Orange Pi 6 Plus, a 12-core ARM board, is coming soon.
- Maybe you missed it? Orange Pi RV2 Review.
- Orange Pi 6 Plus Overview: Introduction, First-hand Specs.
Orange Pi 6 Plus
Orange Pi team is gearing up to launch the Orange Pi 6 Plus, a cutting-edge development board featuring an impressive 12-core ARM CPU. This new board is set to capture the attention of both enthusiasts and professionals, delivering enhanced performance and versatility that promises to elevate DIY and embedded projects. The board is also equipped with an integrated NPU that achieves an impressive 30 TOPS, making it highly appealing for edge computing applications in artificial intelligence.
The Orange Pi 6 Plus stands out not just for its impressive core count but also for its cutting-edge design by CIX Technology company, a rising star in the Chinese semiconductor sector. This less familiar company is backed by a highly talented technical team, boasting an average of over 20 years of industry experience, making it a contender to watch closely.
Hardware
The OrangePi 6 Plus is powered by the CIX CD8180 SoC, which features a robust 12-core 64-bit processor alongside an NPU and an integrated graphics processor. It comes equipped with advanced LPDDR5 memory and offers two M.2 2280 interfaces for NVMe SSDs, in addition to SPI FLASH and TF slots for rapid read/write speeds and ample storage capacity. With an impressive computing power of 30 Tops, it easily accommodates a variety of large-scale end-side applications and diverse AI scenarios. Moreover, leveraging its graphics acceleration algorithm and engine, it effectively supports desktop 3D graphics applications, including gaming and industrial design software.
NPU with 30TOPS computing power
AI acceleration performance reaches 30TOPS, significantly enhancing AI development and
deployment efficiency. It supports multiple mainstream AI models and meets the application
needs of generative AI in diverse edge scenarios, such as chatbots and AI-assisted programming.
·Exceptional graphics processing capability
Equipped with the Arm G720 MC10 GPU, it supports 8K video decoding and features hardware-
accelerated ray tracing, delivering outstanding performance in graphics-intensive applications.
Graphics performance
The glmark2 is a useful benchmarking tool designed to assess the performance of OpenGL ES 2.0 on systems utilizing the Wayland display server protocol. It effectively measures a system’s capability in managing graphics rendering tasks, including vertex arrays, textures, and shaders. This test proves invaluable for developers looking to enhance graphics performance in embedded systems or Linux-based devices. The latest benchmark report we go out hands-on reveal very high performance, showcasing glmark2 scores of 1105 in the glmark2-wayland test and an outstanding 5851 in the glmark2-es2-wayland test.
Additional Interfaces and applications
The OrangePi 6 Plus boasts an extensive array of interfaces, including USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, 5G Ethernet, a MIPI camera interface, a TF slot, a Type-C power supply port, a 40-pin expansion connector, and a fan connector. This diverse connectivity greatly enhances the user experience by accommodating various peripheral devices. Its robust computing capabilities make the OrangePi 6 Plus ideal for a multitude of applications, such as smart office setups, edge computing, smart security systems, industrial automation, smart retail, home servers, AI development workstations, and high-performance personal computing. As an open-source motherboard, it empowers developers with unparalleled freedom and flexibility, paving the way for deeper exploration and fostering technological innovation.
video and Audio
The HDMI port is capable of delivering a resolution up to 4K at 60Hz, but that’s just the beginning. Two DisplayPort connections over USB-C are also available, each also supports up to 4K at 60Hz playback. Additionally, you’ll find a 3.5 mm headphone jack for audio output, along with 40-pin header designed for connecting external sensors and devices.
Rich memory and storage expansion
The board Supports 128-bit LPDDR5 memory with up to 64GB capacity, and provides two M.2 2280
interfaces for NVMe SSDs, meeting diverse user requirements for memory and storage capacity.
Rich interface design
The board comes with an impressive array of display output options including HDMI, DisplayPort, Type-C DP, and eDP; this unit can achieve breathtaking 4K 120Hz visuals (DP). Enhanced by dual 5G Ethernet ports and an M.2 KEY-E slot compatible with Wi-Fi modules, it guarantees exceptional network reliability and speed, in addition to multiple USB ports for seamless connections to various external devices.
Connectivity
Connectivity is a vital area in which the Orange Pi 6 Plus truly stands out. It provides both wired and wireless options, ensuring that you remain effortlessly connected at all times.
Wired and Wireless Connectivity Options:
- Two 5GbE ports ensure rapid and stable Internet connectivity.
- Upgradable Wi-Fi Option: The M.2 NGFF slot offers enhanced flexibility for adding and upgrading Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities in the future.
