First RISC-V Laptop Receives Performance Boost with Ubuntu Integration

Adding to a long list of firsts, the new DC-ROMA Laptop II is the first to feature SpacemiT’s SoC K1 — with its 8-cores RISC-V CPU running at up to 2.0 GHz with 16GB of memory. This significant upgrade has doubled its overall performance and energy efficiency over the previous generation’s 4-cores SoC running at 1.5 GHz. Moreover, SpacemiT’s SoC K1 is also the first to support RISC-V high-performance computing RVA 22 Profile RVV 1.0 with 256-bit width, and to have powerful AI capabilities with its customized matrix operation instruction based on IME Group design principle.

This second-generation DC-ROMA RISC-V laptop also features an all-metal casing, making it more durable and improving heat dissipation. The premium class look and feel compared to the previous generation further enhance its appeal to users looking for both performance and aesthetics.

Ubuntu, known for its popularity among developers, is a leading open-source operating system recognized for its user-friendly interface, security, and robustness. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, believes that open source is crucial for accelerating innovation. By ensuring the stability of underlying frameworks, Canonical aims to help developers bring their products to market faster. With RISC-V gaining traction in various markets, porting Ubuntu to RISC-V was a natural step to establish it as the reference OS for early adopters.

Gordan Markuš, Director of Silicon Alliances at Canonical, expressed his excitement about the DC-ROMA II launch, stating, “RISC-V laptops will empower everyone, from seasoned developers to novice users, to develop, experiment, and innovate for the architecture. This development highlights the adaptability and robustness of Ubuntu, showcasing Canonical’s commitment to the RISC-V ecosystem. Our collaboration with DeepComputing aims to create an environment where open standards and collaboration can thrive.”

Yuning Liang, Founder and CEO of DeepComputing, emphasized the significance of the DC-ROMA RISC-V Laptop II in bringing innovative and open standards hardware solutions to the market. The collaboration with Canonical marks a milestone in their mission to provide cutting-edge hardware options to users seeking performance and efficiency.

Dr. Zhijian Chen, Founder and CEO of SpacemiT, praised the collaboration as a significant milestone in the RISC-V ecosystem. The DC-ROMA RISC-V Laptop II not only doubles the performance of its predecessor but also pioneers support for the RISC-V RVA 22 Profile RVV 1.0. Chen believes that this laptop will empower users with unparalleled computing power and efficiency, unlocking new possibilities across various applications.

The highly anticipated DC-ROMA RISC-V Laptop II is set to make its debut at the RISC-V Summit Europe 2024, where it will showcase its cutting-edge features and capabilities to tech enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.