The landscape of single-board computers (SBCs), which offer a wide array of functionalities for both hobbyists and professionals alike, has a new contender available on the global market—the Orange Pi KunPeng Pro. This particular model stands out among its counterparts primarily due to its choice of processor, the HiSilicon Hi1910 SoC, a component not commonly seen in the SBC space.
Previously exclusive to the Chinese market, the KunPeng Pro has made its way to international consumers approximately one month following its initial release. This expansion is credited to third-party resellers who have facilitated availability in regions such as Europe, the UK, and the US.
Delving into the technical specifics, the Orange Pi KunPeng Pro showcases some impressive internals. At the heart is the aforementioned SoC, which has been developed using Huawei’s technology. The chipset includes quad 64-bit CPU cores complemented by an AI accelerator. This AI component boasts up to 8 TOPS (tera operations per second) of performance, a feature particularly attractive for those looking to leverage machine learning capabilities within their projects. Notably, the GPU details remain unspecified, leaving some aspects of the board’s graphical performance a mystery.
To support various uses, the KunPeng Pro comes with a range of storage and memory options, including eMMC flash, LPDDR4X RAM, and an M.2 2280 slot. This slot caters to expansions such as NVMe or SATA SSDs, allowing users to scale their storage according to the needs of their projects. Connectivity and interface options are also well-appointed, with the inclusion of a Gigabit Ethernet port, dual HDMI 2.0 output, and a USB Type-C port—the latter delivering up to 65W of power, ensuring that users have adequate power delivery for their operations.
Prospective buyers can find the Orange Pi KunPeng Pro on platforms like AliExpress, where it is currently listed starting at $223.42 with configuration options including 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC flash storage. An upgraded version with twice the RAM but equivalent storage space is offered for $251.02, giving customers flexibility in choosing a model that fits their requirements and budget.
Despite the novelty factor of the KunPeng Pro outside of China, those looking for an SBC might consider other more widely supported Orange Pi products, such as the Orange Pi 5 Plus, which is currently priced at $190.99. Such options offer a balance of performance and community support, which could prove beneficial for longer-term projects and development.
In conclusion, the Orange Pi KunPeng Pro represents an intriguing option in the ever-expanding SBC market, particularly for those keen on exploring a system equipped with Huawei’s HiSilicon technology. As with any SBC, it is essential for potential users to weigh the system’s specifications and support structure against their project requirements to ensure a successful and fulfilling use of the technology.
