Skip to content
Supekkupuru

PINE64 StarPro64: A RISC-V Model-A SBC with 20 TOPS-Class NPU and PCIe Gen3 x4 Expansion

Published on
PINE64 StarPro64: A RISC-V Model-A SBC with 20 TOPS-Class NPU and PCIe Gen3 x4 Expansion

PINE64 has listed the "StarPro64" on their official store. This RISC-V SBC is built around the ESWIN EIC7700X (Quad P550) and features an "AI-oriented" design with a stated NPU performance of 19.95 TOPS (INT8). However, the official Docs explicitly note that "the release is alpha and intended for development and testing," so evaluations assuming production-ready stability should be avoided at this stage.

PINE64 has listed the StarPro64 on their official store, with product information available on their official product page and Docs. This RISC-V SBC is built around the ESWIN EIC7700X (Quad P550) and features an "AI-oriented" design with a stated NPU performance of 19.95 TOPS (INT8). However, the official Docs explicitly note that "the release is alpha and intended for development and testing," giving the impression that this is currently for those who enjoy "verification and bring-up" rather than "stable operation."

Table of Contents

Specifications

■ PINE64 StarPro64
CPUESWIN EIC7700X (Quad-core P550, up to 1.8GHz)
GPUImagination AXM-8-256 (up to 600MHz)
NPU19.95 TOPS (INT8)
Memory32GB 64-bit LPDDR5 @ 6400MHz
StorageXSPI NOR flash (16MB), microSD, eMMC (all bootable)
WirelessWi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac/ax), Bluetooth 5.3
Wired LANDual 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet
Video OutputDigital video output (up to 4K@60Hz, connector type not specified officially)
USB2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0
ExpansionPCIe Gen3 x4 (open-ended), Pi2 GPIO (2×20), MIPI DSI/CSI
Dimensions133×80×19mm (Model-A)
PowerDC 12V @ 3-5A (5.5mm/2.1mm center-positive barrel jack)
Supported OSRockOS/ALPHA-One (alpha status)

This configuration places a RISC-V SBC with 19.95 TOPS-class NPU on a 133×80mm Model-A board with PCIe Gen3 x4 expansion and dual GbE. However, the 12V power requirement, mandatory heatsink, and alpha-status OS are points to verify before purchase.

Features

SoC and CPU

The CPU is the ESWIN EIC7700X (Quad-core P550, up to 1.8GHz), based on RISC-V architecture. The GPU is the Imagination AXM-8-256 (up to 600MHz), and the NPU offers 19.95 TOPS (INT8), making this an AI-conscious configuration.

Importantly, the official Docs explicitly state that "the release is alpha and intended for development and testing." This is not the stage for evaluations assuming software maturity for production use—it's currently a product for those who want to enjoy bringing up a new RISC-V SBC.

PINE64 StarPro64 (board top view)
Ref: PINE64 Official Documentation

NPU and AI Performance

The NPU claims 19.95 TOPS (INT8), positioning it in the 20 TOPS-class for AI performance. Competitors include the Raspberry Pi 5 + Hailo-8L (13 TOPS) and Orange Pi AI series (6 TOPS-class), but this product differentiates itself by having an "NPU built into a standalone RISC-V SBC."

However, with the OS currently in alpha status, whether an environment ready to run NPU-accelerated inference pipelines is available is a separate matter. While the official Docs Software page has download links, the flashing procedure itself couldn't be confirmed in official primary sources, so expect some trial and error for initial deployment.

Memory and Storage

Memory is 32GB LPDDR5 @ 6400MHz, quite generous for an SBC. RAM configurations of 8, 16, and 32GB are mentioned, but the official store lists the 32GB model (verify SKU notation when purchasing).

Storage options listed as bootable include XSPI NOR flash (16MB), microSD, and eMMC (PINE64 eMMC module). Having multiple options from a "just get it booting" perspective is advantageous.

Appearance

PINE64 StarPro64 (board bottom view)
Ref: PINE64 Official Documentation

The form factor is the "Model-A" size at 133×80mm×19mm, weighing approximately 116g. The board's top side shows dual RJ45, USB ports, video output connector, and power input (DC jack), with the PCIe Gen3 x4 open-ended slot also visible.

When considering thermal design, keep the official store's "heatsink required" note in mind and plan case and cooling solutions considering both top and bottom surfaces.

Additional Details

Expansion

PCIe Gen3 x4 lane (open-ended slot) is confirmed in primary sources. For expansion requiring bandwidth (high-speed I/O, various accelerators, etc.), this makes an appealing "base station."

On the other hand, M.2 (Key/size/purpose) is not explicitly stated in the official specs page expansion section and couldn't be confirmed in official primary sources. If planning around M.2, you'll need to design including conversion and mounting methods via PCIe.

GPIO is listed as a "Pi2" 2×20 pin header (equivalent to 40 pins). Avoid assuming pin compatibility (Raspberry Pi compatible, etc.)—confirming whether required signals are available requires cross-referencing pinout diagrams and schematics. UART connection examples include instructions to set USB serial to 3.3V level.

Networking

Wired connectivity is dual GbE, wireless is 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac/ax) + BT 5.3. This makes it easy to configure as a small edge device or test router/NAS-oriented setup.

Video output primary sources indicate "digital video output up to 4K@60Hz," but connector type and effective limits depend on OS/drivers, so at this point, design conservatively rather than assuming output capability.

Power and Thermals

Power is DC 12V (3-5A), with 5.5/2.1mm center-positive barrel jack specified in primary sources. Those expecting Raspberry Pi-style 5V USB-C power should take note.

The official store notes "heatsink required," so don't assume bare operation—it's safer to create an enclosure and cooling plan first.

Conclusion

The StarPro64 is an explicitly "developer-oriented" SBC featuring RISC-V (P550×4) plus a claimed 19.95 TOPS-class NPU.

With 12V power and the official store explicitly noting heatsink requirement, operation is a step more demanding than "Raspberry Pi style." However, PCIe Gen3 x4 is indicated in primary sources, making it appealing as a base for expansion experiments.

That said, with alpha status explicitly noted in official Docs, the impression is that this is currently for those who can enjoy "verification and bring-up" rather than "stable operation." It's suited for developers wanting to try a new RISC-V SBC, or those wanting to start edge AI experiments with an NPU-equipped board. It's not suited for those wanting to immediately run stable inference pipelines in production, or those wanting casual use with 5V USB-C power.

Pricing and availability: The 32GB model is listed at community price $249.99 on the PINE64 official store.

RetailerPrice
PINE64 Official$249.99 (32GB)