
Hardkernel ODROID-M1
Expert rating7.7 / 10
- SoC:
- Rockchip RK3568B2
- CPU:
- Quad-Core Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz
- Memory:
- Up to 8GB LPDDR4
- Storage:
- microSD
- Price:
- $68
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Manufacturer: Hardkernel Last updated: 2026-09-12
Hardkernel ODROID-M1 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3568B2/Quad-Core Cortex-A55 2.0GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/Dual GbE and NVMe) Review
Hardkernel ODROID-M1 single-board computer built around the Rockchip RK3568B2, up to 8GB LPDDR4 RAM, dual Gigabit Ethernet, an M.2 NVMe slot, and a built-in 0.8 TOPS NPU, aimed squarely at home NAS and router builds.
Hardkernel designed the M1 like a router-plus-NAS combo board: two independent Gigabit ports mean it can genuinely route traffic between networks, and the M.2 slot turns it into a fast, quiet file server without any of the microSD reliability worries that plague cheaper boards.
Overview
RK3568 was designed with embedded and networking use cases in mind, and the ODROID-M1 leans into that with dual independent Gigabit Ethernet controllers -- a feature rarely seen below workstation-class boards -- plus a real M.2 M-key slot for NVMe SSDs up to 2280 size.
Performance & Connectivity
The small onboard NPU (0.8 TOPS) is modest compared to RK3588-based boards but is enough for lightweight object detection or Frigate-style camera analytics. USB 3.0, HDMI, and a 40-pin GPIO header round out the I/O for general tinkering alongside its server duties.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against the Hardkernel ODROID-N2+, the M1 trades some raw CPU clock speed for dual Ethernet, NVMe storage, and a small NPU the N2+ doesn't have. Compared to the Hardkernel ODROID-H3 (x86), the M1 is far more power-efficient and cheaper but can't match x86 software compatibility for router distros like pfSense.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Hardkernel |
|---|
| CPU Architecture | ARM |
|---|---|
| Memory | 8 GB |
| Storage Type | NVMe/M.2 |
| Has AI Accelerator / NPU | Yes |
| Wireless | None (Ethernet only) |
| GPIO Header | Yes |
| Price | 68 USD |
| Use Case | NAS / Server |
| Model | ODROID-M1 |
| Processor | Rockchip RK3568B2, Quad-Core Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE |
| Power | 12V/2A DC barrel |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating7.7 / 10
An unusually well-specced ARM board for home routing and NAS duty, with dual Ethernet and NVMe support that few competitors offer at this price.
Best for
- Dual-WAN home router or OpenWrt builds
- Compact NVMe-backed NAS or Plex server
- Lightweight camera analytics using the onboard NPU
Not for
- x86-only router software like pfSense/OPNsense
- Portable or battery-powered projects (no wireless)
- Heavy AI inference needing RK3588-class NPU power
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Hardkernel ODROID-M1 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3568B2/Quad-Core Cortex-A55 2.0GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/Dual GbE and NVMe)?
The Hardkernel ODROID-M1 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3568B2/Quad-Core Cortex-A55 2.0GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/Dual GbE and NVMe) is a single board computer from Hardkernel. Key specs: Processor Rockchip RK3568B2, Quad-Core Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz, CPU Architecture ARM, GPU Mali-G52 2EE, Memory 8, Storage Type NVMe/M.2.
Will the Hardkernel ODROID-M1 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3568B2/Quad-Core Cortex-A55 2.0GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/Dual GbE and NVMe) work with my current setup?
The Hardkernel ODROID-M1 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3568B2/Quad-Core Cortex-A55 2.0GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/Dual GbE and NVMe) lists Processor is Rockchip RK3568B2, Quad-Core Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Hardkernel ODROID-M1 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3568B2/Quad-Core Cortex-A55 2.0GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/Dual GbE and NVMe) best suited to?
It suits dual-wan home router or openwrt builds, compact nvme-backed nas or plex server, lightweight camera analytics using the onboard npu.
What are the drawbacks of the Hardkernel ODROID-M1 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3568B2/Quad-Core Cortex-A55 2.0GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/Dual GbE and NVMe)?
It is a poor fit for x86-only router software like pfsense/opnsense, portable or battery-powered projects (no wireless), heavy ai inference needing rk3588-class npu power.
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