Tag: Single-board Computer

May 23, 2025
Radxa Rock 4D: A Raspberry Pi Alternative with PCIe and NPU
Key Takeaways
1. The Radxa Rock 4D is available with RAM options of 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB, starting at $30.
2. It features a Rockchip RK3576 SoC with four Cortex-A72 cores and four Cortex-A53 cores, plus a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI tasks.
3. The device supports dual displays, with one HDMI port capable of 4K resolution at 120Hz and MIPI DSI for the second display.
4. It offers various connectivity options including USB ports, Power over Ethernet (PoE), WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3.
5. The Radxa Rock 4D supports PCIe 2 for SSD installation and has a 40-pin header for connecting sensors and actuators.
The Radxa Rock 4D is a recently launched single-board computer that you can now purchase. You can get the version with 2GB of RAM from Arace Tech for just $30. This SBC is also offered with memory options of 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB. All these models come with a Rockchip RK3576 SoC, which has four Cortex-A72 cores running at 2.2GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 2GHz. This chip also has a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that enhances performance for AI tasks, achieving up to 6 TOPS in AI capabilities.
Display and Connectivity
The Radxa Rock 4D can support two displays, however it only has one HDMI port. To connect the second monitor, you’ll need to use MIPI DSI. Radxa claims the HDMI output can handle 4K resolution at 120Hz. For connecting cameras, there’s MIPI CSI, which is really handy for streaming live video from a security camera. For instance, the NPU in the Rock 4D could identify license plates and automatically open an electric gate. Additionally, you can hook up sensors and actuators using a 40-pin header.
Power and Expansion Options
There are several USB ports on the device, and it is powered through USB Type-C. If you have a compatible HAT, you can also power this alternative to Raspberry Pi using Power over Ethernet (PoE). You can set up a PCIe 2 connection with one lane through the right cable, allowing you to install SSDs for extra storage. Finally, the Radxa Rock 4D is compatible with both WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
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Tags: Radxa Rock 4D, Rockchip RK3576, Single-board Computer
May 22, 2025
Radxa Launches New Raspberry Pi Alternative for AI Performance
Key Takeaways
1. Radxa has introduced the NIO 5A, a new single-board computer powered by a MediaTek Genio 520 SoC with high AI performance.
2. The NIO 5A features dimensions of 85 x 56 mm and is powered via USB Type-C, with storage options including UFS 3.1 and eMMC 5.1.
3. The board supports 4K output through HDMI and offers multiple camera connectivity options, including USB 3.2 and MIPI CSI.
4. It includes Gigabit Ethernet with optional PoE, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and compatibility with Raspberry Pi’s 40-pin header and PCIe Gen 2 x1 slot.
5. Pricing and availability details for the Radxa NIO 5A have not yet been disclosed.
Radxa seems to be a known brand among makers, as the company provides a range of single-board computers. With the introduction of the NIO 5A, they’ve subtly revealed a new product in this category. As reported by CNX-Software, this new device was showcased at MediaTek’s booth during Computex 2025. It’s no surprise that the Radxa NIO 5A runs on a MediaTek SoC, specifically the Genio 520. This chipset includes two Cortex-A78 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores, plus a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU and an NPU. The SBC boasts an AI performance rating of 10 TOPS, an impressive figure for a single-board computer. This level of performance is typically suitable for tasks like image recognition and sensor data analysis.
Device Specifications
The dimensions of the board are 85 x 56 millimeters and it is powered through USB Type-C. For storage options, it can include UFS 3.1 or eMMC 5.1, in addition to having a microSD card slot. Moreover, the HDMI port is capable of outputting a 4K signal. You can connect cameras using two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and two USB 2.0 ports, or via MIPI CSI, which supports cameras up to 16 megapixels. There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack included.
Connectivity Features
For network connectivity, the device utilizes Gigabit Ethernet, with optional support for PoE, which means the Radxa SBC can operate on power supplied through the network cable. The device also supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, while the 40-pin header is designed to be compatible with the Raspberry Pi’s header. The same compatibility extends to the PCIe Gen 2 x1 slot, which is structured as a single connector with tightly arranged connections. Details about pricing and availability have not been disclosed yet.
