VisionFive 2 Lite: Cheap Raspberry Pi alternative with up to 8GB RAM and WiFi launches

We have reported numerous times on new single-board computers, including various alternatives to the popular Raspberry Pi 5. SBC are usually based on either the x86 and RISC-V architectures. The StarFive VisionFive 2 Lite is a new board that utilizes the latter and is currently available as part of a Kickstarter campaign in return for a pledge of $20. Shipping fees are not included, and as with all crowdfunding campaigns, backers might lose their money if the product never makes it to market.

That said, this single-board computer measures 3.35 by 2.2 inches and is equipped with a JD7110S SoC, which has four cores that run at up to 1.25 GHz. Depending on the configuration, the memory capacity is either 2GB, 4GB or 8GB. A microSD card can be used to store an operating system. Video output to external monitors is possible via HDMI. Furthermore, there’s a MIPI-DSI connector, which many tinkerers should be familiar with.

Gigabit Ethernet is onboard as well, and some versions of the VisionFive 2 Lite support WiFi 6 right out of the box. Other external or storage devices can be hooked up via one USB 3.0 or three USB 2.0 ports, while the M.2 slot can accommodate shorter M.2 2242 modules. A 40-pin GPIO header is available for connecting external sensors and actuators. Lastly, the Raspberry Pi 5 competitor is powered with 5 volts via GPIO or via USB Type-C, and the SBC also features a 2-pin connector for a fan.