Short answer: Canonical’s reviewed RISC-V material documents one Ubuntu Desktop option: a vendor-built Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop image for DeepComputing’s FML13V01 motherboard, used in a compatible Framework laptop. It is a developer preview rather than a production-supported Canonical release. Canonical’s own RISC-V images for the listed single-board computers are Server images for headless operation, not turnkey graphical desktops.
The distinction matters. A board can have an official Ubuntu installation guide without having a supported Ubuntu Desktop image, GPU acceleration, Wi-Fi, or a complete desktop-ready hardware stack. Before buying, match the exact board variant, Ubuntu release and RISC-V ISA profile to the image documentation.
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What “Ubuntu Desktop on RISC-V” means
There are three different claims often collapsed into one:
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11- An Ubuntu image exists: Canonical or a partner publishes an image for the board.
- The image boots: Ubuntu can start on that hardware, often from removable media or a vendor-specific storage device.
- A supported graphical desktop works: The image includes a desktop environment and the board has working graphics, display output, input devices and other peripherals.
Canonical’s Canonical-built RISC-V download documentation explicitly says: “The Ubuntu images described below only support headless mode (no GPU, no WiFi).” Therefore, the supported-board list on that page should not be interpreted as a list of boards with Canonical-supported Ubuntu Desktop.
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- Flexible MCU Board: Incorporate the ESP32-C3 32-bit RISC-V chip, operating up to 160 MHz, mounted multiple development ports,
- Developer Friendly: Compatible with Arduino IDE, MicroPython, CircuitPython, PlatformIO, ESP IDF, Zephyr, Matter, ESPNow, Meshtastic, WLED, ESPHome, Home Assistant, Ubidots
- Outstanding RF performance: Complete Wi-Fi functions and Bluetooth Low Energy, while supporting communication over 100m with anFL antenna
- Elaborate Power Design: 4 working modes as low as 44 μA in deep sleep mode, while supporting lithium battery charge management
- Thumb-sized Design: 21 x 17.5mm, Seeed Studio XIAO series classic form factor
Canonical’s partner-built page identifies the DeepComputing FML13V01 as the qualifying Desktop example. Its Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop image is vendor-built and described as fully supporting a Framework laptop fitted with that motherboard. Canonical also cautions that partner images are developer previews, not production-ready releases, and do not include Canonical security updates or support.
The documented Desktop option: DeepComputing FML13V01
What hardware it is
The FML13V01 is a RISC-V motherboard intended for use in a Framework laptop platform. The documented compatibility is not a generic promise for every RISC-V computer: it covers the FML13V01 motherboard installed in the compatible laptop configuration described by Canonical and DeepComputing.
What image is available
The relevant image is Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop, supplied as a partner-built preinstalled image. This is the only Desktop image identified in the reviewed Canonical material. It is not the same as a Canonical-built, fully supported Ubuntu LTS desktop image for a broad range of RISC-V boards.
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Canonical classifies partner images as developer previews. In practical terms, you should expect more hardware-specific integration work and a narrower support path than on an officially supported x86-64 or Arm desktop installation. Canonical states that these images are “provided as developer previews only, are not production-ready, and do not include Canonical’s security updates or support.”
That status makes the FML13V01 appropriate for development, experimentation and learning, but risky as the sole machine for security-sensitive or business-critical work. Keep a recovery path and a second computer available before replacing an existing operating system.
Rank #2
- CH32V003 Development Minimum System Board for Nano RISC-V CH32V003F4U6 Chip TYPE-C USB 22Pin
- on-board 24MHz Crystal oscillator
- Power by TYPE-C USB
Hardware requirements that are actually established
The official material establishes the motherboard and laptop pairing, but it does not publish a universal RISC-V Ubuntu Desktop minimum for RAM, storage, display output, keyboard, touchpad or external peripherals. Do not treat generic desktop requirements from another architecture as confirmed requirements for this preview image.
