Milk-V Debuts Unique “RISC-V-Based” Mini-ITX Motherboard, Featuring PCIe 2.0 Connections

Milk-V Debuts Unique "RISC-V-Based" Mini-ITX Motherboard, Featuring PCIe 2.0 Connections 1

A new mini-ITX motherboard has surfaced, featuring a RISC-V processor onboard, making it a one-of-a-kind piece of hardware.

It's not every day that RISC-V-based products drop into the markets, especially when they're mini-ITX motherboards. There haven't been many instances where manufacturers have integrated the architecture into a compact design, but it looks like Milk-V, the renowned RISC-V integrator in embedded products, has done it. Firms like SiFive have implemented similar methods, but that was years ago, and the product didn't manage to gain much traction in the markets. However, with Milk-V's latest Jupiter mini-ITX motherboard, things look to change.

According to Liliputing, Milk-V's latest RISC-V product is their Jupiter mini-ITX board that features 170mm x 170mm in dimensions. Interestingly, Jupiter is pre-loaded with a RISC-V processor, the SpacemiT K1, which features an eight-core count along with 2 TOPS of AI power. This is the same processor that was featured in the SpacemiT Muse Book, which we have already covered in-depth in previous coverage. Regarding memory options, the Jupiter motherboard comes in different memory configurations, such as 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of LPDDR4x soldered into the DIMM slots.

For storage connectivity, the motherboard comes with one M2.2280 slot for a relatively outdated PCIe 2.0 x 2 connection, an eMMC connector for flash storage, and a micro-SD card reader, which is unusual for modern-day motherboards.

Additionally, the company also offers an M.2 to SATA adapter to connect supported storage. The board has a PCIe x8 slot, supporting a PCIe 2.0 connection. Hence, you are confined to older GPUs with Jupiter. Here are the ports present on the motherboard:

1 x USB 2.0 Type-C

2 x USB 3.0 Type-A ports

2 x USB 2.0 Type-A ports

1 x HDMI (up to 1920 x 1440 pixels @ 60 Hz)

2 x Gigabit Ethernet

1 x 3.5mm headphone

1 x 3.5mm microphone

1 x 12V DC power input

That's it for the motherboard's description. Let's talk a bit about RISC-V. The architecture hasn't gained much attention compared to mainstream options like x86 or ARM, not only because it isn't capable but because many firms have already made choices regarding which platform to opt for.

However, RISC-V has recently made strides in the Chinese markets, and Milk-V Jupiter's availability is also linked to the region for now, so that's an area where "Risk-Five" can see mass adoption. Pricing and global availability of Milk-V Jupiter haven't been specified yet.