Adafruit
ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N8 - ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 Dev Board
Best high-performance board for memory-intensive AI and wireless projects.
Meet the ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N8, an entry-level development board powered by the robust ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 module. This version is equipped with 8MB of Flash and an additional 8MB of PSRAM, ideal for memory-intensive applications. It features an Xtensa® 32-bit LX7 CPU running up to 240 MHz, complete with hardware acceleration for AI workloads. Connectivity is handled by integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE. The board offers versatile interfacing via both a dedicated USB-to-UART port and a native USB port for simultaneous debugging and application use. Powering is flexible, supporting 5V via USB or direct 3.3V/5V pins. Note that current software support leans heavily toward ESP IDF.
$26.35
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
28
/ 1543
#28 in Development Boards
Price vs Category Average
-70%
Below average
Processor
3238240
/ Dual Core ESP-SFN, MHz clock speed
Who it's for
- Developers building edge AI and machine learning applications
- Engineers creating connected IoT devices needing robust wireless communication
- Programmers managing data-heavy firmware and complex application memory requirements
Who should skip it
- Designers prioritizing long-term battery life for portable projects
- Makers needing compact footprints for space-constrained hardware enclosures
- Developers relying on legacy codebases or older ESP32-specific libraries
Performance breakdown
Processing Power
Dual-core architecture handles complex AI and signal processing tasks with ease.
Memory Capacity
Generous 8MB PSRAM provides ample headroom for memory-intensive embedded projects.
Connectivity Versatility
Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE offer robust wireless communication options.
Debugging Efficiency
Dedicated native USB port simplifies advanced debugging and firmware development workflows.
Peripheral Expandability
Extensive GPIO count and dedicated camera interfaces support complex hardware integration.
Software Accessibility
Steep learning curve due to heavy reliance on the ESP-IDF framework.
Key Specs
Processor
Dual Core ESP32-S3FN8, 240 MHz clock speed
Memory
8MB Flash and 8MB PSRAM
Connectivity
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE
Interfaces
Native USB 1.1 OTG and USB-to-UART bridge
Operating Voltage
3.3V
I/O
Up to 45 GPIO pins broken out
Certifications
RoHS Compliant
Package Contents
ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N8 Board
Features
- Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE connectivity
- Dual-core CPU with AI acceleration capabilities
- Generous 8MB Flash and 8MB PSRAM onboard
- Separate native USB port for advanced debugging
- Rich peripherals including Camera and LCD interfaces
- Addressable RGB LED for visual feedback
- Breadboard compatible via standard pin headers
- RoHS compliant design
What customers say
Users highly value the ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N8 for its substantial processing power and memory, marking it a significant upgrade. The integrated 8MB flash module is frequently praised, offering ample space for complex firmware and supporting languages like CircuitPython. Reviewers consistently note the dual-core processor's speed and efficiency, especially appreciating the built-in AI acceleration for edge machine learning. The standard form factor ensures excellent breadboard compatibility, and the integrated USB OTG greatly simplifies the development workflow by reducing reliance on external adapters. Overall, this board is seen as a reliable, high-quality workhorse delivering exceptional connectivity and stability for serious embedded systems development.
Know before you buy
The 8MB of PSRAM provides extra workspace for memory-intensive tasks, such as handling high-resolution image processing, complex AI models, or large data buffers that would otherwise exceed the capacity of standard ESP32 modules.
Yes. The board features a dedicated USB-to-UART bridge for serial debugging and a native USB port for application development, allowing you to use both simultaneously for efficient testing and monitoring.
While the ESP32-S3 is supported by the Arduino ecosystem, this specific development board is optimized for the ESP-IDF framework. You may need to configure the board manager settings carefully to ensure full compatibility with your specific Arduino libraries.
Yes, the ESP32-S3 features built-in vector instructions in the CPU that provide hardware acceleration for AI workloads, such as voice recognition or basic image processing.
Yes, the board is designed with standard pin headers that are breadboard-compatible, making it easy to prototype circuits without needing to solder connections.
The board operates at 3.3V. While you can power it via a 5V USB connection, ensure that any external sensors or peripherals you connect to the GPIO pins are compatible with 3.3V logic levels.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.