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Tags: MediaTek Genio 520, Radxa NIO 5A, Single-board Computer
May 4, 2025
Walnut Pi 2B: PCIe & NPU Raspberry Pi Alternative for AI Workloads
Key Takeaways
1. The Raspberry Pi 5 is a popular choice among single-board computer (SBC) enthusiasts, starting at $68.
2. The Walnut Pi 2B is a new alternative to the Raspberry Pi, featuring an Allwinner T527 SoC with eight Cortex-A55 cores and an NPU for AI tasks.
3. The Walnut Pi 2B offers options for 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB of built-in memory and comes with 32GB of eMMC storage, expandable via microSD.
4. Connectivity features include USB 3.0, three USB 2.0 ports, microHDMI 2.0a (4K 60Hz), Gigabit Ethernet, and WiFi 6 support.
5. The Walnut Pi 2B can be powered through PoE or USB Type-C and was available for around $50 on AliExpress.
SBC enthusiasts have a variety of products to pick from these days, yet the Raspberry Pi 5 (starting at $68 on Amazon) remains a standout option in this field. On the other hand, the Walnut Pi 2B has emerged as a fresh alternative to the Raspberry Pi.
Specifications Overview
This device measures about 3.3 x 2.2 inches and runs on an Allwinner T527 SoC. The chipset includes eight Cortex-A55 cores along with a neural processing unit (NPU) that offers 2 TOPs of AI performance. Depending on the model chosen, the built-in memory can be 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB. Currently, the Walnut Pi 2B comes with only 32GB of eMMC storage, but it does allow for microSD card expansion. There is also one PCIe 2.1 lane, enabling the connection of an NVMe SSD.
Connectivity Options
This compact computer also features a 40-pin color-coded header. It includes USB 3.0 and three USB 2.0 ports for attaching external devices or accessories. In addition, the Walnut Pi 2B has a microHDMI 2.0a port that supports a 4K 60Hz output.
For additional functionality, MIPI DSI and MIPI CSI interfaces are available, allowing for the connection of a camera or display. The single-board computer also supports Gigabit Ethernet and WiFi 6 connectivity. Powering the Walnut Pi 2B can be done through PoE or USB Type-C. It was briefly available on AliExpress for around $50.
Conclusion
With its impressive specifications and affordability, the Walnut Pi 2B presents a compelling option for anyone in search of a single-board computer alternative to the Raspberry Pi.
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Tags: Raspberry Pi 5, Single-board Computer, Walnut Pi 2B
April 21, 2025
HoneyComb Mini-ITX Board: Octa-Core AMD CPU & 64GB DDR5 Support
Key Takeaways
1. The HoneyComb Ryzen V3000 is a single-board computer with an AMD Ryzen V3000 V3C18I processor featuring 8 cores and 16 threads.
2. It weighs 2.5 lbs and has limited connectivity options, but includes two SFP+ ports (10Gbit/s) and one Ethernet port (2.5Gbit/s).
3. The board supports up to 64GB of ECC DDR5 RAM, an NVMe SSD, and two SATA III drives, with additional connections via PCIe 4.0.
4. It includes two USB 3.2 ports and two USB 2.0 ports, with the option to add more through headers, and supports a temperature range of -40 to 185 °F.
5. The official price of the HoneyComb Ryzen V3000 is $1,000.
The HoneyComb Ryzen V3000 is essentially a single-board computer, though it is broadly defined. It comes without any memory, but it has the AMD Ryzen V3000 V3C18I processor soldered directly onto the motherboard. This processor features 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock speed set at 1.9GHz and the ability to boost up to 3.8GHz. To keep the CPU cool, there’s a heatsink along with a small fan.
Weight and Connectivity
Weighing approximately 2.5 lbs, this board isn’t your typical desktop motherboard, as it misses out on certain connectivity options. However, the HoneyComb Ryzen V3000 serves as a great foundation for creating a network device. It includes two SFP+ ports that provide a bandwidth of 10Gbit/s, while the Ethernet port reaches a maximum speed of 2.5Gbit/s.
Memory and Storage Options
Moreover, the board can support up to 64GB of ECC DDR5 RAM, an NVMe SSD, and two SATA III drives. Users can also add more connections using PCIe 4.0 along with compatible adapters, which are readily available on Amazon.
USB and Temperature Range
Onboard, you’ll find two USB 3.2 ports and two USB 2.0 ports, and more USB ports can be added through headers. I2C and GPO are also present, and the board is designed to handle ambient temperatures from -40 to 185 °F. The HoneyComb Ryzen V3000 is officially priced at $1,000.
