FAQ: PINE A64, First $15 64-Bit Single Board Super Computer
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Kickstarter!

How do I buy more than 1?

You an add additional boards, and add-ons and upgrades after the campaign thanks to Backerkit. You’ll have the option to buy in bulk and save on shipping. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:54 am EST

How Can I buy Accessories?

You can choose from a variety of accessories after the campaign thanks to Backerkit. You’ll be able to purchase cables, cases, screens, monitor, and MicroSD cards preloaded with your OS. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

What is a Single Board Computer

A single-board computer (SBC) is a complete computer built on a single circuit board with microprocessor(s), memory, input/output (I/O) and other features required for a functional computer. SBC were made as demonstration or development systems, for educational systems, or for use as embedded computer controllers. Many types of home computer and portable computer integrated all their functions onto a single printed circuit board. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:26 am EST

What is the PINE A64?

The Pine A64 is an index card sized 64-bit single board super computer. It can perform like your desktop or portable PC with browsing the Internet, playing games, watching video, and execute programs like spreadsheets and word-processing. The Pine A64 board can also play ultra high definition 4Kx2K video. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:54 am EST

Why 64 bit? Does it really matter?

The ARM 64-bit processor significantly increases performance over its 32-bit counterpart. Besides the performance increase, the 64-bit processor is more power efficient and consumes less energy. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:54 am EST

How powerful is the A64?

The Pine A64 CPU is quad-core ARM A-53 64-bit processor and runs at 1.2GHz. The CPU’s MIPS benchmarks around 11,040 which makes it capabilities roughly equivalent to the Sony PS3’s level of performance or a netbook running AMD E-240 CPU at 1.5GHz. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:54 am EST

How powerful is Pine A64 GPU processors?

The Pine A64 GPU is dual-core MALI-400 MP2 and runs at 500MHz, capable of 1.1 Gpixel/s throughput. Graphics capabilities are slightly higher than the original Xbox’s level of performance. The GPU provides OpenGL ES 2.0, hardware-accelerated OpenVG, 4Kx2Kp30 H.265 decode, and 1080p60 H.264 high-profile encode and decode. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:54 am EST

Does Pine A64 board need a heatsink?

The SoC chip used in the Pine A64 is the same SoC design that is used in a tablet. Heatsink requirement will directly influenced by each application and case design Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:54 am EST

What type of hardware interfaces that Pine A64 have?

Depending on the model, all the Pine A64 has 46 dedicated GPIO pins, three UART, two i2c bus, two SPI bus, i2s audio, SPDIF out, IR receiver, Speaker out, 3v3, 5v, and ground. In the “PLUS” model, there are additional three ports: CSI-Camera, Touch Control, and DSI-LCD Panel. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:54 am EST

Can I add additional system memory?

No. the PINE A64 comes with 512MB and the A64+ comes with 1GB and 2GB Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:54 am EST

What is the operating temperature of the A64?

The Pine A64 operating temperature qualified range from -20°C to 70°C. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:54 am EST

What is the difference between A64 and A64+?

Two models are available: Pine A64 “BASIC” and the Pine A64+ “PLUS.” The “BASIC” model is the low-cost variant of the Pine A64 board. It has 512MB system RAM and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port. The Pine A64+ “PLUS” model has 1GB system RAM, Gigabit Ethernet port, camera port, LCD panel display port, and touch control port. For Android users, we strongly recommend the Pine A64+ “PLUS” model due to the larger system memory size and for a better user experience. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:54 am EST

Can I connect a USB keyboard to the PINE A64 and act as a computer?

Yes, most existing USB keyboard and mouse can work with the Pine A64 board. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:54 am EST

What are the dimensions for the PINE A64?

The Pine A64 board measures 127mm x 79mm x 21mm (or roughly 5.00″ x 3.11″ x 0.83″) at 46 grams. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:56 am EST

Which SoC are used in the A64 boards?

Both BASIC and PLUS model uses the Allwinner A64 SoC. The SoC contains a quad-core ARM Cortex A53 64-bit CPU with floating point, running at 1.2Ghz, and a dual-core MALI-400 MP2 GPU running at 500MHz. The GPU has a high performance 3D core accessed using the supplied OpenGL ES2.0 and OpenVG libraries. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:56 am EST

How does the PINE A64 boot?

With the microSD card inserted in the card slot, all files necessary for booting should be installed in a microSD card with FAT32 partition. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:56 am EST

What operating system will the PINE A64 support?

Android Lollipop 5.1 or Ubuntu with Kernel 3.10 are available for you. Both comes with 64-bit version. For Android users, we recommend using Pine A64+ “PLUS” boards which has a larger system memory. In addition, we also work with openHAB (http://www.openhab.org) for IoT (Internet of Things) application. The OS is stored on the microSD card; it is a straightforward process to replace the root partition on the microSD card with another ARM Linux. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:56 am EST

Will the PINE A64 run Windows OS?

No but we are working on it. Check back here frequently for updates. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:56 am EST

Which Linux runs on the PINE A64

Ubuntu Snappy and Lubuntu runs on the Pine A64 board. We’re working with other OS providers now. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:56 am EST

I can run Android?

