RISC-V Mainboard for Framework Laptop starts at $199 during early access

Earlier this year modular laptop maker Framework announced it was partnering with DeepComputing to offer a RISC-V mainboard for the Framework 13 laptop.

While the mainboard won’t be mass produced until sometime in 2025, DeepComputing has launched an early access program for “industry and business customers” and early adopters a chance to get their hands on a limited edition version of the board a little early. Prices start at $199 for a basic mainboard that runs Ubuntu 24.04, Fedora 41, or both.

At the heart of the DC-ROMA RISC-V mainboard is a StarFive JH7110 processor with four SiFive U74 RISC-V processor cores with support for frequencies up to 1.5 GHz, Imagination BXE-4-32 graphics, and support for 1080p video encoding and 4K video playback.

The board also features 8GB of RAM, support for eMMC or SD card storage, and an optional Intel AX210 wireless card with support for WiFi 6E.

You can use the board as a standalone computer or add it to a Framework Laptop to create a RISC-V notebook. If you already have a Framework Laptop 13 you can remove the existing Intel or AMD board and replace it with the RISC-V board. Or if you don’t already have one of Framework’s laptops, you can buy a bundle from DeepComputing that includes both the board and the laptop with a 13.5 inch display, 55 Wh battery, stereo speakers, 1080p webcam, and fingerprint reader, among other features.

DeepComputing’s $199 Basic Tier package included a DC-ROMA RISC-V mainboard, a Cooler Master case that lets you use the mainboard as a standalone desktop computer (rather than a laptop), two Framework USB-C expansion cards, and a 64GB SD card. This version does not have a wireless card.

But customers can also pay extra for a Standard Tier model with a WiFi module and antenna plus USB-A and HDMI expansion cards, or opt for Pro or Enterprise Tier models which also include Framework 13 laptops. And there’s also an option to pay $99 to $169 for “value-added services” including a 50% discount on the mass-produced mainboard once it goes on sale next year, and “an opportunity to provide valuable feedback to help shape future product improvements” which is… a little weird. It seems odd to charge for the ability to send feedback for an early access product. Typically companies that offer this sort of pre-release product are hoping to collect feedback from users rather than asking customers to pay extra for the ability to provide it.