Specifications (Official)
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| SoC | CIX CD8180 |
| CPU Architecture | 12-core 64-bit ARM processor: 4x Cortex®-A720 (Big cores) up to 2.8GHz 4x Cortex®‑A720 (Medium cores) up to 2.4GHz 4x Cortex®‑A520 (LITTLE cores) 1.8GHz |
| NPU Computing Power | 30 TOPs |
| NPU | Integrated NPU with 30 TOPS computing power |
| GPU | Integrated Mali GPU |
| RAM | LPDDR5: 128-bit x 32; 4 chips/module; 4GB/8GB per chip; Available in 16GB/32GB |
| 💾 Storage | SPI FLASH: 64Mbit 2x NVMe SSD (M.2 2280) 1x TF slot |
| 📶 Wi-Fi Module | M.2 KEY-E socket (NGFF slot for Wi-Fi/BT expansion). |
| 🌐 Ethernet | 2× 5GbE ports |
| 🔌 USB Ports | 2x USB 3.0 HOST 2x USB 2.0 Reserved USB 2.0 9-pin socket 2x USB Type-C 3.0 HOST |
| 📷 Camera Interface | 2× 4-lane MIPI CSI |
| 🖥️ Display Interface | 1× DP1.4 (4K@120Hz) 2× Type-C DP (4K@60Hz) 1× HDMI1.4 (4K@60Hz) 1× eDP (4K) |
| 🔊 Audio | 3.5 mm headphone jack audio input/output, speakers2, analog MIC1 |
| 🔧 Expansion Interface | 40-pin function expansion interface, supporting the following interface types: GPIO, UART, I2C, SPI, PWM |
| Indicator Light | Power-on indicator light, system entry indicator light; supports breathing mode |
| Buttons | 1x Reset button 1x power button (power on or button-activated startup). |
| Fan Interface | 1x fan interface PWM connected to EC |
| Reserved Interface | 4-pin battery interface compatible with handheld device batteries; 2- pin RTC interface |
| Power Supply | Type-C PD 20V IN*2, standard 100W |
| 💻 OS Support | Android, Ubuntu, Debian |
| 🧪 Benchmark Scores | ✅ glmark2-wayland: 1105 ✅ glmark2-es2-wayland: 5851 |
| Dimensions | 120*100mm |
Exclusive first-hand photos [engineering sample].
A Quick Overview of Orange Pi Series
The Orange Pi Series is a highly regarded collection of single-board computers, celebrated for their exceptional performance and versatility. These boards serve a wide array of applications, spanning from fundamental educational projects to sophisticated automation systems. With each new iteration, the series continues to introduce great features with high value for the buck.
- Variety of Models: Starting from simpler models like the Orange Pi Zero, which offered just enough performance for basic tasks, to more robust versions like the Orange Pi 5 with enhanced processing power and adaptability.
- User-Friendly: Emphasizing user accessibility, the boards are often structured to be easy to set up and run with widely available operating systems such as Linux and Android.
- Community Support: A vibrant community backed by a plethora of online resources makes it a go-to choice for enthusiasts looking to tinker and explore the realms of IoT and prototyping.
Potential Applications of Orange Pi 6 Plus
Whether you’re a hobbyist, an educator, or a developer, there’s a fascinating application waiting just for you. Let’s explore the exciting avenues this board has to offer.
1. Home Automation and IoT
The Orange Pi 6 Plus is poised to become an essential element of your home automation and IoT ecosystem. With its impressive 12-core processing power, it allows for flawless integration of numerous smart devices, ensuring that your thermostats, lights, and other systems work together in perfect synchronization.
Whether it’s controlling appliances, securing the home with smart locks, or automating curtains to open with the morning sun, the Orange Pi 6 Plus hardware can handle it with ease. Its versatility can turn any home into a smart home effortlessly. Moreover, the ability to connect and communicate with various IoT protocols makes it extremely adaptable for future technologies.
2. Educational Purposes
The Orange Pi 6 Plus stands out as an exceptional educational resource, transforming the way we engage students in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) subjects. Its open architecture and robust capabilities make it an ideal tool for everything from introductory programming lessons to intricate electronics projects, offering an unparalleled learning experience.
Teachers can engage students with computer science concepts by utilizing the Orange Pi 6 Plus to run a variety of educational software and programming environments. Its support for multiple operating systems enables students to explore different software ecosystems, providing invaluable experience. Through hands-on practice, learners can not only grasp theoretical concepts but also connect them to real-world applications.
3. Prototyping and Development
For developers and DIY professionals, the Orange Pi 6 Plus functions as a dynamic tool for prototyping and development. Whether you’re working on the next big IoT device or creating innovative applications, the board’s robust processing and connectivity options make it ideal for prototyping.
Its flexible architecture allows easy adjustment and customization for specific development needs. You can experiment with new software, test real-time scenarios, and even run complex algorithms, thanks to its powerful 12-core RISC-V architecture. Combining this board’s features with a range of available developer resources propels your ideas from conception to realization faster than ever.
In conclusion, the Orange Pi 6 Plus presents exceptional possibilities in a multitude of domains. Whether you’re looking to automate your home, educate future generations, or innovate the technology of tomorrow, this board stands out as your ultimate solution.
Price and Availability
The Orange Pi 6 Plus will be available in five distinct configurations, as detailed in the table below:
| Model: | Price: |
| 4GB RAM | N/A (Updates will be available soon.) |
| 8GB RAM | $149 |
| 16GB RAM | $199 |
| 32GB RAM | $249 |
| 64GB RAM | N/A (Updates will be available soon.) |
About
Orange Pi is a series of open-source single-board computers created by Shenzhen Xunlong Software Co., Ltd. They’re ideal for applications like education, DIY, and industrial use, similar to Raspberry Pi. They offer a variety of models with different specifications, supporting Linux, Android, and Orange Pi OS. Features include high-performance processors, 4K video decoding, and connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth—making them versatile for a range of projects. You can learn more on their official website.
This is great, but i have a Orange Pi 5 Max almost a year and still there is only first versions of few images for that board and few beta on some forums. So support for that is like zero after board is released.
From my checking, the Orange Pi 5 Max supports around 3-4 distributions. There’s often a delay for new images after hardware release, but the popular RK3588 SoC has solid support. You can always upgrade your existing distribution and install a newer kernel with the latest packages. You can always switch to an RP5 that has less powerful hardware but comes with better software support.