Orange Pi 5 Plus
78
BUYARY SCORE
Powerful 8-core SBC with 8K video and dual 2.5G Ethernet, but software and reliability need patience.
The Orange Pi 5 Plus is a powerhouse SBC built for tinkerers craving serious muscle, packing the RK3588 octa-core CPU, an Arm Mali-G610 GPU, and a rare 6 TOPS NPU for AI edge tasks. It dazzles media buffs with dual HDMI 2.1 outputs plus HDMI input at 4K@60fps and zips through storage via native M.2 NVMe SSD support hitting ~3GB/s. Experts praise its raw power and dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, but users wrestle with boot quirks and patchy software polish—a trade-off for savvy DIYers hunting value beyond plug-and-play ease. Its quiet fan cools ambition; patience cools frustration—key to unlocking this beast’s true potential.
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The Scoreboard
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Benefits
Trade-Offs
Efficient high performance
RK3588 on 8nm uses less power for always-on servers, lowering energy and bills.
Manufacturing carbon cost
Complex RK3588 board and metal parts increase embodied carbon versus simpler SBCs.
Low-noise operation
Included fan and passive cooling run quietly, reducing household noise and cognitive distraction.
Heat and power spike
Sustained CPU/NPU loads raise power draw and heat, requiring fan noise and extra power.
Local AI privacy
6 TOPS NPU allows inference on-device, avoiding cloud data sharing and privacy risks.
Software support burden
Unstable kernels and poor documentation increase troubleshooting time and frustration, especially for beginners.
Modular storage longevity
eMMC socket and M.2 NVMe (2280) let you upgrade, extending device lifespan and reducing e‑waste.
Intermittent reliability risk
Reported kernel panics and intermittent failures can cause downtime or data loss during long runs.
High value offering
Strong CPU/GPU and dual 2.5G ports deliver PC‑class power for less money, reducing consumption.
SSD fitting constraint
Board supports only full‑size 2280 NVMe natively, forcing adapters or larger SSD purchases.
Fragile HDMI input
HDMI‑in reported susceptible to EMI; this design trade‑off may cause unusable capture inputs.
Benefits
Efficient high performance
RK3588 on 8nm uses less power for always-on servers, lowering energy and bills.
Low-noise operation
Included fan and passive cooling run quietly, reducing household noise and cognitive distraction.
Local AI privacy
6 TOPS NPU allows inference on-device, avoiding cloud data sharing and privacy risks.
Modular storage longevity
eMMC socket and M.2 NVMe (2280) let you upgrade, extending device lifespan and reducing e‑waste.
High value offering
Strong CPU/GPU and dual 2.5G ports deliver PC‑class power for less money, reducing consumption.
Trade-Offs
Manufacturing carbon cost
Complex RK3588 board and metal parts increase embodied carbon versus simpler SBCs.
Heat and power spike
Sustained CPU/NPU loads raise power draw and heat, requiring fan noise and extra power.
Software support burden
Unstable kernels and poor documentation increase troubleshooting time and frustration, especially for beginners.
Intermittent reliability risk
Reported kernel panics and intermittent failures can cause downtime or data loss during long runs.
SSD fitting constraint
Board supports only full‑size 2280 NVMe natively, forcing adapters or larger SSD purchases.
Fragile HDMI input
HDMI‑in reported susceptible to EMI; this design trade‑off may cause unusable capture inputs.
Alternatives
Publications
4 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
91
Dušan Dakić from magazin Mehatronika highlights the Orange Pi 5 Plus as a compelling and powerful single board computer, especially notable for its excellent performance and one of the best I/O setups available on an RK3588-based board. The review conveys clear enthusiasm for the board’s hardware capabilities, including its multiple video outputs, fast storage options, and robust connectivity, positioning it as a top-tier ARM SBC. However, Dakić also offers a balanced perspective by pointing out drawbacks such as the higher price compared to the Raspberry Pi 5, lack of built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and a fan header without PWM control. The review provides unique insights into the evolving RK3588 ecosystem, software improvements, and detailed benchmark comparisons, emphasizing that while the Orange Pi 5 Plus excels in raw power and features, the choice ultimately depends on user priorities—whether hardware muscle or software/community support. Overall, the tone is enthusiastic yet measured, praising the board’s strengths while acknowledging its trade-offs.
