Single-board computers (SBCs) have revolutionized the world of computing, offering developers and hobbyists an affordable and versatile platform for building innovative projects. Among the many SBCs available, the Raspberry Pi has long been the go-to choice for its impressive performance and extensive community support. However, a new contender has emerged that may just give the Raspberry Pi a run for its money: the Pico Pi V2.0.
Developed by Chinese manufacturer 9tripod, the Pico Pi V2.0 is a powerful Raspberry Pi clone that boasts cutting-edge technology and impressive specifications. In this article, we‘ll take an in-depth look at the Pico Pi V2.0, exploring its features, performance, and potential applications. We‘ll also compare it to the Raspberry Pi 4 and other popular SBCs to help you determine whether this new device is the right choice for your next project.
Pico Pi V2.0 Overview
Release Date and Price
The Pico Pi V2.0 made its debut in February 2023, with a retail price of $124.99. While this may seem steep compared to the Raspberry Pi 4, which starts at just $35, the Pico Pi V2.0‘s enhanced specifications and features justify the higher price point.
Different Models
The Pico Pi V2.0 is available in two main configurations: a base model with 4GB of RAM and a more advanced version with 8GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard eMMC storage. 9tripod has also hinted at the possibility of future models with up to 16GB of RAM, further expanding the Pico Pi V2.0‘s capabilities.
Features and Specifications
One of the Pico Pi V2.0‘s standout features is its Rockchip RK3588S chipset, which includes four ARM Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and four ARM Cortex-A55 cores running at 1.8 GHz. This powerful combination offers significantly more processing power than the Raspberry Pi 4‘s Broadcom BCM2711 SoC.
In terms of memory, the Pico Pi V2.0 uses LPDDR4x RAM, which is faster and more efficient than the LPDDR4 RAM found in the Raspberry Pi 4. The base model comes with 4GB of RAM, while the advanced version offers 8GB, providing ample memory for even the most demanding projects.
The Pico Pi V2.0 also features an impressive array of connectivity options, including:
- 4 USB ports (2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0)
- 1 USB Type-C port for power and DisplayPort Alt Mode
- 1 Micro HDMI 2.1 port
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet port
- Wi-Fi 6.0 and Bluetooth support
- 40-pin GPIO connector (compatible with Raspberry Pi accessories)
- MicroSD card reader
With these features, the Pico Pi V2.0 is well-equipped to handle a wide range of projects, from building home media centers to developing IoT devices and beyond.
Performance Review
To truly appreciate the Pico Pi V2.0‘s capabilities, it‘s essential to examine its performance in real-world scenarios. During our testing, we found that the device excelled in general computing tasks, such as web browsing, word processing, and multimedia playback. The Rockchip RK3588S‘s eight cores and ample RAM made multitasking a breeze, with no noticeable lag or slowdown.
In terms of development, the Pico Pi V2.0‘s powerful hardware enables it to handle more complex projects than the Raspberry Pi 4. The additional processing power and RAM are particularly beneficial for tasks like compiling code, running virtual machines, and working with large datasets.
Gaming and emulation are also areas where the Pico Pi V2.0 shines. The device can run ARM-compatible emulators like RetroArch with ease, allowing users to enjoy their favorite retro games on a modern platform. While it may not be capable of running the latest AAA titles, the Pico Pi V2.0 is more than adequate for casual gaming and emulation.
Compatibility and Ecosystem
One of the Raspberry Pi‘s greatest strengths is its extensive ecosystem of accessories and software. Fortunately, the Pico Pi V2.0 maintains compatibility with many of these resources, thanks to its 40-pin GPIO connector and ARM-based architecture.
Most Raspberry Pi HATs (Hardware Attached on Top) and other add-ons should work seamlessly with the Pico Pi V2.0, allowing users to expand the device‘s capabilities with ease. However, it‘s worth noting that some enclosures designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi may not fit the Pico Pi V2.0 due to slight differences in the board layout.