Yes, Android Lollipop 5.1 64-bit OS runs natively in Pine A64 board. We strongly advise you run Android on Pine A64+ “PLUS” model due to the larger system memory size for a better user experience. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:56 am EST

What is the power requirement?

The board is powered by +5v microUSB port. Exactly how much power is required, in terms of current. (mA), is depending on what you hook up to the board. An official 2.0A (2000mA) power supply is available at the Pine64 store with ample power to run the board for most applications. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:59 am EST

What is size of the microSD card I need?

For Linux OS, the minimum microSD size can be as low as 1GB. For Android OS, we recommend no less than 4GB. Besides OS space requirement, please also calculate the free space you need to install additional packages or make programs/data of your own. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:59 am EST

What capacity of the microSD card can the Pine A64 support?

he Pine A64 board supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC format microSD card – this means the largest capacity is 128GB. Please note that if a microSD card is formatted as an FAT32 file format, the maximum capacity is 32GB. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:59 am EST

How about support for other storage devices?

ou can also attach a USB stick or USB hard drive to provide extra storage. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:59 am EST

What happens when the PINE A64 freezes or bricks?

Just simply restore the Pine A64 board by re-flashing the microSD card. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:59 am EST

What kind of networking is included on the PINE A64 boards?

The “BASIC” model has built in 10/100Mbps wired Ethernet and “PLUS” model has built in Gigabit wired Ethernet. There is a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth native expansion port on both models. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:59 am EST

Is there a wireless expansion slot for Wifi and bluetooth?

Yes, the Pine A64 has the reserved expansion port for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The various Wi-Fi and Bluetooth daughter boards are available after the campaign. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:59 am EST

Is sound supported through HDM.

Yes. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:59 am EST

Is sound supported through SPDIF?

Yes it is through the output port located at the “euler“ bus connector. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 7:59 am EST

What about standard audio in/out?

The Pine A64 audio 3.5mm mini-jack supplies amplified audio output to your headphone; you can also use as audio line out. You can add USB microphone support devices, such as webcam for audio in, or using the I2S interface on the “euler” bus connector for additional audio I/O function. The jack is a 3.5mm dual Microphone / Audio jack. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 5:54 pm EST

What display monitor can I use?

There is an HDMI port on the Pine A64 board, and you can hook up to a HDMI monitor or HDTV. For the DVI monitor connection, a passive HDMI->DVI adapter is needed. There is no VGA nor Composite Video support on the Pine A64 board, but such active HDMI->VGA or HDMI->Composite Video converter is available and can be purchased separately. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

Can I watch Netflix?

Yes! Pine64 can run Nextflix and has the capability of streaming 4k video! Last updated: Sat, Dec 12 2015 12:54 am EST

What version HDMI is supported?

Version 1.4 Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

Is CEC supported on the HDMI port?

Yes. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

What is the maximum video resolution supported on the HDMI port?

The maximum resolution supported is 3840×2160@30fps. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

What are the video specifications supported by the A64?

  • H.265 4K@30fps video decoding - multi-format 1080p@60fps video decoding, including H.264 BP/MP/HP, VP8, MPEG 1, MPEG2, MPEG4 SP/ASP GMC, H.263 including Sorenson Spark, VC1/WMV9, MJPEG and etc. - H.264 1080p@60fps or 720p@120fps video encoding Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

What is the DSI port?

The LCD Panel port is a 4 lane MIPI DSI up to 1920×1200@60fps. It provides connectivity to an LCD panel and turns the Pine A64 into a computer or tablet. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

What model of the LCD is compatible for the PINE A64?

We currently offer a 7 inch color active matrix 1024 x 600 LCD panel with 24 chip LED backlight. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

Camera Module is cool, What kind of camera is it?

Himax HM5065 5megapixels CMOS camera. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

Camera Module specifications?

The camera card specifications are as follows: Aperture: f2.8 Focal length: 2.7mm Shooting range: 0.2m→∞ Field of view: 66 degree Optical Distortion: 0.24% White balance: Automatic Gain: Automatic Exposure control: Automatic Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

What is the resolution?

The camera card is capable of taking images up to 5 megapixels (5MP) (2592×1944 pixels) and video recordings at resolutions up to 720p30. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

What picture format does the camera card support?

The camera card supports raw capturing, uncompressed YUV, JPEG422, RGB565, RGB555, and RGB444 photos. It also records H.264 video. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

Does the PINE A64 come with a case?

Various official cases for the Pine A64 are available after the campaign for purchase or download (3D print files) Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

Does the PINE A64 have IR receivers?

Yes, the Pine A64 board has reserved connectors for IR receivers and also introduces an official IR remote control that is available at our store after campaign. Last updated: Sat, Dec 12 2015 12:54 am EST

Does the PINE A64 have a RTC (real-time clock) feature?

Yes, the Pine A64 board comes with the RTC feature. The clock power source can be either come from optional 3V Lithium coin battery or Lipo battery. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

I got the $15, $19, or $29 pledge. What else do I need?

Once you purchase the Pine A64 board, you will also need a power supply and microSD card for boot up (which are not included in the board purchase). The power supply and microSD card are available at the end of the campaign thanks to Backerkit, or you can simply use any existing MicroUSB cable and 5V power source and microSD to power up your device. Last updated: Wed, Dec 9 2015 8:07 am EST

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