New Ubuntu Linux Image from Canonical Is Optimized for RISC-V Milk-V SBC

In one of our previous posts, we wrote about the Milk-V Mars it’s a StarFive JH7110 powred SBC with a dual-core U74 processor, up to 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, and features storage options like eMMC, Micro SD, and SPI Flash. Additionally, it features HDMI 2.0, PoE, and other capabilities.

At the time of writing the company did not release any specific operating system for this SBC, but that changed today as Canonical released Ubuntu 24.04 Server to the compact Milk-V Mars. The Milk-V Mars, Milk-V’s second RISC-V offering after the powerful 64-core Milk-V Pioneer, is designed to match the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B in both size and performance. It features the StarFive JH7110 quad-core RISC-V chip, a processor already compatible with a custom Ubuntu image on the StarFive VisionFive 2.

The Milk-V Mars uses a custom Ubuntu 24.04 Server version, different from the one for the VisionFive 2. You can install it onto the Mars’ built-in storage, an external drive, or a USB stick. But at the time of writing booting from a microSD card is currently necessary for all installations until a firmware update becomes available.

Milk-V Mars SBC Specifications

• Processor: StarFive JH7110 quad-core RISC-V SoC
• Memory:
  • Up to 8GB LPDDR4 RAM
  • eMMC module (removable)
  • Micro SD card slot
  • SPI Flash
• Networking:
  • Gigabit Ethernet (with PoE support)
  • M.2 E-Key slot for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module
• Display & Video:
  • HDMI 2.0 port (up to 4K resolution)
  • 2x MIPI DSI interfaces
  • Video decoder (4K@60fps H.264/H.265)
  • Video encoder (1080p@30fps H.265)
• Other I/O:
  • 3x USB 3.0 ports
  • 1x USB 2.0 port
  • 40-pin GPIO header
• Operating System: Ubuntu 24.04 Server (custom image)
• Form Factor: Raspberry Pi 3 Model B compatible

You can download the Milk-V Mars Ubuntu 24.04 image and a live installer from the Ubuntu RISC-V website. The site also offers images for other RISC-V platforms, including AllWinner Nezha, Microchip PolarFire SoC Icicle Kit, SiFive Unmatched, and more.

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