Star64 RISC-V Single-Board Computer Is a ARM-Based Pi Alternative: Here's What You Should Know

Urian B., Tech Times 04 April 2023, 10:04 pm

The Star64 is an interesting proposition since it offers a completely open-source CPU architecture that the Raspberry Pi doesn't. RISC-V is still a work in progress, but its accessibility has opened the door to makers and DIYers to explore and develop new ideas that otherwise would not have been possible.

The Star64: Pine64's Latest Attempt to Bring RISC-V Architecture to Single-Board Computers

For example, some schools are now using Star64 to run MakerSpace projects and AI research, which otherwise would have been difficult to implement. The Star64 is Pine64's latest attempt to bring the advantages of the open-source RISC-V architecture to single-board computers.

According to the story by How-To-Geek, fans of the popular Raspberry Pi have long kept to using ARM-based chips. Still, with the Star64, Pine64 has provided an alternative that could make open-source computing more widely accessible.

Advantages of RISC-V Architecture: No Fees or Royalties Required

RISC-V is a relatively new architecture rapidly gaining traction due largely to its open-source nature. Unlike traditional architectures, like ARM and x86, RISC-V does not require any fees or royalties for its use.

Furthermore, the Star64 is powered by the StarFive JH1710 CPU, with four cores clocked at 1.5 GHz, offering a performance boost from the Raspberry Pi. This is a key step in furthering the adoption of RISC-V and ensuring that open-source computing can become commonplace.

Pine64 Pushes Boundaries of Open-Source Hardware with Star64

By offering a single-board computer based on the standard, Pine64 has provided a cost-effective and powerful platform for developers and hobbyists alike to test, develop, and implement projects without paying any licensing fees.

Of course, Pine64 is not the only company trying to push the boundaries of open-source hardware - but its newly released Star64 could very well be the spark that ignites a new wave of technical innovation. Interested users can read more on Pine64.org.

The Star64 - Promising New Possibilities for Open-Source Hardware

For now, it remains to be seen how the Star64 will fare in the market and how much of an impact it will have on the future of computing - but from where we stand, it looks to be an exciting new product worthy of attention.

The Raspberry Pi started the low-cost board computer revolution, but with the emergence of the Star64, the potential of open-source configurations is now being taken to a higher level. Fans can purchase the STAR64 Model-A 4GB and 8GB variants on Pine 64.

The Star64 is a significant advancement in what is possible with open-source hardware, and although RISC-V still has a way to go before it can truly compete with ARM, its potential is undeniable. With the availability and affordability of this board, we can only expect to see a lot more people getting their hands dirty with RISC-V in the future.