Hardkernel announced the ODROID-M2 on August 22, 2024, describing it as a higher-performance successor for workloads that outgrow the ODROID-M1 and M1S. The company says multiprocessing performance is about three times faster, but that figure is a vendor claim—not an independently validated benchmark. The M2’s headline changes include a Rockchip RK3588S2 processor, LPDDR5 memory, soldered 64GB eMMC, and an M.2 slot for NVMe storage.
What does “three times faster” mean for the ODROID-M2?
Hardkernel says the M2 delivers “about 3 times faster” multiprocessing performance than the ODROID-M1. Its August 22, 2024 announcement does not provide a test methodology or independent benchmark results to verify that multiplier, so it should be read as the manufacturer’s comparison rather than a guaranteed speedup for every application.
The comparison reflects a major platform change: the M2 uses Rockchip’s RK3588S2 SoC, while the original M1 uses the RK3568B2. Actual performance depends on the software and workload; the announcement does not establish a single real-world improvement figure for tasks such as compiling code, running a desktop, or handling a particular embedded application.
How the M2’s hardware compares with the M1
Hardkernel highlights improvements beyond CPU multiprocessing. The figures below are the company’s launch claims, not results from an independently documented test.
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#1 Best Overall
- includes 5V 4A power supply
| Area | ODROID-M2 | Comparison or qualification |
|---|---|---|
| SoC | Rockchip RK3588S2 | Original M1 uses RK3568B2 |
| Memory | 8GB or 16GB LPDDR5; 64-bit bus | Hardkernel says memory bandwidth is more than twice as high as the M1’s |
| GPU | Integrated GPU | Hardkernel claims it is more than five times faster |
| NPU | Integrated NPU | Hardkernel claims it is more than three times faster |
| On-board storage | Soldered 64GB eMMC using an HS400 interface | Hardkernel says it is twice as fast as the M1’s eMMC |
| Additional storage | microSD slot and M.2 M-key slot for NVMe SSD | Provides removable storage and an NVMe expansion option |
The memory-bandwidth, GPU, NPU, and eMMC multipliers are also Hardkernel claims. The announcement does not supply independent measurements or the testing conditions behind them.
Which RAM configuration should you choose?
Hardkernel lists 8GB and 16GB LPDDR5 versions, both on a 64-bit memory bus. Choose based on the memory needs of your operating system and application: the larger configuration gives software more room, while the 8GB version is the lower-priced option shown in the official store listing referenced here.
That 8GB listing showed a price of $240. Hardkernel notes that taxes, tariffs, brokerage, and related charges are not included. Price and availability can change, so check the current listing before buying. No 16GB price is established here.
Rank #2
- High Performance: Amlogic A311D - x4 2.2Ghz Cortex A73, x2 1.8Ghz Cortex A53 12nm SoC fabrication process for low heat 2T2R AC Wi-Fi with RSDB Features Bluetooth 5.0 USB 3.0 Available Gigabit Ethernet with WOL support LPDDR4/X USB-C PD for heavy applications
- Neural Network Accelerator: NPU: Supports a maximum frequency of 800MHz at 5.0 TOPS INT8 inference up to 1536 MAC Internal L2 cache (512KB) and system workspace buffer (1MB) Supports all major deep learning frameworks including TensorFlow and Caffe
- Maker Friendly: Stackable Design Programmable MCU 3 Programmable LEDs (Blue, Red and White) XPWR for external Power button Onboard SPI Flash Khadas TST Khadas KBI
- Business Applications Dual independent displays with GSensor H.264 / H.265 Encoding Supports multi-video decoding up to 4Kx2K@60fps+1x1080P@60fps VIN Power Input
- Rich IO: 40 Pin GPIO Header (USB, I2C, I2S, UART, ADC etc) 8-ch I2S for Microphone Array application (over M.2 Connector) MIPI-DSI MIPI-CSI Designed with GPIO Extender Chip
Does the ODROID-M2 support NVMe and dual 4K displays?
NVMe storage
Yes. The board has an M.2 M-key slot for an NVMe SSD, in addition to its soldered 64GB eMMC and microSD slot. The announcement identifies the expansion interface but does not give an NVMe speed figure.
Display outputs
Hardkernel documents HDMI 2.0 output up to 4K at 60Hz with HDR and EDID, plus USB-C data and DisplayPort Alt Mode. In a vendor demonstration, the company connected two 4K monitors—one through HDMI and one through USB-C Alt Mode—and showed 4K 3D rendering on one display while playing 4K video on the other with hardware GPU and VPU acceleration. This is a demonstration, not an independent test of performance across applications or configurations.
Ports, expansion, and power
Hardkernel documents the following connections and board features:
Rank #3
- High Performance: Amlogic A311D - x4 2.2Ghz Cortex A73, x2 1.8Ghz Cortex A53 12nm SoC fabrication process for low heat 2T2R AC Wi-Fi with RSDB Features Bluetooth 5.0 USB 3.0 Available Gigabit Ethernet with WOL support LPDDR4/X USB-C PD for heavy applications
- Neural Network Accelerator: NPU: Supports a maximum frequency of 800MHz at 5.0 TOPS INT8 inference up to 1536 MAC Internal L2 cache (512KB) and system workspace buffer (1MB) Supports all major deep learning frameworks including TensorFlow and Caffe
- Maker Friendly: Stackable Design Programmable MCU 3 Programmable LEDs (Blue, Red and White) XPWR for external Power button Onboard SPI Flash Khadas TST Khadas KBI
- Business Applications Dual independent displays with GSensor H.264 / H.265 Encoding Supports multi-video decoding up to 4Kx2K@60fps+1x1080P@60fps VIN Power Input
- Rich IO: 40 Pin GPIO Header (USB, I2C, I2S, UART, ADC etc) 8-ch I2S for Microphone Array application (over M.2 Connector) MIPI-DSI MIPI-CSI Designed with GPIO Extender Chip
- USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 host ports
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 40-pin and 14-pin GPIO headers
- Debug UART
- HDMI 2.0 and USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
- microSD and M.2 M-key NVMe expansion
The recommended power input is a 12V/2A adapter. The documented DC input range is 7.5V to 15.5V. The recommended adapter specification is the practical choice unless your installation has a reason to use another input within that documented range.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What software does Hardkernel support?
Hardkernel documents Android 13, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS images for the M2. Its product materials also describe ODROID boards as development platforms. That makes the M2 a better fit for builders and embedded-system projects than for buyers expecting a turnkey consumer computer with a fully polished desktop experience.
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Who should consider the ODROID-M2?
The M2 is aimed at customers who need more computing performance than the M1 or M1S provides, particularly industrial and embedded-system builders. Its mix of LPDDR5, eMMC, NVMe expansion, GPIO headers, and documented Ubuntu and Android support suits projects that need both compute capability and board-level integration.
For a general desktop replacement, weigh the development-platform qualification, required power adapter, and the software support available for your specific peripherals and applications. The launch material establishes supported operating-system versions and a dual-display demonstration, but does not establish independent application benchmarks or a consumer-PC experience.
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