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The Odroid-N2 is a powerful single-board computer (SBC) developed by Hardkernel, designed for developers and tech enthusiasts seeking high-performance computing in a compact form factor. With its robust specifications and versatile features, the Odroid-N2 serves a wide range of applications, from media centers and file servers to everyday computing tasks.
🔧 Hardware Overview
CPU & Architecture
At the heart of the Odroid-N2 lies the Amlogic S922X System-on-Chip (SoC), featuring a hexa-core configuration with four ARM Cortex-A73 cores clocked at up to 1.8GHz and two Cortex-A53 cores at 1.9GHz. This big.LITTLE architecture balances performance and power efficiency. Manufactured using a 12nm process, the SoC ensures minimal thermal throttling, especially when paired with the board’s large metal heatsink.Jumping Bean+10CNX Software – Embedded Systems News+10Geeky Gadgets+10hardkernel.com+4Home Assistant Guide+4ODROID Magazine+4
Memory
The Odroid-N2 is equipped with either 2GB or 4GB of DDR4 RAM, operating at 1320MHz. This high-speed memory offers approximately 35% faster performance compared to its predecessor, the Odroid-N1, which utilized DDR3 RAM at 800MHz. ODROID Magazine
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
For graphics and display tasks, the board integrates the Mali-G52 GPU, operating at 846MHz. This GPU supports advanced graphics APIs and is capable of smooth 4K video playback at 60 frames per second, particularly for H.265-encoded content.
📺 Multimedia Capabilities
Video Output
The Odroid-N2 supports HDMI 2.1, allowing for 4K resolution at 60Hz with features like HDR, CEC, and EDID. This makes it suitable for high-definition media applications and home theater setups.Geeky Gadgets+2ameriDroid+2Wikipedia+2
Audio Output
Audio connectivity includes a 3.5mm stereo line-out jack and support for SPDIF optical output, catering to various audio configurations.Geeky Gadgets
🔌 Connectivity and Expansion
USB Ports
The board offers four USB 3.0 host ports, providing high-speed data transfer capabilities for peripherals and storage devices.
Networking
A Gigabit Ethernet port ensures fast and reliable wired network connections. However, the Odroid-N2 lacks built-in wireless connectivity. Users can add Wi-Fi functionality via compatible USB adapters. CoreELEC Forums
Storage Options
Storage flexibility is a highlight, with support for up to 128GB eMMC modules, a microSD card slot, and an 8MB SPI flash for boot management. The board can boot from eMMC, microSD, or SPI flash, offering versatility in storage solutions. hardkernel.com+2ameriDroid+2CNX Software – Embedded Systems News+2
Expansion Header
A 40-pin GPIO header allows for hardware expansion and integration with various sensors and modules, making the Odroid-N2 suitable for embedded and IoT projects.
🖥️ Operating System Support
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
Hardkernel provides official support for Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, with a kernel version of 4.9.152 LTS. This ensures a stable and long-term supported environment for various applications. hardkernel.com+3hardkernel.com+3linuxgizmos.com+3
Android 9 Pie
The board also supports Android 9 Pie, offering a familiar interface for users and developers interested in Android-based applications. Hardkernel has released a full source code BSP and pre-built images for this OS.
Graphics Drivers
While the Mali-G52 GPU lacks support for the X11 Window System, efforts are underway to enable GPU acceleration through the Panfrost open-source driver, aiming to enhance graphics performance on Linux platforms.
💵 Pricing and Availability
As of its release, the Odroid-N2 was priced at $63 for the 2GB RAM version and $79 for the 4GB RAM version. The board became available for purchase in late March, with shipments starting in early April. linuxgizmos.com
🆚 Comparison with Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+
Performance
The Odroid-N2 outperforms the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ in several areas, including CPU speed, memory bandwidth, and GPU capabilities.
Memory
While the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ comes with 1GB of LPDDR2 RAM, the Odroid-N2 offers up to 4GB of faster DDR4 RAM.
Connectivity
The Odroid-N2 provides four USB 3.0 ports and true Gigabit Ethernet, compared to the Raspberry Pi’s USB 2.0 ports and Ethernet limited to approximately 300Mbps.
Wireless Support
Unlike the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, which includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the Odroid-N2 lacks native wireless connectivity, requiring external adapters for such functionality.
Community and Support
The Raspberry Pi benefits from a vast community, extensive documentation, and a wide range of accessories, making it more accessible for beginners. The Odroid-N2, while powerful, is better suited for users with more advanced technical knowledge.
