UDOO BOLT v8 Review: Incredible Performance in a Compact Form

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the Voodoo Bolt V8
3. Specifications and Features
4. Unboxing and Setup
5. Board Layout and Connectors
6. testing the Performance
7. Cooling Solution
8. Gaming and Graphics Capability
9. Virtualization and Linux Support
10. Conclusion

Introduction

Hey guys, what's going on? It's Down here from Nova Spirit, and today we are going to be taking a look at the Voodoo Bolt V8. I'm super excited to check out this board, so let's get started!

Overview of the Voodoo Bolt V8

The Voodoo Bolt V8 is a powerful development board that offers impressive performance in a small form factor. It utilizes the Rison Embedded V1000 chipset and comes in two models: the V8 and the V3. The V8 is equipped with the V1605B processor clocked at 2.0GHz (turbo boost up to 3.6GHz) and has eight video cores, while the V3 features the V1222B processor clocked at 2.0GHz (turbo boost up to 3.2GHz) and has three video cores. With its powerful specifications, the Voodoo Bolt V8 is capable of handling a wide range of applications and tasks.

Specifications and Features

The Voodoo Bolt V8 boasts some impressive specifications and features. It comes with 16GB of RAM operating at 2400MHz, a 19-volt power connector, a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module, and a sleek aluminum case. The board also features multiple connectors, including S/PDIF to HDMI, USB-C (which doubles as a display port), Gigabit Ethernet, and a 40-Pin GPIO for interfacing with Arduino Leonardo. Additionally, it offers two SATA connectors, two DIMM slots capable of supporting up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and three connectors for multiple inputs, including Wi-Fi and NVMe to PCIe conversion for graphics card integration.

Unboxing and Setup

When unboxing the Voodoo Bolt V8, you will find the board itself along with additional components such as the case, plugs, Wi-Fi adapter, and RAM. The case is made of solid aluminum and features a fitting for a 2.5-inch hard drive. Installing the board into the case requires securing it with four screws, which can be a bit challenging due to their positioning. Once done, a clear plastic piece with the Voodoo Bolt icon can be added on top of the case, along with a Rubber grommet to keep it in place. The power button is then installed, and a 2.5-inch hard drive can be connected using the supplied cables. Mounting holes are available on the bottom of the case for VESA mounting to a monitor.

Board Layout and Connectors

The Voodoo Bolt V8 offers a well-designed board layout with various connectors for different purposes. On the back of the board, you will find the S/PDIF to HDMI and USB-C connectors, which can also be used as a display port. There is also a Gigabit Ethernet port and a 19-volt barrel connector for power. The side of the board features three groove connectors and a 40-pin GPIO that can be directly interfaced with an Arduino Leonardo. The SATA power and connector, as well as another 40-pin connector, are located underneath the board. The front of the board includes the power button, two USB 3 ports, and a headphone jack. Overall, the board offers a comprehensive range of connectors for various uses.

Testing the Performance

The Voodoo Bolt V8 delivers impressive performance in various tasks and benchmarks. With its powerful V1605B processor and eight video cores, it can handle triple-A titles from 2015 and earlier with ease. In terms of benchmark scores, it achieves 6570 in 3DMark and 3204 in PCMark. The board's four cores and eight Threads provide faster processing compared to the Ryzne Embedded V1000 chipset, making it highly capable for gaming and other intensive tasks. The clock speed averages around 1.5GHz but can reach a maximum speed of 2.0GHz, with turbo boost up to 3.6GHz on all cores. This level of performance makes the Voodoo Bolt V8 a formidable option for both gaming and development.

Cooling Solution

Despite its impressive performance, the Voodoo Bolt V8 does have some drawbacks when it comes to its cooling solution. The fan included with the board has no fan curve and operates either at full speed or off. While it effectively keeps the temperatures in check, it can be loud and obnoxious. One recommendation is to swap out the fan with a noise blocker fan that has variable control. However, it is important to note that the fan pinout is not a standard one, so creating a custom connector may be necessary. Overall, upgrading the fan can greatly improve the cooling performance and noise level of the Voodoo Bolt V8.

Gaming and Graphics Capability

The Voodoo Bolt V8 is surprisingly capable of handling gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. Its eight video cores and powerful processor allow it to run triple-A titles from 2015 and earlier smoothly. Additionally, its small form factor makes it a convenient option for gaming on the go or as a compact gaming system for limited space. The Voodoo Bolt V8 also supports overclocking of the RAM in the BIOS, which can further enhance gaming performance. With its impressive gaming and graphics capabilities, this board is an excellent choice for gamers and developers alike.

Virtualization and Linux Support

For those interested in virtualization or using the Voodoo Bolt V8 as a full Linux machine, it offers support for both. The board supports virtualization and features an IOMMU (Input-Output Memory Management Unit), allowing for the use of a graphics card and the passing through of the card to a Windows virtual machine. This makes it suitable for running Linux as the host and virtualizing Windows with dedicated graphics capabilities. With its support for virtualization and Linux, the Voodoo Bolt V8 offers versatility for various computing needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Voodoo Bolt V8 is an incredible development board that offers exceptional performance in a compact form factor. Its powerful specifications, impressive benchmark scores, and support for gaming and graphics make it a standout option for both enthusiasts and developers. While the cooling solution may require some upgrades, the board's overall performance and capabilities outweigh this drawback. Whether you're a gamer, developer, or someone who wants a high-performance small form-factor PC, the Voodoo Bolt V8 is definitely worth considering.

Highlights

• The Voodoo Bolt V8 is a powerful development board with impressive specifications.
• It features the Rison Embedded V1000 chipset and comes in two models: the V8 and V3.
• The board offers multiple connectors, including S/PDIF to HDMI, USB-C, and Gigabit Ethernet.
• It supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, virtualization, and Linux.
• The Voodoo Bolt V8 delivers excellent performance in gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.

FAQ

Q: Does the Voodoo Bolt V8 support overclocking? A: Yes, the board offers overclocking options for the RAM in the BIOS, allowing for enhanced performance.

Q: Can the Voodoo Bolt V8 be used as a full Linux machine? A: Yes, the board supports Linux and features virtualization capabilities, making it suitable for running Linux as the host and virtualizing other operating systems.

Q: Does the Voodoo Bolt V8 come with a cooling solution? A: Yes, the board includes a fan and heatsink for cooling. However, the fan has no fan curve and can be loud. Upgrading the fan is recommended for better cooling and noise control.