Discussion ODROID N2

[bit_user]

Since my last attempt got derailed (https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/odroid-n2-and-why-no-threads-for-news-articles.3465824/ ), here's another try at a ODROID N2 discussion thread.

In case you missed it, the article was https://www.tomshardware.com/news/hardkernel-odroid-n2-single-board-computer,38941.html . But, it had no comment thread. So, let's discuss it here.

 

[bit_user]

N2 Specs: https://www.hardkernel.com/blog-2/odroid-n2/

For comparison, N1 Specs: https://www.hardkernel.com/tag/odroid-n1/

The first thing I noticed is no M.2 or SATA connectors. Even though I've been following ODROID since the launch of their C1 (Feb 2016), I somehow missed the announcement of the N1. However, we see that model indeed had 2x SATA3 ports. This seems to be a natural consequence of the N1's Rockchip RK3399 having a x1 PCIe port, while the block diagram of the Amlogic S922X shows none.

They have a benchmark of the N2, showing roughly similar SSD performance, presumably using a USB3->SATA enclosure or adapter. By comparison, the eMMC storage (see table) is far slower.

Another notable difference (besides the CPU cores, obviously) is the N2's addition of an audio DAC.

Finally, I'm excited about the thermal and power profile of the N2. It idles around where I recall my Pi v1 being rated, cranking up to a max of only 5.5 W.

Its biggest competitor is probably not ARM-based, but rather their Gemini Lake-based H2.

https://www.hardkernel.com/shop/odroid-h2/

That should have the support advantage of being Intel-based, as well as featuring SATA and a M.2 slot. The downside is that its base price is higher, and doesn't even include RAM. If anyone knows of benchmarks comparing the two, please post a link!

 

[bit_user]

For those awaiting Pi v4, I think you should expect:

1. Worse performance
2. Better software support - especially in the area of GPU drivers.
3. Wait 'till next year (they've said the Pi v4 won't launch in 2019).

Regarding #1, the Pi 4 will launch next year, and at a price point much too low for them to include a higher-performing SoC. The Cortex A73 is the "Big" Arm core from just a couple years ago. The Pi's A53 is a "Little" core, making it significantly cheaper to license and fab. I don't see the Pi going from 4x Little cores to a 4+2 Big+Little config. Not for $35, which is likely to remain constant (they're pretty adamant about pricing, if you read the interview: https://www.tomshardware.com/news/raspberry-pi-founder-interview,38585.html ). And there's no core the Pi is likely to use that will perform better than the A73.

Regarding #2, the Pi foundation is big on being completely opensource. This is a sore spot for mobile GPUs, where the drivers usually have to be created through reverse-engineering or users must rely on poorly-supported proprietary drivers. Over time, it seems Broadcom has opened up the details of their VidCore GPUs, and now the Pi's current (and next-gen) GPU drivers are opensource, and developed with full cooperation from Broadcom. Moreover, while the Pi's original/current GPU is fairly simplistic, I expect Pi v4's GPU to support full OpenGL and OpenCL.

The only better-supported option than Pi would probably be something x86-based, like the ODROID H2, I mentioned above. Intel's GPU drivers are both completely opensource and officially maintained by Intel.

So, if the N2 is in your budget, you're a little adventurous, and your hungering for more performance, then you might consider the N2. Make sure to go in with eyes open (I'd probably start by reading here: https://forum.odroid.com/viewforum.php?f=175&sid=8b4f172b91a83a38d1824122f3ed9b64 ). If you take the plunge, let us know how it goes!