🔚 Conclusion
The Odroid-N2 stands out as a high-performance SBC, ideal for applications requiring robust processing power, such as media centers, servers, and development platforms. While it lacks built-in wireless connectivity and the extensive community support of the Raspberry Pi, its superior hardware specifications make it a compelling choice for advanced users and developers.
🔗 References
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Hardkernel Odroid-N2 Product Page: https://www.hardkernel.com/shop/odroid-n2-with-4gbyte-ram-2/hardkernel.com+4hardkernel.com+4hardkernel.com+4
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ODROID Magazine Article: https://magazine.odroid.com/article/odroid-n2-run-ubuntu-18-04-and-android-pie-with-hardkernels-newest-lightning-fast-single-board-computer/ODROID Magazine
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CNX Software Review: https://www.cnx-software.com/2019/02/13/odroid-n2-amlogic-s922x-sbc/YouTube+4CNX Software – Embedded Systems News+4CNX Software – Embedded Systems News+4
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Hardkernel Blog: https://www.hardkernel.com/blog-2/odroid-n2/hardkernel.com
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CoreELEC Forum Discussion: https://discourse.coreelec.org/t/odroid-n2-no-wifi-with-rtl8821cu-usb-adapter/42867CoreELEC Forums+1CoreELEC Forums+1
Quick feature comparison “Odroid-N2 VS. Raspberry Pi 3 B+”
| Feature | Odroid-N2 | Raspberry Pi 3 B+ |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 4x Cortex-A73 @1.8GHz + 2x Cortex-A53 @1.9GHz | 4x Cortex-A53 @1.4GHz |
| RAM | 2GB or 4GB DDR4 @1320MHz | 1GB LPDDR2 |
| GPU | Mali-G52 @846MHz (4K/60FPS) | VideoCore IV |
| USB Ports | 4x USB 3.0 | 4x USB 2.0 |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet | 10/100 (max ~300Mbps) |
| Wireless | ❌ (USB adapter required) | ✅ Wi-Fi + Bluetooth |
| Storage | microSD, eMMC (up to 128GB), SPI boot | microSD |
| Operating System | Ubuntu 18.04, Android 9 Pie | Raspbian, Ubuntu, others |
| Price | $63 (2GB) / $79 (4GB) | ~$35 |
Odroid-N2 Specs – Features
Feature |
Odroid-N2 Specs |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Dimensions: 90mm x 90mm x 17mm Heatsink: 100mm x 91mm x 24mm Weight: 190g (with heatsink) |
| Processor | CPU: Amlogic S922X (12nm) Quad-core Cortex-A73 @1.8GHz + Dual-core Cortex-A53 @1.9GHz ARMv8-A with Neon SIMD and hardware crypto extensions |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP6 (Bifrost architecture) 6 Execution Engines @846MHz Supports OpenGL ES 3.2, Vulkan 1.0 |
| Memory | 2GB or 4GB DDR4, 32-bit bus 1320MHz clock speed (2640 MT/s), PC4-21333 1.2V low-power operation |
| Storage | 1 x eMMC module slot (8GB–128GB) 1 x microSD slot (UHS-I SDR104) 8MiB SPI flash for bootloader (optional) |
| Networking | 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) Realtek RTL8211F LED indicators (varies by firmware) Wi-Fi via external USB adapter (not included) |
| Video Output | 1 x HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz, HDR10, CEC, EDID) 1 x Composite video (via 3.5mm jack) |
| Audio Output | 1 x 3.5mm stereo line-out 1 x HDMI digital audio 1 x Optional SPDIF (optical) via header |
| External I/O | 4 x USB 3.0 host ports 1 x USB 2.0 OTG (host/device, no power input) 1 x UART debug console 40-pin GPIO header includes: – 25 x GPIO – 2 x I2C – 1 x UART – 1 x SPI – 2 x ADC (10-bit, 1.8V max) – 3.3V, 5V, 1.8V power rails – GND, PWM (select pins) |
| Other Features | Onboard Real-Time Clock (RTC) IR receiver (remote control support) Passive aluminum heatsink included LED indicators: – Red: Power status – Blue: Kernel alive (heartbeat blink) Optional fan header: 5V, 2-pin (supports 60mm fan) |
| Power | 1 x DC jack: 5.5mm outer / 2.1mm inner Input: 7.5V – 20V (recommended 12V/2A) Power usage: – Idle: ~1.9W – Stress: ~5.5W – Power-off: ~0.2W |
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About the Author: Bernard Aybout (Virii8)
