Pine64 has unveiled a new single-board computer (SBC) based on the Rockchip RK3566 chipset. The tiny Linux-based computer comes with a wide range of ports and potential add-ons, including an ePD port for e-Ink displays and battery charging circuitry.

Quartz64: A True Raspberry Botherer

The new SBC announcement came as part of the February update announcement from Pine64. The board pictured is the Quartz64 model A, a larger form factor board with a unique layout. A model B with a more familiar Raspberry Pi 4 size and pin layout will be coming later, though no further details are available at this stage.

In terms of functionality, the Quartz64 seems to share a lot with Pine64's previous RockPro64 SBC, though there are also some significant upgrades. Up to 8GB of RAM will be supported, along with an optional 16-128GB eMMC storage.

The board will also support dual displays and SATA 3.0, though the latter is multiplexed with the USB 3.0 port meaning you can only use one at a time.

The most exciting additions are the battery charging circuit and ePD e-Ink connector. Pine64 will be releasing a 10-inch e-Ink display alongside the Quartz64, likely as part of a kit designed to make the Quartz64 usable as a portable, low-power Linux computer.

Currently, no release date or price is available for the Quartz64 or accompanying display, though on release, it seems likely it will be first available on the Pine64 store.

Quartz64: In Specifications

The model A version of Quartz64 looks to be pretty impressively specced:

  • Processor: Rockchip RK3566 quad-core Cortex-A55 processor up to 1.8 GHz with Arm Mali-G52 GPU supporting OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0/3.2, OpenCL 2.0, Vulkan 1.1, 0.8 TOPS NPU for AI acceleration
  • RAM: 2GB to 8GB LPDDR4
  • Storage: SPI Flash, optional eMMC module from 16GB up to 128GB capacity,bootable SDHC/SDXC MicroSD card up to 256GB, SATA 3.0 port
  • Video: HDMI 2.0a up to 4Kp60, 4-lane eDP up to 2560×1600 @ 60Hz, 4-lane MIPI DSI up to 1440p, SPI Touch Panel Port, SPI with interrupt
  • Camera: 4-lane MIPI CSI camera Interface up to 8MP
  • Networking: 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port, Optional WiFi 802.11 b/g/n/ac with Bluetooth 5.0 via SDIO 3.0 and UART
  • USB: 3x USB 2.0 host ports, 1xUSB 3.0 host port
  • Peripheral: 2x 10-pin GPIO header, PCIe 2x open-ended slot for PCIe 2.0 1x interface
  • Clock: RTC battery connector
  • Power: 12V/3A DC barrel jack, VBAT Lithium Battery Connector
  • Dimensions: 133 x 80 x 19mm

Pine64 Keep Up the Pace

Not content with being one of the only Linux-based phone manufacturers, Pine64 has consistently created SBCs that impress both DIY media server makers and general SBC enthusiasts alike.

The RockPro64 was among the first serious contenders to the Raspberry Pi, and this new SBC will undoubtedly turn heads. While it doesn't quite have the processing power the Pi 4 has, the options for peripherals and promise of native e-Ink support potentially gives the Quartz64 an edge over other Linux-based SBCs.