RISC-V processor for Framework Laptop 13 now available for everyone
A mainboard with a RISC-V CPU from StarFive is now also available in Germany. The board is for developers who want to experiment with RISC-V.
(Image: Framework)
Framework and DeepComputing are now offering their mainboard with RISC-V processor to everyone. While there was previously only a limited early access, the model is now normally available in Framework's webshop. The board with soldered JH7110 processor from StarFive and 8 GByte LPDDR4 RAM, also soldered on, costs 199 euros.
The four RV64GC cores of the SiFive U74 type are comparatively lame; even a Raspberry Pi 4 is faster. YouTube videos, for example, do not run smoothly even in low resolution. In addition, the software ecosystem is still in its infancy. Basically, Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 and Fedora 41 run on the RISC-V CPU.
In the new blog post, Framework founder Nirav Patel also emphasizes that the motherboard is primarily intended for developers who want to experiment with the RISC-V instruction set. Patel recommends that consumers who are less keen to experiment should wait for future RISC-V products.
It can be used as a notebook or mini PC
The RISC-V mainboard can be installed in any Framework Laptop 13. Alternatively, you can use it as a mini PC – Framework offers a suitable housing together with Coolermaster for 45 euros, or you can 3D print one yourself.
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The manufacturer does not sell a complete notebook with RISC-V technology, presumably because it only serves a niche market. However, Framework now also offers its notebook cover separately, i.e., everything from the Laptop 13, just without the mainboard. A display, battery, keyboard and the other components are included for 445 euros.
If you buy the case and the RISC-V mainboard, you will also need an eMMC mass storage module or a microSD card and possibly a WLAN card. The board does not support SSDs.
(mma)
