Ever since the release of the Raspberry Pi back in 2012, there have been a plethora of competing single-board computers (SBC), each with a unique set of features designed for certain applications. For instance, some SBCs work well for machine learning, while others are suitable for gaming.
The Khadas Vim4 is one of these specialized boards. It has a much more powerful processor than a Raspberry Pi 4, and while it’s very similar in size, it has far more connectivity possibilities – but it costs over $200.
In this article, we’ll go over the features and specifications, reviews, and pricing of the Khadas Vim4 board, as well as how it compares to other SBCs, so that you can see if it’ll suit your needs.
Features
Over the years, Khadas has added many distinctive features to its boards. Being the fourth iteration of Khadas’ Vim series, the Vim4 is the top of the line, featuring the latest chips and distinctive features.
Amlogic A311D2 Main Processor
Compared to most high-end SBCs, which use either four- or six-core CPUs, the Amlogic A311D2 used in the Khadas Vim4 has 8 cores. This makes it valuable for performing many tasks simultaneously. Each core can be clocked to at least 2.0 GHz (in comparison, the Raspberry Pi 4’s four cores can only go to 1.5 GHz). Overall, this Amlogic chip makes the Khadas Vim4 a good choice for machine learning applications or for projects that need a lot of computational horsepower.
OOWOW Remote Management System
While network OS installers have become increasingly common (the Raspberry Pi Imager is an example), the OOWOW software, installed by default on the Khadas Vim4, takes it a step further. Instead of having to use a separate computer to flash the OS onto the boot drive, OOWOW will automatically prompt the user to install an OS when the board is first powered up. OOWOW also has several remote maintenance features, such as backup and restore, as well as a rescue shell. This is especially useful for large installations of machines, where knowing the status of each at all times can be crucial.
HDMI Input & Dual Microphones
Unlike most SBCs, the Khadas Vim4 features an HDMI Input port, which allows it to function as a receiver. It accepts a Micro-HDMI cable and can then route its signal through either an HDMI output, MIPI-DSI, V-by-One, or eDP.
Connectivity
While most SBCs come with a few USB ports, an HDMI port, Ethernet, and GPIO, the Khadas Vim4 takes it further. It supports two cameras connected through MIPI-CSI, three displays, and contains both USB-C and USB-A ports. It also comes with a built-in Wi-Fi 6 module for speedy internet access, making it highly useful for smart displays or video conferencing. Finally, it also has an M.2 slot for connecting an SSD or cellular modem.
Ecosystem
Although the Khadas Vim4 doesn’t have third-party add-ons like more popular SBCs do, Khadas does sell some on its website. For instance, the Vim4 Active Cooling Kit contains a heatsink and 3705 cooling fan. Some other compatible accessories you can buy are a 4G LTE module and a TS050 touchscreen. A 5G LTE module and case for the Vim4 are listed at time of writing as “coming soon”.
Reviews
Since the Khadas Vim4 launched in May 2022, it has been tested by a number of reviewers. Overall, it has been well received, especially for its high performance in video streaming and gaming tests. As this is a relatively new SBC, with a relatively new CPU, it does have a few issues on the software side.
Accessing and controlling the GPIO pins is quite difficult, as there’s no programmatic API to access them. The only way to control them is through terminal commands. Furthermore, the experience on Ubuntu is somewhat inconsistent, especially with games and other graphics-related programs.
Specifications
Because it’s not just about what can be done, but also how it can be done, these are the technical specifications for the Khadas Vim4 board:
- Main processor: Amlogic A311D2 octa-core Arm CPU
- 2.2 GHz Quad-Core Arm Cortex-A73 “big” cores
- 2.0 GHz Quad-Core Arm Cortex-A53 “little” cores
- Memory: 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM
- Built-in storage: 32 GB of built-in eMMC flash memory
- Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
- Ports/slots: USB, Gigabit LAN, HDMI Input/Output, MicroSD, M.2 PCIe, MIPI-DSI, MIPI-CSI
- Size: 82 x 58 x 11.5 mm, 31 grams
- Input voltage: 9-20 V
- Integrated sensors: Stereo microphones, tri-axis accelerometer
- Price: ∼$220 without Active Cooling Kit, ∼$240 with Active Cooling Kit
Price
Currently, the Khadas Vim4 is retailing for ∼$220. For an extra ∼$20 (which makes it ∼$240), you can get the Active Cooling Kit, which includes an extra heatsink and fan.
Considering the Vim4 is the first SBC to use the Amlogic A311D2 chip, its relatively high price is to be expected for the moment – it might start to decrease as other similar boards are released.
Unique among single-board computers in this price range, the Khadas Vim4 uses an Arm core design, rather than x86. For instance, the Lattepanda Delta 432, which sells for ∼$210, has a quad-core x86 processor. The main advantage of x86 is OS support, as x86 CPUs tend to work well with both Windows and Linux, while Arm CPUs tend to have more piecemeal Linux support and don’t work with Windows at all.
Similar Devices
While you can find some great SBCs that are suitable for different use cases, if you want something similar to the Khadas Vim4, here are a few choices:
Asus Tinker Board 2S
The Asus Tinker Board S 2.0 at first looks almost identical to a Raspberry Pi, but upon closer inspection, it’s much closer to the Khadas Vim4. While the Tinker Board shares the same hole pattern and GPIO layout as the Raspberry Pi, it has remote management and multiple display outputs, just like the Vim4. However, it uses an older six-core processor, and only comes with up to 4 GB of RAM. On the plus side, it’s cheaper than the Khadas Vim4 at ∼$160.
Seeed Odyssey (X86J4125800)
While most SBCs use Arm cores, made inexpensive by smartphones, the Seeed Odyssey goes in the other direction and uses a CPU normally found in laptops. Thus, you can expect to use it like a normal PC, making it great for smart displays or video conferencing apps. Interestingly, this board includes Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) ports, meaning you can add hard drives to increase storage capacity. Furthermore, it has separate headers for interfacing with the CPU and built-in Arduino GPIO pins. At ∼$230, this board is similarly priced to the Khadas Vim4.
UP Squared 6000
Quite similar to the Seeed Odyssey above, the UP Squared 6000 also uses a x86 CPU. It’s also comparable to the Khadas Vim4, as both have powerful CPUs and support for three separate displays. Furthermore, you can configure the CPU to be either a dual- or quad-core model when buying it. Another key feature of the UP Squared 6000 is that it has two Ethernet ports, which makes it a good choice for building a DIY router or for other network-related uses. This board also has a full-sized DisplayPort, rare on single-board computers, which makes it useful for building digital signage or smart displays. The price of the UP Squared 6000 ranges from $220 to $370 depending on the memory, processor, and storage configuration.
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