78
Michael Klements from The DIY Life highlights the Orange Pi 5 Plus as a compelling, cost-effective single board computer powered by the Rockchip RK3588 processor. He emphasizes its strong value proposition, noting it is significantly cheaper than comparable models like the Rock 5 Model B while offering similar performance and a rich set of hardware features, including dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, multiple HDMI inputs/outputs, and expandable storage options. Klements provides detailed real-world testing, showing smooth 1080p video playback and reasonably usable 4K playback, outperforming the Rock 5 B in efficiency. He also benchmarks CPU performance, confirming parity with competitors, and measures power consumption and thermals, finding the board runs cool even without a heatsink under moderate loads. While praising its hardware and price, he notes the software ecosystem is still maturing, with some OS images pending release, suggesting potential buyers keep an eye on future software improvements. Overall, he presents a balanced, cautiously optimistic view of the Orange Pi 5 Plus as a powerful, affordable SBC with room to grow.
91
Dušan Dakić from magazin Mehatronika highlights the Orange Pi 5 Plus as a compelling and powerful single board computer, especially notable for its excellent performance and one of the best I/O setups available on an RK3588-based board. The review conveys clear enthusiasm for the board’s hardware capabilities, including its multiple video outputs, fast storage options, and robust connectivity, positioning it as a top-tier ARM SBC. However, Dakić also offers a balanced perspective by pointing out drawbacks such as the higher price compared to the Raspberry Pi 5, lack of built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and a fan header without PWM control. The review provides unique insights into the evolving RK3588 ecosystem, software improvements, and detailed benchmark comparisons, emphasizing that while the Orange Pi 5 Plus excels in raw power and features, the choice ultimately depends on user priorities—whether hardware muscle or software/community support. Overall, the tone is enthusiastic yet measured, praising the board’s strengths while acknowledging its trade-offs.
78
Michael Klements from The DIY Life highlights the Orange Pi 5 Plus as a compelling, cost-effective single board computer powered by the Rockchip RK3588 processor. He emphasizes its strong value proposition, noting it is significantly cheaper than comparable models like the Rock 5 Model B while offering similar performance and a rich set of hardware features, including dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, multiple HDMI inputs/outputs, and expandable storage options. Klements provides detailed real-world testing, showing smooth 1080p video playback and reasonably usable 4K playback, outperforming the Rock 5 B in efficiency. He also benchmarks CPU performance, confirming parity with competitors, and measures power consumption and thermals, finding the board runs cool even without a heatsink under moderate loads. While praising its hardware and price, he notes the software ecosystem is still maturing, with some OS images pending release, suggesting potential buyers keep an eye on future software improvements. Overall, he presents a balanced, cautiously optimistic view of the Orange Pi 5 Plus as a powerful, affordable SBC with room to grow.
YouTube
4 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
78
Michael KlementsMichael Klements praises the Orange Pi 5 Plus as a powerful, feature-rich SBC offering excellent value with its Rockchip RK3588 processor, dual 2.5G Ethernet, and 8K video support. He highlights smooth 4K playback improvements over the Rock 5B and comparable CPU performance, while noting early-stage software and the need for a heatsink under heavy loads.
87
NicoD's SBCsNicod praises the Orange Pi 5 Plus for its powerful RK3588 SoC, versatile I/O including dual 2.5G Ethernet, dual HDMI out, and HDMI in, and robust NVMe storage support. He highlights effective cooling in the metal case and strong gaming/emulation performance on Armbian, while noting minor software quirks like sound device resets and DRM issues.