Use the FML13V01-specific image and DeepComputing’s installation instructions. Verify that your exact motherboard revision, laptop configuration, display, input devices and storage layout match the vendor documentation before writing the image or changing partitions.
Why the VisionFive 2 is not a documented Ubuntu Desktop board
What Canonical documents
The StarFive VisionFive 2 has an official Ubuntu Server installation guide. Canonical documents Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS Server images and a boot process using a microSD card. That is a useful, documented Ubuntu path, but it is a server/headless path rather than evidence of a supported graphical Ubuntu Desktop experience.
Graphics and expansion limits
The guide identifies the VisionFive 2’s onboard GPU as unsupported. Its PCIe support is incomplete: an NVMe drive can be used, but Wi-Fi cards and external GPUs do not work according to the documented hardware notes. Those limitations directly affect a desktop installation, where a functioning display device, graphics stack and often wireless networking are expected.
Console and boot hardware
For the documented Server procedure, prepare a microSD card for the preinstalled image and use the board’s boot-source instructions. The guide describes connecting a USB UART adapter to the GPIO header for serial-console access. A serial console is normal for headless board administration, but it is not a substitute for a supported desktop display.
Rank #3
- The ESP32-C3 SUPERMINI is positioned as a high-performance, low-power, cost-effective IoT mini development board, suitable for low-power IoT applications and wireless wearable applications
- It is equipped with a rich set of interfaces, including 11 digital I/Os that can be used as PWM pins and 4 analog I/Os that can be used as ADC pins.
- It supports four serial interfaces, including UART, I2C, and SPI.
- The ESP32-C3 features a 32-bit RISC-V CPU, including an FPU (Floating Point Unit) capable of 32-bit single-precision
- Package: 2PCS ESP32-C3 MINI Development Board ESP32 SuperMini ESP32 C3 WiFi Module
You can use the VisionFive 2 for Ubuntu RISC-V server workloads, command-line development and hardware experimentation. Calling it an Ubuntu Desktop board would overstate what Canonical’s documentation supports.
Which other RISC-V boards appear on Canonical’s supported list?
Canonical’s supported-board index includes the following families and kits:
| Board or family | What the listing establishes | Desktop conclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Allwinner Nezha D1 | An official Ubuntu RISC-V installation path is listed. | No Canonical-supported Desktop image is established by the reviewed page. |
| DeepComputing FML13V01 | A partner-built Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop image is documented for the compatible Framework laptop. | The qualifying Desktop preview; developer-preview limitations apply. |
| Microchip PIC64GX1000 Curiosity Kit | Listed in Canonical’s supported-board index. | Image listing does not establish a graphical Desktop image. |
| Microchip PolarFire SoC Icicle Kit | Listed in Canonical’s supported-board index. | Image listing does not establish a graphical Desktop image. |
| Milk-V Mars and Mars CM variants | Listed as supported RISC-V hardware. | Check the exact variant and image type; no Desktop image is established here. |
| Pine64 Star64 | Listed in Canonical’s supported-board index. | Do not infer Desktop support from the board listing. |
| SiFive HiFive Unmatched | Listed as having an Ubuntu installation path. | No Canonical-supported Desktop image is established by the reviewed material. |
| Sipeed LicheeRV Dock | Listed in the supported-board index. | Verify image type and peripheral support before considering a GUI. |
| StarFive VisionFive families | Supported Ubuntu paths include Server documentation for the VisionFive 2. | Use the documented Server/headless path; onboard graphics are unsupported on VisionFive 2. |
The current Canonical-built download page is the decisive check for image type. A board entry means Ubuntu can be installed in some documented form; it does not promise a desktop environment, accelerated graphics, Wi-Fi or Canonical support for a graphical session.