On the software side, the Pico Pi V2.0 supports a range of popular ARM-compatible operating systems, including Debian, Ubuntu, and Android. 9tripod also provides a custom Debian-based distribution optimized for the device‘s hardware. While the Pico Pi V2.0 may not have the same level of community support as the Raspberry Pi, its compatibility with existing software and accessories makes it a viable alternative for many projects.
Comparison with Other SBCs
The Pico Pi V2.0 isn‘t the only SBC using the powerful Rockchip RK3588S chipset. Other devices, such as the Cool Pi 4 and Radxa Rock5 Model A, offer similar specifications and features. However, these alternatives have the advantage of more readily available English-language documentation, which may be a deciding factor for some users.
Compared to the Raspberry Pi 4, the Pico Pi V2.0 offers superior performance in terms of processing power and memory. The Rockchip RK3588S‘s eight cores and higher clock speeds enable the Pico Pi V2.0 to handle more demanding tasks with ease. Additionally, the option for up to 16GB of RAM in future models gives the Pico Pi V2.0 a significant advantage over the Raspberry Pi 4, which is limited to 8GB.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
– More powerful than the Raspberry Pi 4
– Up to 16GB of RAM in future models
– Onboard eMMC storage in higher-end models
– Compatible with many Raspberry Pi accessories and software
– Excellent performance in general computing, development, and emulation
Cons:
– More expensive than the Raspberry Pi 4 and some other SBCs
– Limited availability (only through AliExpress)
– Lack of English-language documentation and community support
Conclusion
The Pico Pi V2.0 is a powerful and versatile Raspberry Pi clone that offers cutting-edge technology and impressive performance. With its Rockchip RK3588S chipset, ample RAM, and extensive connectivity options, the Pico Pi V2.0 is well-suited for a wide range of projects, from casual computing to advanced development and gaming.
While the device‘s higher price point and limited availability may be drawbacks for some users, its compatibility with Raspberry Pi accessories and software makes it an attractive alternative for those seeking a more powerful SBC. However, the lack of English-language documentation and community support may be a challenge for less experienced users.
Overall, the Pico Pi V2.0 is an excellent choice for developers and hobbyists who require the additional processing power and memory offered by the Rockchip RK3588S chipset. If you‘re willing to navigate the potential language barriers and invest in this cutting-edge SBC, the Pico Pi V2.0 may just be the perfect foundation for your next innovative project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the Pico Pi V2.0 run Windows?
Yes, the Pico Pi V2.0 can run versions of Windows designed for ARM-based systems. However, some additional configuration may be necessary to optimize performance.
2. Is it possible to use the Pico Pi V2.0 to build custom tablets or laptops?
Absolutely! The Pico Pi V2.0‘s powerful hardware and extensive connectivity options make it an excellent choice for building custom mobile devices. Its enhanced performance compared to the Raspberry Pi 4 may result in a smoother user experience.
3. Can I purchase the Pico Pi V2.0 from retailers other than AliExpress?
Currently, AliExpress appears to be the sole distributor for the Pico Pi V2.0. While this may change in the future, users interested in purchasing the device will need to do so through the AliExpress platform.
4. Is the Pico Pi V2.0 compatible with RetroPie?
While the Pico Pi V2.0 has the necessary hardware to run RetroPie, some additional configuration may be required to take full advantage of the device‘s enhanced specifications. However, with the appropriate tweaks, the Pico Pi V2.0 should be capable of providing an excellent retro gaming experience.
5. Which operating system is best suited for the Pico Pi V2.0?
The best operating system for the Pico Pi V2.0 ultimately depends on the user‘s preferences and the intended use case. Linux-based distributions like Debian and Ubuntu are popular choices, and 9tripod offers a custom Debian-based OS optimized for the device. Ultimately, the Pico Pi V2.0‘s versatility allows users to experiment with different operating systems to find the one that best meets their needs.