78
Michael KlementsMichael Klements praises the Orange Pi 5 Plus as a powerful, feature-rich SBC offering excellent value with its Rockchip RK3588 processor, dual 2.5G Ethernet, and 8K video support. He highlights smooth 4K playback improvements over the Rock 5B and comparable CPU performance, while noting early-stage software and the need for a heatsink under heavy loads.
87
NicoD's SBCsNicod praises the Orange Pi 5 Plus for its powerful RK3588 SoC, versatile I/O including dual 2.5G Ethernet, dual HDMI out, and HDMI in, and robust NVMe storage support. He highlights effective cooling in the metal case and strong gaming/emulation performance on Armbian, while noting minor software quirks like sound device resets and DRM issues.
Social
1 INFLUENCER REVIEW
84
ngweidengweide highlights the Orange Pi 5 Plus as a highly portable and powerful single board computer, emphasizing its efficient ARM processor, ample RAM, and versatile storage options. They detail its lightweight design, multiple OS support, and ability to run Ubuntu for practical tasks like internet browsing and Python practice, while noting the relatively heavy metal casing as a minor drawback. Overall, ngwaide views the Orange Pi 5 Plus as a worthwhile investment for those seeking a compact, customizable laptop alternative. Their enthusiasm for its performance and portability is clear, recommending it especially for DIY tech enthusiasts who value flexibility and power in a small form factor.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
72
Reddit users generally acknowledge the Orange Pi 5 Plus as a powerful and energy-efficient SBC with strong performance, especially praised for its 16GB RAM, NVMe support, and suitability for server and development tasks. However, many highlight significant challenges with software stability, OS support, and driver issues, making it less user-friendly compared to alternatives like the Raspberry Pi. While experienced users appreciate its capabilities and potential for tinkering, newcomers often find it frustrating due to boot problems and limited official support. Overall, the consensus balances recognition of its hardware strengths with caution about its immature software ecosystem and the learning curve involved.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •High-performance RK3588 SoCStrong CPU, GPU and NPU performance
- •Native full-size NVMe PCIe storageFull-size 2280 NVMe with ~3GB/s
- •Marketed as 8K-capable video I/ODual HDMI outputs and HDMI input
- •Dual 2.5G EthernetTwo RTL8125BG ports for high throughput
- •Versatile expansion and I/OM.2 E-key, eMMC, GPIO, many ports
- •Included power and coolingShips with power adapter and fan
Considerations
- •Unstable software and boot reliabilityFrequent boot failures and image issues
- •Limited official support and documentationPoor documentation and forum responsiveness
- •Intermittent long-term reliability reportsKernel panics and failures after months
- •M.2 size compatibility constraintOnly native 2280; smaller modules need adapters
- •HDMI input EMI sensitivityReported HDMI‑in failures from interference
- •GPU/DRM driver limitations for some use casesDriver quirks, DRM limits, gaming issues
Real-world impressions of this single board computer are still emerging, but early signs point to a powerhouse crafted for tech enthusiasts who crave serious muscle under the hood. Backed by a reputable brand known for pushing SBC boundaries, it boasts an RK3588 octa-core processor paired with an Arm Mali-G610 GPU and 6 TOPS NPU, delivering impressive compute firepower that outpaces typical rivals. Its standout multimedia chops include dual HDMI 2.1 outputs supporting up to 8K@60fps and a rare HDMI input at 4K@60fps, making it perfect for media buffs and DIY streamers alike. Storage speed is no afterthought either, thanks to native support for full-size M.2 NVMe SSDs hitting around 3GB/s throughput—though smaller drives require adapters due to quirky sizing constraints. Add in dual blazing-fast 2.5G Ethernet ports, quiet cooling solutions, and mixed reports on boot stability, and you’ve got a device that demands patience but rewards performance aficionados willing to tinker. Ready or not, buckle up—the details ahead reveal where raw power meets real-world trade-offs.
