- Maybe you missed it? NanoPi R6S Review
- FriendlyELEC CM3588 NAS Kit Review: Let’s explore its unique features and specifications.
FriendlyELEC CM3588 NAS Kit
FriendlyELEC CM3588 NAS Kit is based on the Rockchip RK3588 board, which has four M.2 Key-M sockets. These sockets have a PCIe Gen 3 x1 interface and can support 2280 NVMe SSDs or other M.2 PCIe modules. This unique feature provides excellent flexibility and high-performance storage solutions.
The CM3588 Core system-on-module is used in conjunction with the CM3588 NAS SDK board. This board has various features including a 2.5GbE RJ45 connector, HDMI 2.1 video outputs, HDMI 2.0 video input, MIPI DSI and CSI connectors, USB 3.0/3.1 ports, and a 40-pin GPIO header for expansion.
FriendlyELEC CM3588 NAS Kit
Part No.1: Core board | Interfaces
Part No.2: Carrier board | Interfaces
The two boards are assembled together.
Specifications
FriendlyELEC CM3588 NAS Kit (Product specification) | |
Brand | FriendlyElec |
Model | CM3588 NAS Kit |
Core Board (CPU Board) | |
SoC | Rockchip RK3588 |
CPU | 8-core 64-bit processor: • 4x Cortex-A55 cores @ 1.8 GHz |
GPU | • Arm Mali-G610 MP4 “Odin” GPU • Hardware Acceleration Supported |
NPU | Built-in AI accelerator NPU with up to 6 TOPS, supports INT4/INT8/INT16 mixed operation |
VPU | 8Kp60 H.265/VP9/AVS2 10-bit decoder, 8Kp30 H.264 decoder, 4Kp60 AV1 decoder, 8Kp30 H.265/H.264 encoder. |
Codec | On-board ALC5616 |
Memory Configurations | 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB LPDDR4x @ 2133 MHz |
eMMC Storage | Optional 64GB eMMC flash |
LEDs | • LED1 (Green) • SYS LED (Red) |
Power | 15W (Max) |
Weight | 21.20g |
Core Board Dimensions | 65 x 55 x 1.6 mm(8-layer PCB) |
Carrier board (Main board) | |
Media Storage | MicroSD card slot up to SDR104 mode |
M.2 Interfaces | 4x M.2 Key-M M.2 2280 with PCIe 3.0 x1 (Each) |
Video Input | 1x HDMI 2.0 input port up to 4Kp60 |
Video Output | 2x HDMI 2.1 ports one up to 8Kp60, the other up to 4Kp60 |
LAN | 1x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports via Realtek RTL8125BG controller |
External Display Interface | 2x 4-lane MIPI-DSI up to 2560×1600 @ 60 Hz compatible with MIPI DPHY 2.0 or CPHY 1.1 |
Camera Interfaces | • x1 4-lane MIPI CSI connector |
USB | • 2x USB 3.0 Type-A ports |
Audio | • 3.5mm stereo audio jack output (ES8316) |
Expansion | • 40-pin header with up to 28x GPIOs • 8x PWM • 1x I2C |
Debug | 3-pin 3.3V debug header (1,500,000 bps in firmware) |
Buttons / Keys | • 1x MaskROM key (for eMMC updating) • 1x Recovery • 1x Power |
LEDs | • 4x LEDs for SSDs (Green) • 1x Power LED (Red) |
PMIC | Rockchip RK806-1 power management IC |
Onboard IR receiver | Yes, Included |
Onboard MIC Pinout | Yes, Included |
PWM Buzzer | Yes, Included |
Onboard RTC backup battery Interface | 2-pin connector for battery for the HYM8563TS RTC |
Onboard 5V Fan Socket | ZH1.5-2A |
Power Supply | 12V/2A via via DC jack (5.5×2.1mm) |
Temperature Range | e – 0°C to +70°C |
Weight | 85.9 grams |
Core Board Dimensions | 160 x 116 x 20 mm (4-layer PCB) |
Software Support | • FriendlyWrt (OpenWrt) • Ubuntu 22.04 Desktop |
Software Support
When comparing the NanoPi R6S router to the NanoPC-T6 SBC, it is impressive to see the distinct features of both devices. FriendlyELEC provides a wide selection of software choices including Debian 11, Ubuntu 22.04, Android 12 TV, FriendlyWrt 21.02/23.05 (OpenWrt derivatives), and OpenMediaVault images. Each of these options is built upon a cutting-edge Linux 6.1 LTS kernel, ensuring users have a robust and reliable groundwork to build upon.
Practical applications
The RK3588(S) hardware platform from Rockchip sets the stage for an exceptional server rack solution. With its CM3588 Core board and CM3588 NAS Kit, this combination offers an unbeatable foundation for transforming your home or office into a powerful server. What’s more, you’ll have the advantages of OpenWrt and OpenMediaVault images at your fingertips, equipping you with all the essential tools for seamless NAS device management.
You can find all the essential images and instructions to begin on the CM3588 Core board’s wiki. Furthermore, it is worth noting that there is a specialized wiki available for the CM3588 NAS SDK carrier board. There, you will have access to comprehensive specifications and convenient links to schematics, PCB layout, and mechanical files.
Price and Availability
The full kit, which excludes a 12V 2A power adaptor, includes a core board with 4GB of RAM and a carrier board, starts at $130. Additional RAM upgrades are available for an additional cost: $15 for 8GB and $30 for 16GB. We eagerly anticipate the imminent availability of a metal case that will effectively cool and shield all components.
