Re: [gentoo-dev] arm64 update

[Tom Gall]

> On Feb 18, 2015, at 2:32 PM, C Bergström <cbergstrom@×××××××××.com> wrote:
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> On Thu, Feb 19, 2015 at 3:27 AM, Tom Gall <tgall@g.o <mailto:tgall@g.o>> wrote:
> So first, for those interested in cheap arm64 hardware, the first 96 board is going to start shipping in March for ~$129. The HiKey board is an 8 way 64 bit ARM board with 8 A53 cores. (No A57s bummer!)  Only had a gig of memory on the board but it’s not a bad device. I’ve had one for about 2-3 weeks now. I’m basically running off a USB hard disk for the moment and thankfully the kernel continues to improve.
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> The one downside is you really really need a 1.8v USB -> UART cable. You can get them from digikey and connect it on the board. If working with raw cables makes you squeamish take a breath, you’ll be fine.
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> Info and links at:
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> https://www.96boards.org <https://www.96boards.org/>
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> Ok so hardware aside here’s the arm64 gentoo plan.
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> 1) new stage3 put together and get that onto the mirrors for consumption.
> 2) Get the handbook extended to include arm64
> 3) continued package stabilization
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> If devs don't mind working out of a chroot - I can potentially get access to some hardware or possibly help test after things are a bit more "stable".

Always good to hear.


> If possible I do really recommend getting something with an A57 core (vs a53) - there is quite a bit of difference from the compiler side of how they compare.

Yeah there’s certainly more performance with A57 cores. OTOH, the best dev board is the one you have in your hand.


> How much are the APM xgene1 systems selling for? Has anyone tried to request hw from: APM, ARM, Cavium or AMD?

It’s a good question. I’ve  been personally wondering about the AMD Seattle boards. I do have a request in for one. ARM Juno I have access to remotely which isn’t the best situation for putting together install instructions and testing :-/ 

Best,
Tom