Video input/output and multimedia capabilities
Media mavens will drool over dual HDMI 2.1 outputs blasting crisp 8K@60fps alongside an HDMI input capturing at 4K@60fps—a rarity in SBC land. Add USB-C DisplayPort support into this multimedia cocktail and you’ve got versatile display options galore. Users applaud smooth playback but note occasional DRM hiccups; plus EMI susceptibility on HDMI-in raises eyebrows among capture fans. This board’s video prowess dazzles but reminds us that even powerhouses face real-world hardware trade-offs.
NVMe storage performance and M.2 compatibility
Storage speed demons rejoice: native full-size M.2 NVMe (2280) PCIe 3x4 slots serve blistering SSD throughput (~3GB/s), ideal for demanding workloads or speedy media libraries. Yet size matters here—smaller drives need adapters due to layout quirks, adding complexity to setups seeking compactness or cost-efficiency. While experts laud blazing speeds supporting heavy multitasking or edge AI inference, casual users should brace for these fitting puzzles as part of unlocking true potential from this fast-storage champ.
CPU, GPU, and NPU compute performance
The Orange Pi 5 Plus flexes with its Rockchip RK3588 octa-core beast, blending Cortex-A76 and A55 cores for a solid punch. The Arm Mali-G610 GPU spices up visuals while the 6 TOPS NPU handles AI tasks locally—perfect for privacy buffs. Benchmarks reveal it outruns many rivals in CPU-intensive jobs yet some software quirks temper the thrill. Still, this trio packs enough muscle to make enthusiasts grin without losing sight of that occasionally finicky software ecosystem lurking near the finish line.
Dual 2.5G Ethernet networking performance
Networking just got turbocharged with two RTL8125BG-powered gigabit-plus Ethernet ports delivering stable high-throughput LAN access perfect for NAS rigs or homelabs craving bandwidth heft beyond typical SBC fare — a sweet spot between consumer convenience and pro-grade connectivity finesse.The inclusion elevates data transfers while outpacing many competitors stuck at mere gigabit speeds.This isn’t your average hobbyist board; it's built for those who demand serious network horsepower wrapped in a compact package ready to tackle wired workflows with gusto.
Conclusion
The Orange Pi 5 Plus flexes with serious compute chops from its RK3588 CPU, Mali-G610 GPU, and a 6 TOPS NPU that satisfy AI and multimedia cravings alike. Its dual HDMI outputs paired with an uncommon HDMI input deliver crisp visuals that media enthusiasts will appreciate—though the fragile input demands care. Storage is a thrill ride: blazing NVMe speeds through native M.2 slots are tempered by the quirky need for adapters if you stray from full-size SSDs. Networking steps up with dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, catering to homelab zealots hungry for bandwidth beyond standard fare. Boot stability remains a wild card; this board rewards patience but can frustrate newcomers facing intermittent hiccups over time. Thankfully, its included fan keeps thermals in check without drowning out your workspace in noise—a smart balance of power and poise. For those willing to wrestle software quirks, it’s a hardware heavyweight worth exploring—but not yet the plug-and-play darling novices might seek.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
CPU Performance
5/5
GPU Performance
4/5
Memory Capacity
5/5
Thermal Management
4/5
I/O Throughput
5/5
Durability
3/5
Value
Price
4/5
Availability
3/5
Long-term Software Support
2/5
Bundled Accessories
4/5
Design
Form Factor Versatility
4/5
Build Quality
4/5
Cooling Options
4/5
Port Layout Ergonomics
4/5
Health
Material Safety Compliance
TBD
Surface Temperature
4/5
Noise Emissions
3/5
Safety
Electrical Protection
TBD
ESD Protection
TBD
Regulatory Certifications
TBD
Power Supply Safety
4/5
Sustainability
Energy Efficiency
4/5
Repairability
4/5
Recyclability
3/5
Experience Style
Out of the Box Ease of Use
2/5
Customizability
5/5
Community Documentation
3/5
Peripheral Ecosystem
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
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