Ubuntu release and RISC-V ISA compatibility
Release selection is now a hardware-compatibility decision, not merely a preference for newer packages. Canonical says Ubuntu 26.04 LTS requires the RVA23S64 RISC-V ISA profile. Hardware that is not RVA23-ready remains supported by Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS.
How to apply the rule
- Identify the exact board model and revision, not just the product family.
- Read its processor documentation and confirm whether it implements the required RVA23 profile.
- Choose an image whose Ubuntu release supports that ISA level.
- Recheck Canonical’s board page immediately before purchase or installation, because image availability and release requirements can change.
A board that works with Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS should not automatically be assumed to boot Ubuntu 26.04 LTS. Conversely, the existence of a 26.04-capable processor does not create a Desktop image if Canonical or the board vendor only publishes Server media.
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Rank #4
- ESP32-C6 WiFi 6 microcontroller development board adopts ESP32-C6-WROOM-1-N8 module, which is equipped with RISC-V 32-bit single-core processor, up to 160MHz main frequency, built-in 8MB Flash
- Integrates WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5 and and IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee 3.0 and Thread) wireless communication, with superior RF performance
- Integrates rich peripherals including SPI, UART, I2C, I2S, LED PWM, SDIO and other interfaces, compatible with the pinout of ESP32-C6-DevKitC-1-N8 development board, more convenient to use and expand a variety of peripheral modules
- Onboard CH343 and CH334 USB HUB chips, supports USB and UART development at the same time via a USB-C port
- Comes with online examples and tutorials for ESP-IDF development environment
Hardware checklist before you buy or flash an image
For the FML13V01 Desktop preview
- DeepComputing FML13V01 motherboard.
- The compatible Framework laptop configuration described by Canonical and the vendor.
- The exact Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop partner image intended for that motherboard.
- A backup of existing data and a recovery method for the laptop.
- Storage and peripherals that the vendor’s installation instructions explicitly support.
No official generic RAM or storage minimum is stated for this Desktop preview in the reviewed pages. Treat any number from a conventional PC guide as a general usability suggestion, not as a RISC-V support requirement.
For a VisionFive 2 Server installation
- VisionFive 2 board and a compatible power arrangement.
- MicroSD card for the documented Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS Server image.
- A computer capable of writing the image to the card.
- USB UART adapter connected to the GPIO header for serial-console access.
- Optional NVMe storage, bearing in mind that PCIe support is incomplete.
- Ethernet or another supported network path; do not plan on a Wi-Fi card because the guide says Wi-Fi cards do not work.
An external GPU is not a workaround for the VisionFive 2’s unsupported onboard graphics: the documented guide says external GPUs do not work.
Installation approach and verification
Desktop preview workflow
- Confirm that the machine contains the FML13V01 motherboard and matches the Framework laptop configuration covered by the image.
- Read DeepComputing’s current installation instructions and note required firmware, storage layout and boot settings.
- Back up personal files and create recovery media for the existing system.
- Acquire the Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop image specified for the FML13V01; do not substitute a Server image or an image for another RISC-V board.
- Install or write the image exactly as the vendor instructs, then verify that the laptop boots to the expected desktop session.
- Test display output, keyboard, touchpad, networking, suspend and storage before relying on the system.
If a peripheral is missing or unstable, first compare your configuration with the vendor’s supported hardware list. The developer-preview status means that a working boot does not guarantee complete laptop integration.
VisionFive 2 Server workflow
- Download the VisionFive 2 Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS Server image specified in Canonical’s guide.
- Flash the image to a microSD card using an image-writing tool on another computer.
- Set the board’s boot source as described in the guide and insert the prepared card.
- Connect the USB UART adapter to the GPIO header before powering on if you need serial diagnostics.
- Open a serial terminal with the parameters documented by Canonical, then observe the boot messages.
- Complete first-boot configuration over the serial console or network.
- Add NVMe storage only after confirming the board’s PCIe limitations and the exact supported configuration.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Reading a supported-board list as a Desktop list
A board index is an installation reference. Always look for the image label—Desktop, Server or headless—and then check graphics and Wi-Fi support separately.
