I have a Raspberry PI 1 model B running almost non-stop for over 8 years (except during power outages) serving as my front gate controller. Custom python code uses the GPIO pins to trigger an RF remote to open or close the gate, and does not write to SD for logs/etc (to prevent SD wear)

I use a USB network card, and a high-quality SD card. Other than that, no other special configs (except for another spare SD card with a full system image clone).

Rock solid performance and uptime over 8 years.