In the context of the evolution of open source architectures in 2025, the Andes Voyager micro-ATX board stands out as a promising platform for developers and systems engineers. Built around Andes Technology’s powerful QiLai SoC, it marks an important step in the convergence of open hardware and Linux compatibility, particularly for industrial environments, embedded software, and artificial intelligence applications. The recent update aimed at strengthening Linux support makes it a preferred solution for those seeking alternatives to proprietary architectures such as Intel, AMD, ASUS, or Gigabyte. With this platform, Andes paves the way for smoother integration into diverse infrastructures, leveraging the flexibility and robustness offered by RISC-V.
Detailed technical specifications of the Andes Voyager micro-ATX board to meet today’s challenges
The Voyager platform embodies a flexible architecture, adapted to the demands of modern applications. At its heart is the QiLai SoC, which integrates a quad-core RISC-V AX45MP cluster capable of reaching 2.2 GHz, coupled with an NX27V vector processor operating at up to 1.5 GHz. The design is particularly aimed at AI, data processing and distributed inference environments, where the combination of multi-core and vectors forges a synergy that exploits the full potential of RISC-V. Compatibility with Linux, particularly with the mainline kernel, becomes crucial to effectively deploy these functions.
Another distinguishing feature of the Voyager platform is its rich and adaptable connectivity. The board provides a 16 GB DDR4 DIMM bay, a PCIe 4.0 x16 port for a graphics card, two additional PCIe x4 slots, and an NVMe slot for storage. In addition, additional interfaces such as USB, GPIO, Ethernet, and serial ports allow for seamless integration into various large-scale systems. Linux compatibility, notably thanks to patches currently being validated for the main kernel, will ensure efficient resource management and optimal support for all of these components. Comparison table of the main features of the Voyager platform versus other architectures
Features
| Voyager (Andes Technology) | Intel (example) | AMD (example) | ASUS / Gigabyte / MSI (leading brands) | Processor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quad-core RISC-V AX45MP, up to 2.2 GHz | + NX27V vector up to 1.5 GHz Multi-core x86, often beyond 3 GHz |
Multi-core x86/x86-64, up to 4.5 GHz | Proprietary processor, often x86 or ARM | Linux support |
| Integrated, patches under review for mainline | Native support, advanced optimization | Mature support, especially for AMD64 | Robust support, mainly for Windows, but advanced Linux | Connectivity |
| PCIe 4.0, DDR4, NVMe, USB, GPIO, Ethernet | PCIe 4.0/5.0, DDR4/5, NVMe, USB, Ethernet | PCIe, DDR5, high-speed interface | Typical performance, wide compatibility | Target use |
| AI applications, Edge Computing, embedded systems | Servers, workstations, gaming | Workstations, servers, gaming | Personal computers, gaming, servers | Linux integration: a crucial step for the compatibility and performance of the Andes Voyager platform |
Linux integration: a crucial step for the compatibility and performance of the Andes Voyager platform
These patches in review enable PCIe bus management, GPIO communication, as well as audio and network support. Transitioning to a natively maintained kernel is essential to ensure stability, security, and performance. The collaboration with the Linux community and the integration of drivers for the QiLai SoC mark a decisive step towards adopting this platform in industrial and research environments.
The future of the Voyager platform will also depend on how quickly specific drivers are integrated into the main kernel. The technical documentation provided by Andes Technology facilitates the work of developers, ultimately enabling seamless deployment in critical systems. The convergence between open source hardware and Linux today constitutes the best asset for the massive adoption of RISC-V architectures in the rapidly changing industry.
The challenges of RISC-V and Linux compatibility in the 2025 tech market
By 2025, the RISC-V ecosystem is experiencing accelerated expansion, rivaling traditional architectures established by Intel or AMD. Linux compatibility is emerging as a strategic lever to ensure widespread deployment in key sectors such as cloud, AI, and edge computing. Andes Technology’s adoption of this approach reflects a desire to democratize this architecture by offering an accessible, flexible, and scalable platform.
Linux compatibility is not limited to simple software compatibility. It must also ensure efficient resource management, extended stability, and compatibility with a wide range of applications. The recent update for the Voyager platform paves the way for numerous third parties, including players such as ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte, to integrate this architecture into their future product lines. The widespread adoption of RISC-V solutions under Linux could thus profoundly change the solution provider landscape, introducing greater transparency, scalability, and interoperability. Factor
Expected Impact
| Industrial Adoption | Facilitated Deployment of Embedded and IoT Systems |
|---|---|
| Software Support | Reduced Development and Maintenance Costs |
| Open Source Ecosystem | Accelerated Innovation and Increased Compatibility |
| Taxpayers | Greater Community Participation in Driver and Feature Development |
| Focus on the Open Source Community and Coordination for the Success of the Andes Voyager Platform | Focus on the Open Source Community and Coordination for the Success of the Andes Voyager Platform |
The success of the Andes Voyager platform depends largely on the synergy between Andes Technology, the Linux open source community, and various industrial partners. The approach consists of maintaining an open development cycle, where every advancement is shared to maximize compatibility, stability, and security. The platform already benefits from active community support, particularly through patch reviews and contributions from independent developers and companies such as ASUS, MSI, and ASRock.
Beyond simple software compatibility, this partnership paves the way for concrete applications in robotics, automation, and distributed intelligence. The Voyager platform thus becomes a cornerstone in Andes Technology’s technological openness strategy, in partnership with other industry players such as ASUS and Gigabyte, to promote RISC-V technology in 2025. Community collaboration is key to moving this nascent market towards widespread and sustainable adoption.
Future outlook for the Andes Voyager platform and the RISC-V ecosystem under Linux
The 2025 announcements suggest a bright future for the Andes Voyager platform, thanks in particular to the consolidation of Linux support and an increasingly active technology community. Validation of patches for the main kernel is well underway, which will enable immediate adoption in industrial, research, and embedded solution development environments. The development of a robust ecosystem of drivers, debugging, and management tools will facilitate this integration.
Beyond hardware alone, the growth of the hardware and software ecosystem relies on optimized interoperability with other open source or proprietary architectures. Players such as ASUS, MSI, and ASRock, as well as major players in the industry such as Intel and AMD, could thus integrate these platforms into their innovative product lines. Linux compatibility represents a strategic business opportunity, allowing companies to reduce costs while increasing their control over their infrastructure.
If this momentum continues, the Linux-based RISC-V ecosystem could permanently transform the global technology landscape. By providing flexibility, transparency and security, the Andes Voyager platform symbolizes this new era where hardware and software work together to push the boundaries of innovation.