Framework's RISC-V Mainboard can be used in desktop and laptop configurations
Framework has finally begun offering its first RISC-V based mainboard, albeit with a major caveat regarding the device's intended use. To recap, the company announced the RISC-V Mainboard last June in collaboration with DeepComputing before moving it to an early access program five months later.
Now, the RISC-V Mainboard can be ordered by anyone as a drop-in alternative for AMD Ryzen or Intel Core alternatives designed for the Framework Laptop 13. Alternatively, the new mainboard can be used inside a Cooler Master Mainboard Case for a desktop experience, which retails for $39.
In other words, the RISC-V Mainboard carries the same footprint as existing Framework Laptop 13 Mainboards, albeit with four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports to is name. Incidentally, while two of these provide 60 W via USB Power Delivery, only one offers DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode support. Framework also issued the following caveat in its blog post:
This is very much a developer-focused board to help accelerate maturing the software ecosystem around RISC-V, so we recommend waiting for future RISC-V products if you're looking for a consumer-ready experience.
Currently, Framework charges $199 for the RISC-V Mainboard through its Framework Marketplace. It is worth noting that the StarFive JH7100 processor can be had for significantly less inside a Waveshare single-board computer (curr. $109.99 on Amazon) and with a more versatile selection of ports to boot. Please see Framework's website for more details.
Source(s)
DeepComputing & Framework via Liliputing
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