Libre Computer is launching its second single-board computer. Last year the company launched a crowdfunding campaign for a Raspberry Pi-like device called the Renegade last year, and now Libre Computer is following up with the Renegade Elite.
The new model has a faster processor, USB Type-C ports, and a new set of expansion header with a 60 pin PCI-e header and a second 60-pin low speed header.
Libre Computer says it’ll launch an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for the Renegade Elite in July and start shipping/selling the little computer outright in August.
Update: Renegade Elite pre-orders will run about $100 for the board only during the crowdfunding campaign, or up to $200 with accessories. Libre Computer says retail prices will be about 20 percent higher after the Indiegogo campaign ends.
The Renegade Elite features a Rockchip RK3399 hexa-core processor with two ARM Cortex-A72 CPU cores, four ARM Cortex-A53 CPU cores, and quad-core ARM Mali-T860 graphics.
It has 4GB of RAM, a microSD card slot, and an eMMC 5.x interface for storage. And it has an HDMI 2.0 port, Gigabit Ethernet, three USB 2.0 Type-A ports, and two USB 3.0 Type-C ports, including one with power delivery support (so you can plug in a power adapter).
Both USB-C ports also support DisplayPort technology, allowing you to connect multiple displays.
Other features include an IR receiver, a real-time clock with a backup battery, a UART header, and a few more I/O connection options.
Libre Computer says the board should be able to run Android Oreo software or GNU/Linux-based operating systems with the Linux 4.19 mainline kernel or later, or a Rockchip-specific build featuring kernel version 4.4 or later.
Meanwhile, if you don’t want to wait until August (and don’t mind a slower Rockchip RK3288 processor and 40-pin header), the original Libre Computer Renegade is now available from LoverPi and Amazon for $35.
Your article currently says “two ARM Cortex-A73 CPU cores”, but their product page says they’re only A72 cores.
Thanks. That was just a typo on my part. I’ve updated the article.
I wonder if they’re putting much work into better GPU support. The Meecool rk3399 board has really poor GPU performance due to a lack of firmware support.
I love the idea of these Libre boards, I was actually waiting on an ASUS Tinker Board S(out of stock in a lot of places). That was until I discovered the Ryzen 3 2200G. A cheap B350 motherboard, 2x4GB of memory, a power supply and a used hard drive(already had it) and I’m up and running with a ton of fun for a VERY cheap price. I’ve always looked at these SBC’s as something to experiment/tinker with…but when you add a case, power supply, wi-fi, and all the extra little doo-dads/cables. I think I made a better choice. Hey my slight large SBC…play Fortnite at 100FPS or better! Smile.
I think my days at looking at these sbc’s are over. Too expensive for what you’re getting…like the concept though.
Used cheap x86 systems are great until you need GPIO or power efficiency.
That’s why I have my x86 gaming machine and a RPi3. I don’t need a single device to span the low and high ends. With excellent software support for the RPi3 and gaming rig, I have no desire to buy any medium class devices.
I’m with you. The idea of using a cheap ARM board to build a NAS or HTPC is undoubtedly appealing, but the vast majority of people are simply better off buying something off the shelf, like a QNAP TS-228A ($150) or any number of streaming devices if you don’t need the NAS capability. You won’t save much money unless you really scrimp on performance.
I’m also looking at building a NAS/HTPC combo based on a 2200G specifically because it’s also powerful enough to give a good PC gaming experience on occasion. I don’t need a 24/7 NAS, just one I can wake up when I need it (with WOL, probably), so the extra power draw isn’t really an issue, and it’ll only draw between 30W and 40W when it’s functioning as a NAS anyway, which is fine.