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Tags: AMD Ryzen V3000, HoneyComb Ryzen V3000, Single-board Computer
April 3, 2025
Orange Pi RV: Affordable RISC-V Rival to Raspberry Pi Starts at $30
Key Takeaways
1. The Orange Pi RV is built on the StarFive JH7110 RISC-V SoC with four CPU cores at 1.5 GHz.
2. It can encode H.265 videos up to 1080p/30 FPS and decode H.264 or H.265 videos at 4K/60 FPS.
3. The board includes standard I/O ports like a 40-pin GPIO header, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, and four USB Type-A ports.
4. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 LE and Wi-Fi 5.0, with a single antenna pedestal included.
5. Pricing starts at $41.99 for the 2 GB RAM model and $52.99 for the 4 GB version on Amazon.
The Orange Pi RV has been in the works for quite some time. In fact, Orange Pi just began selling the RV2 last month. One might think that the RV2 would take the place of the RV, but Orange Pi has now started taking orders for the RV as well.
Specifications and Features
To summarize, the RV is built on the StarFive JH7110, a RISC-V SoC that has four CPU cores running at 1.5 GHz. It features a VPU that can encode H.265 videos up to 1080p/30 FPS and decode H.264 or H.265 videos at resolutions of up to 4K/60 FPS. Additionally, the JH7110 is equipped with an Imagination BXE-4-32 GPU that supports various APIs, including OpenCL 1.2, OpenGL ES 3.2, and Vulkan 1.2.
Design and Connectivity
The single-board computer measures 89 x 56 mm and comes with standard I/O ports, such as a 40-pin GPIO header, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, and four USB Type-A ports. As seen in the image below, the Orange Pi has also provided a MicroSD card slot along with an M.2 2280 (M-Key) slot right next to it. The RV supports Bluetooth 5.0 LE and Wi-Fi 5.0, for which Orange Pi has incorporated a single antenna pedestal.
Pricing Options
At present, the Orange Pi RV begins at $41.99 for the model with 2 GB of RAM on Amazon. Alternatively, there is a 4 GB version available for $52.99. Comparatively, the company offers 2 GB and 8 GB options for $30 and $49.90, respectively, on AliExpress. For further information, please check Orange Pi’s official website.
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Tags: Orange Pi RV, Single-board Computer, StarFive JH7110
March 11, 2025
Orange Pi RV2: New RISC-V SBC with PCIe 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet
Key Takeaways
1. Orange Pi has released the new Orange Pi RV2, a successor to the previous RV model.
2. The RV2 features a new octa-core Ky X1 RISC-V chipset with an AI accelerator, improving performance.
3. The board includes a second Gigabit Ethernet port and M.2 connectors for PCIe 2.0 x2 support.
4. Pricing for the RV2 starts at $29.50 for the 2 GB version, with options for 4 GB and 8 GB at higher prices.
5. Key ports on the RV2 include HDMI, USB Type-A, MIPI-CSI connectors, and a 26-pin expansion header.
Orange Pi has had a rather subdued beginning to 2024, rolling out several single-board computers (SBCs) this year. Some of the announcements from 2024, like the RISC-V based Orange Pi RV, have yet to move into production.
New Arrival
However, the company has now launched a sort of successor that is already available worldwide. At first glance, the Orange Pi RV2 resembles last year’s Orange Pi RV quite a bit. Yet, this new SBC has a second Gigabit Ethernet port added to its compact 89 x 56 mm size, along with a couple of M.2 connectors that can support up to PCIe 2.0 x2.
Key Features
One of the most significant upgrades is the introduction of a new RISC-V chipset. To give some context, the original RV was announced with a quad-core StarFive JH7110. In comparison, the RV2 comes with an octa-core Ky X1 chipset, which boasts an AI accelerator capable of delivering up to 2 TOPS of theoretical performance.
In addition, the RV2 is equipped with HDMI and USB Type-A ports, as well as MIPI-CSI connectors. Orange Pi has also added a 26-pin expansion header and a MicroSD card reader. Currently, you can order the Orange Pi RV2 for around $29.50 with 2 GB of LPDDR4X RAM on AliExpress; curiously, prices on Amazon are higher. There are also 4 GB and 8 GB versions available for $39.50 and $49.50, respectively. For more information, visit Orange Pi’s official site.
