Pine64 to start selling SOQuartz compute module next week

Pine64 will start selling its SOQuartz module next week. This SOQuartz is pin-compatible with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 and has a Rockchip RK3566 quadcore and a maximum of 8GB Lpddr4 memory.

Pine64 reports that the previously announced SOQuartz modules will be available next week with 2GB of memory for $35, 4GB for $50 and 8GB for $75. According to the manufacturer, those prices apply to versions with an integrated Azurewave module for Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth. According to Pine64, there will also be versions without WiFi and Bluetooth.

The SOQuartz modules do not come with soldered-on eMMC storage modules. Users can purchase such modules themselves and attach them to the SOQuartz boards. All variants also receive a Rockchip RK3566 soc with four Arm Cortex-A55 cores.

The SOQuartz modules cannot be used separately, but can instead be mounted on so-called baseboards. The Pine64 device is pin compatible with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 and is therefore also compatible with baseboards intended for that Compute Module.

The company itself is also introducing two SOQuartz hostboards. Pine64, for example, shows a small form-factor board, which has two USB 2.0 connections, an HDMI connector and Gigabit Ethernet. A larger Model A host board will also be available, which appears to include four USB ports and a PCIe slot.

The SOQuartz module on a small form factor host board (left) and a Model-A host board. Source: Pine64