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The FML13V01 Desktop image is partner-built and a developer preview. Canonical’s security-update and support commitments for its normal production releases do not apply to this image.
Best Value
- Ample PSRAM Storage – The development board offers 8MB PSRAM, providing substantial extra memory for handling more complex tasks, large data buffers, and advanced processing.
- Enhanced Multi-Tasking Capability – With the additional 8MB PSRAM, the ESP32-C5-WIFI6-KIT can efficiently manage multiple protocol stacks simultaneously, ensuring smooth operation in multi-tasking IoT environments.
- Support for Medium-Load Applications – The 8MB PSRAM allows the ESP32-C5 to handle medium-load applications more effectively, making it ideal for scenarios requiring real-time data processing or continuous communication.
- Seamless Performance – The increased memory improves the overall performance and responsiveness of the device, particularly when running applications with larger memory footprints or more demanding computations.
- Future-Proof for Complex Projects – With 8MB of PSRAM, developers are better equipped to build scalable, high-performance solutions that support both current and future IoT use cases, offering flexibility for future-proofing designs.
Buying for Ubuntu 26.04 without checking RVA23S64
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS requires RVA23S64 according to Canonical. If the board is not RVA23-ready, plan around Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS instead and verify that the specific image remains available.
Expecting a monitor to work on VisionFive 2
The VisionFive 2 guide marks the onboard GPU unsupported and also rules out external GPUs. Choose it for headless Server use, not as a low-cost graphical desktop substitute.
Inventing a universal memory or disk minimum
The reviewed official pages do not provide a generic Desktop RAM or storage minimum for RISC-V. Use the board-specific documentation and the vendor image requirements rather than copying figures from another architecture.
Choosing the right board for your goal
| Your goal | Best-supported direction | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Graphical Ubuntu experimentation on a laptop | FML13V01 in the compatible Framework laptop | Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop partner preview; limited production support. |
| Headless server or command-line development | VisionFive 2 or another board on Canonical’s Server list | Server images, serial-console administration and board-specific peripheral limits. |
| Future Ubuntu 26.04 deployment | Hardware confirmed as RVA23S64-capable | Check the exact image and board documentation; ISA compliance alone does not imply Desktop availability. |
| General-purpose graphical SBC desktop | No broadly supported option is established by these pages | Wait for a board-specific Desktop image and working GPU stack rather than assuming one exists. |
Bottom line for buyers
If your requirement is a documented Ubuntu Desktop installation today, the FML13V01 paired with the compatible Framework laptop is the clear example—but it is a partner-built Ubuntu 24.04 preview with no Canonical security updates or support. The other listed boards, including VisionFive 2, provide Ubuntu installation paths primarily for Server or headless use. Check the exact image type, GPU and Wi-Fi status, boot media, serial-console needs and RVA23S64 compatibility before committing to hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Ubuntu Desktop on a VisionFive 2?
Canonical’s documented VisionFive 2 path is Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS Server. Its onboard GPU is unsupported, external GPUs do not work and the guide is intended for headless operation, so the official material does not establish a supported Ubuntu Desktop installation.
What is the minimum RAM for Ubuntu Desktop on RISC-V?
The reviewed Canonical and partner pages do not state a universal RAM minimum for the FML13V01 Desktop preview or for RISC-V boards generally. Use the exact vendor image documentation instead of applying a generic PC figure.
Do Canonical’s RISC-V Server images include Wi-Fi and graphics?
Canonical states that the Canonical-built RISC-V images support headless mode only, with no GPU or Wi-Fi.
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Should I buy a board listed as Ubuntu-supported for a desktop project?
Not without checking the image type and hardware support. A supported-board entry can mean Server or headless support only; verify Desktop availability, graphics, networking and the required ISA profile for the exact model.
Quick Recap
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