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Tags: Orange Pi RV2, RISC-V, Single-board Computer
March 10, 2025
Banana Pi Unveils New SBC Compatible with Nvidia Jetson Nano
Key Takeaways
1. The Banana Pi BPI-AIM7 is a compute module that requires a compatible carrier board for functionality.
2. It features an RK3588 ARM chipset with 8 cores and a built-in NPU for enhanced AI performance (up to 6 TOPS).
3. The board supports high-resolution outputs (up to 7680 x 4320 pixels at 60Hz) via DisplayPort and HDMI, and can connect cameras through MIPI-CSI.
4. Expansion options include PCIe 3.0 and 2.1, USB ports, and the ability to connect sensors or actuators.
5. The board dimensions are 2.7 x 1.8 inches, comes with up to 32GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB eMMC storage, and is compatible with Nvidia’s Jetson Nano.
The Banana Pi BPI-AIM7 is a fresh single-board computer, or a compute module to be more precise. This indicates that the board itself would likely be rather useless for most users, given that it lacks typical ports for image output and similar functions. Therefore, it can only be utilized with a compatible carrier board. Those who enjoy tinkering and want to create a compact and flat system may find this compute module quite useful when paired with a custom carrier board.
Specifications and Features
In terms of specs, the BPI-AIM7 board features an RK3588 ARM chipset, which includes four Cortex-A76 cores and four Cortex-A55 cores. The built-in NPU is designed to enhance AI applications, boasting performance of up to 6 TOPS. The board provides support for DisplayPort and HDMI, allowing resolutions up to 7680 x 4320 pixels at 60Hz. Users can also connect cameras through MIPI-CSI.
Expansion Options
Additionally, this SBC offers PCIe 3.0 with four lanes, which allows for the addition of M.2 slots or extra USB ports when used with a carrier board. It also supports PCIe 2.1 with one lane, along with one USB 3.0 Gen 1 and three USB 2.0 ports. As is common with SBCs, sensors and actuators, which can measure things like brightness, can be connected via a pin header or directly to the board.
Size and Compatibility
The Banana Pi board is about 2.7 x 1.8 inches in dimensions and comes with up to 32GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB eMCC storage. Importantly, the SBC is compatible with Nvidia’s Jetson Nano. An associated Crowd Supply campaign aims to not only fund the production of this new single-board computer but also to create a matching carrier board.
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Tags: Banana Pi BPI-AIM7, RK3588, Single-board Computer
February 24, 2025
PocketBeagle 2: Affordable Compact Single-Board Computer for Devs
Key Takeaways
1. The PocketBeagle 2 is a compact single-board computer (SBC) designed for developers, priced around $28 to $70.
2. It has small dimensions (55 x 35 mm) and offers multiple power options, including USB-C and a 5-watt header.
3. The board includes a microSD card slot and 72 expansion pins for connecting peripherals, but lacks HDMI and wireless features.
4. Powered by a Texas Instruments AM6232 SoC with dual ARM Cortex-A53 cores and a Cortex-M4F MCU, it is suitable for real-time applications.
5. Its lower performance and fewer inputs/outputs make it ideal for niche projects that don’t require a full desktop operating system.
The PocketBeagle 2 is a single-board computer (SBC) designed mainly for developers, similar to the Raspberry Pi 5, which is priced around $70 on Amazon. The PocketBeagle 2 stands out due to its smaller size and lower performance, making it a great choice for those who don’t require a full desktop operating system. It’s important to note that it has fewer external inputs and outputs, with no HDMI ports included.
Compact Dimensions and Power Options
With dimensions of just 55 x 35 mm (2.17 x 1.38 in), the PocketBeagle 2 offers various power options, including battery, USB-C port, or a 5-watt header located on the board. In addition to a microSD card slot, it comes equipped with 72 expansion pins that allow for the connection of peripherals like sensors and actuators. This can open up possibilities for controlling smart home devices, even though it does not support wireless features such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Currently, you can find the PocketBeagle 2 at Mouser Electronics for approximately $28, and they also provide detailed documentation to assist new users in getting started.
