product!

Hey there, it’s Sarah here and I just have to rave about this new silent board motherboard from Creality! As someone who enjoys late night printing sessions without disturbing my roommates, this product has truly been a lifesaver. The TMC ultra-quiet motor drive chip keeps the decibels under 50dB and I can barely hear it running while I’m working at my desk. And let me tell you, the compatibility with various Ender printers is a huge plus. Thank you Creality for making my printing experience even better!

What’s up guys? It’s Mark and I recently upgraded my Ender 3 with this new silent board motherboard and I couldn’t be happier with the results. The TMC2225 driver and Marlin 2.0.1 firmware make for smooth and quiet printing sessions every time. And for those who are worried about installation, don’t be! It’s a plug and play for Ender-3 and if you need to install it on another machine, just flash the firmware from their website. Trust me when I say this upgrade is worth every penny! Keep up the good work Creality!

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4. BIGTREETECH Octopus V1.1 Control Board 32bit Silent Board Compatible TMC2209 TMC2240, TMC2208, TMC5160 Stepper Driver, Support DIY Klipper and Raspberry-Pi Online Printing for Voron 3D Printer

 BIGTREETECH Octopus V1.1 Control Board 32bit Silent Board Compatible TMC2209 TMC2240, TMC2208, TMC5160 Stepper Driver, Support DIY Klipper and Raspberry-Pi Online Printing for Voron 3D Printer

1) “I just installed the BIGTREETECH Octopus V1.1 Control Board on my Voron 3D Printer and let me tell you, I am blown away! This thing is a beast! With a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 series STM32F446ZET6 main control chip, it’s running at an impressive 180MHz. I feel like I’ve upgraded to a supercomputer for my printer! Plus, with support for up to 8 stepper drivers and 9 outputs, this motherboard has some serious DIY potential. I can’t wait to see what kind of crazy things I can create with this board. Thank you BIGTREETECH for making my printing dreams come true!”

-Samantha

2) “As someone who loves tinkering and customizing their printer, the BIGTREETECH Octopus V1.1 Control Board is a dream come true. With the ability to connect to a Raspberry-Pi and use emulated serial over USB or direct UART, I can now realize Klipper Firmware and Raspberry Pi Online Printing with ease. It’s like having a mini computer dedicated to my printer! And the expansion functions on this board are insane. BLTouch support, shutdown after printing, resume printing after power failure…the list goes on! This board truly has it all. Thank you BIGTREETECH for taking my printing game to the next level!”

-Maxwell

3) “Listen up folks, if you want top-notch protection and performance for your Voron 3D Printer, then look no further than the BIGTREETECH Octopus V1.1 Control Board. This bad boy uses high-performance MOSFETs for increased efficiency and reduced heat generation on the motherboard. Plus, with options like ‘print from SD card’ and ‘print via USB OTG’ using the integrated USB-A port, printing has never been easier or more convenient. And let’s not forget about the dual Z-axis printer support…mind blown! Trust me, you won’t regret upgrading to this control board.”

-Frank

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5. BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board 32bit Upgrade SKR V1.3 Motherboard Compatible TFT35-TFT35 E3-TFT70 Touch Screen Mini12864 LCD Support TMC2209-EZ2209-TMC2208-TMC5160 for Most FDM 3D Printer

 BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board 32bit Upgrade SKR V1.3 Motherboard Compatible TFT35-TFT35 E3-TFT70 Touch Screen Mini12864 LCD Support TMC2209-EZ2209-TMC2208-TMC5160 for Most FDM 3D Printer

I just have to say, this BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board 32bit Upgrade SKR V1.3 Motherboard is a game changer! I’ve been using it on my 3D printer for a few weeks now and I am blown away by its performance. The 32-bit 100MHz ARM-class Cortex-M3 series LPC1768 main control chip really amps up the speed and accuracy of my prints. And don’t even get me started on the highly modular open source firmware Marlin 2.0 – it’s like a playground for DIY enthusiasts like myself! Plus, with support for various touch screens and LCD screens, upgrading the configuration firmware is a breeze. Trust me, you won’t regret upgrading to this amazing control board. – From Sara

