The RISC-V computing landscape is evolving rapidly with DeepComputing's latest announcement of their DC-ROMA RISC-V Mainboard, marking a significant step forward in accessible RISC-V hardware. This development represents a crucial milestone in the democratization of RISC-V architecture, offering both enterprise customers and future general consumers an opportunity to explore this emerging technology.
Product Overview
The DC-ROMA RISC-V Mainboard showcases DeepComputing's commitment to RISC-V innovation, featuring StarFive's JH7110 CPU with four SiFive U74 cores running at 1.5 GHz. The board comes equipped with an Imagination GPU, 8GB of memory, and a 64GB SD card as standard features. This hardware platform is specifically designed to be compatible with Framework Laptop 13 and can also function as a standalone mini-PC.
Technical Specifications:
- CPU: StarFive JH7110 with 4x SiFive U74 cores @ 1.5 GHz
- GPU: Integrated Imagination GPU
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 64GB SD card included
Tiered Pricing Structure
DeepComputing has implemented a strategic pricing model starting at $199 for the Basic tier, which includes the motherboard, two USB Type-C expansion cards, and a case manufactured in partnership with Framework and Cooler Master. The Standard tier at $299 adds USB Type-A ports, HDMI connectivity, and WiFi 6 capabilities. For those seeking complete solutions, the Pro ($799) and Enterprise ($999) tiers include the Framework 13 Laptop alongside the basic components.
Pricing Tiers:
- Basic: $199 (Motherboard + USB-C cards + Case)
- Standard: $299 (Basic + USB-A + HDMI + WiFi 6)
- Pro: $799 (Includes Framework 13 Laptop)
- Enterprise: $999 (Complete package)
Software Ecosystem
The platform supports popular Linux distributions including Ubuntu and Fedora, reflecting the current state of RISC-V software compatibility. While performance may not match traditional x86 systems due to the emerging nature of RISC-V architecture, this platform serves as a crucial stepping stone for software development and optimization in the RISC-V ecosystem.
Future Availability
Initially targeting enterprise and business customers through an early access program, DeepComputing has confirmed plans to open orders to the general public in 2025. The company has also announced that current pricing will remain consistent after the early access period ends, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining accessibility to RISC-V technology.
Value-Added Services
DeepComputing offers additional service packages ranging from $99 to $169, providing benefits such as 50% discounts on mass-produced boards, 15% off catalog products, and opportunities for product feedback. This strategy aims to build a collaborative ecosystem around their RISC-V products while incentivizing early adoption.