Key Features and Applications
At the heart of the PocketBeagle 2 is a Texas Instruments AM6232 SoC, which includes two ARM Cortex-A53 cores that can run at speeds up to 1 GHz, alongside a Cortex-M4F MCU clocked at 400 MHz. This setup is particularly beneficial for real-time applications, offering a good balance of performance for specific tasks. While it may not compete with larger SBCs in terms of overall capability, its unique features cater well to niche projects and development needs.
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Link
Tags: BeagleBoard, PocketBeagle 2, Single-board Computer
February 12, 2025
Radxa Rock 5T: A Powerful Raspberry Pi 5 SBC Alternative with 32GB RAM
Key Takeaways
1. The Rock 5T measures 3.23 x 4.33 inches and is a compact single-board computer with versatile applications.
2. It features two M.2 slots for SSDs, pre-installed eMMC storage, and an onboard microSD card slot.
3. The device offers 4 to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and is powered by the Rockchip RK3588 SoC with impressive processing capabilities.
4. It supports multiple display options, including dual HDMI ports for 4K/8K output, DisplayPort via USB Type-C, and can connect to three monitors simultaneously.
5. The Rock 5T includes advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and two 2.5GbE ports, along with camera and sensor connections via MIPI-CSI.
The Rock 5T is a latest single-board computer that brings the functionalities of the Rock 5 ITX in a smaller size, measuring only 3.23 x 4.33 inches. This device is really well-equipped for an SBC and can be applied in a variety of scenarios.
M.2 Slots and Storage Options
This competitor to Raspberry Pi 5 features two M.2 slots, each linked with two PCIe 3.0 lanes, which is pretty rare for an SBC. These slots allow for two SSDs, but the Rock 5T comes with pre-installed eMMC storage depending on the model variant. Additionally, there’s an onboard microSD card slot.
RAM and Processing Power
The small device has 4 to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, based on the configuration you choose. It runs on the Rockchip RK3588 SoC, which has four Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A55 cores. The built-in NPU can deliver performance of up to 6 TOPS.
Display and Connectivity Features
You can connect external displays through two HDMI ports that support resolutions of 4K and even 8K. Additionally, there’s DisplayPort via USB Type-C and an MIPI-DSI interface available, with the latter supporting Full-HD screens at up to 60Hz. In total, the Rock 5T can connect to three monitors and also provides an HDMI input.
For accessories or external storage, there are two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports. In terms of wireless capabilities, it supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Furthermore, the alternative to the Raspberry Pi 5 can also connect to networks through two 2.5GbE ports that support PoE.
Camera and Sensor Connections
You can attach cameras via MIPI-CSI, and as is typical, there’s a pin header for linking sensors and actuators. Arace Tech is currently offering the 16GB RAM version of the new Radxa Rock 5T for about $140. Sadly, the commercial version that features the Rockchip RK3588J, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 is not available at this time.
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Link
Tags: Radxa, Rock 5T, Single-board Computer
January 4, 2025
Cubie A5E: Compact Raspberry Pi Alternative Single-Board Computer
We have discussed Radxa multiple times on this site, a company that is recognized in specific circles for its single-board computers (SBCs) and more. Their latest offering, the Cubie A5E, is a small SBC that provides a range of expansion choices. The device has dimensions of 69 x 56 mm (2.7 x 2.2 in) and is available with either an Allwinner T527 or A527 system-on-chip (SoC). Both of these chips come with eight Cortex-A55 cores, a Mali-G57 MC1 GPU, and an optional NPU capable of delivering up to two TOPS, which makes it suitable for AI tasks.
Configuration and Storage Options
The Cubie A5E can be set up with 1, 2, or 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, but it lacks built-in storage aside from a small SPI flash chip used for the bootloader. As is common, users have the option to add a memory card or to install an NVMe M.2 2230 SSD. For video connections, it has one HDMI 2.0a port and an MIPI FPC interface. Users can connect cameras not only through USB, which is standard in consumer devices, but also via the MIPI CSI interface. There are two Gigabit Ethernet ports for networking, with one of them capable of Power over Ethernet (PoE). Additionally, it comes with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, plus a single USB 3.0 port.
Power and Connectivity Features
The Cubie A5E is powered through USB-C and can consume up to 20 watts. It includes a 40-pin GPIO header compatible with HATs meant for the Raspberry Pi. The device also has two user-assignable LEDs on board. However, there hasn’t been any detailed announcement regarding its pricing or when it will be available.
Source: Link
Tags: Cubie A5E, Radxa, Single-board Computer