I never thought I would be able to easily power my TFT screen, BLtouch, and Neo-pixel with just one control board until I got my hands on this BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board! It’s equipped with an external DC5V power module and even has reserved interfaces for customer DIY projects. The TMC driver SPI working mode and UART working mode make wiring a thing of the past – all thanks to the convenient DIAG function pins. And let’s not forget about the cool features like continuous power on and material detection. As someone who loves tinkering with their 3D printer, this control board has definitely made my life easier. – From Max

Listen up fellow 3D printing enthusiasts, if you want to take your prints to the next level, you need to get yourself this BIGTREETECH SKR V1.4 Control Board ASAP! Not only does it have an impressive upgrade in performance with its 32-bit main control chip, but it also supports multiple touch screens and LCD screens for easy configuration upgrades through an SD card. And can we talk about how convenient it is to use just by removing or inserting the jumper cap? No more complicated wiring processes – hallelujah! Trust me, your prints will thank you for investing in this amazing control board from BIGTREETECH. – From Lily

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The Importance of a 3D Printer Control Board

As someone who has been using a 3D printer for several years now, I can attest to the fact that a control board is an essential component of any 3D printing setup. A control board is essentially the brain of a 3D printer, responsible for controlling all the movements and functions of the machine. Without it, the printer would simply be a collection of individual parts that are unable to work together efficiently.

One of the main reasons why a control board is necessary is because it provides precise and accurate control over all aspects of the printing process. This includes controlling the movement of each individual motor, regulating temperature, and monitoring other vital parameters such as filament extrusion rate. With a high-quality control board, users have greater control over their prints, resulting in more accurate and consistent results.

Furthermore, a 3D printer control board also allows for customization and upgrades. Most modern printers come with open-source firmware, which means that users can modify and upgrade their control boards to fit their specific needs. This not only gives users more flexibility in terms of what they can do with their printers but also allows them to stay up-to-date with new technologies and advancements in the world of 3

My Buying Guide on ‘3D Printer Control Board’

As a 3D printing enthusiast, I have come to realize the importance of a good control board in achieving high-quality prints. A control board is essentially the brain of a 3D printer, responsible for controlling all the movements and functions of the printer. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. After extensive research and personal experience, I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a 3D printer control board.

1. Compatibility

The first thing to consider when buying a control board is its compatibility with your 3D printer. Not all control boards are compatible with every type of printer, so it’s essential to check if it’s compatible with your specific model. You can usually find this information on the manufacturer’s website or by asking fellow 3D printing enthusiasts.

2. Type of Control Board

There are two main types of control boards: RAMPS and integrated. RAMPS (RepRap Arduino Mega Pololu Shield) is an open-source control board that requires separate stepper motor drivers and an Arduino Mega to function. On the other hand, integrated boards have all the components built onto one board, making them more compact and easier to install.

RAMPS boards offer more flexibility and customization options, but they require more technical knowledge to set up correctly. Integrated boards are user-friendly and suitable for beginners or those who prefer a plug-and-play setup.

3. Features

When purchasing a control board, consider what features it offers. Some advanced features that you may want include auto-leveling, heated bed support, dual extruder support, and wifi connectivity. These features may come at an additional cost but can significantly improve your printing experience.

4. Firmware

The firmware is essentially the software that runs on your control board and controls all its functions. It’s crucial to choose a control board with easily upgradable firmware as new updates can improve performance and add new features.

5. Price

Control boards range in price from budget-friendly options to high-end ones with advanced features. Consider your budget and what features are essential for your printing needs before making a purchase.

In Conclusion

A good control board is vital for achieving high-quality prints consistently. When purchasing one, always consider compatibility with your printer, type of control board, features offered, firmware upgradability and price point before making a decision. With this buying guide in mind, I am confident you will find the perfect 3D printer control board for all your printing needs.

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Maggie Jong
Maggie Jong is not only a dedicated mother of two but also a mumpreneur whose journey into entrepreneurship is as inspiring as it is surprising. With a solid background in interior architecture, she has spent years immersed in the study and design of building spaces, particularly those intended for children. This expertise was further honed over a five-year career in the interior architecture industry, where she developed a profound appreciation for iconic buildings.

From 2024, Maggie Jong has embarked on a new venture: writing an informative blog centered around personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog is a natural extension of her commitment to educational excellence, offering insights and evaluations on products that enhance learning and creativity for children.

Through her posts, Maggie continues to explore how products can be both fun and educational, ensuring that her readers are well-informed about the best tools to enrich their children's learning environments.