MNT Reform 2 - CPU update
=========================

I have updated my Reform 2  (the original, "big" one with 12.5" screen)
to the fastest CPU  available, the RCORE RK3588. That is,  I now have 8
CPU cores (but 4 of them are fast) and 16GB of RAM in my laptop.

It is said that this CPU is about 5 times faster than the original one.
At least, sites like  youtube are now fast. The 16 GB  of RAM also help
considerably in some situations (the original CPU module had 4GB).

The only drawback is that the  current Linux kernel nor any alternative
OS cannot suspend on that CPU. It may improve in future, I think. Also,
the  better  (more  modern)  integrated  GPU  helps  with  3D  software
compatibility. 

I tested  my own FEA  solver here  and it's abou  2x slower than  on my
POWER9. I mean in single-thread model. Common softare like the OpenSCAD
is also much faster now.

It  seems to  me that  the  new CPU  module  is cooler  and more  power
efficient  but  I did  not  actual  measurements.  And the  new  copper
heatsink  looks  good,  too  (the   bottom  plate  of  the  machine  is
transparent).

Installation is  easy as the  MNT company [1] always  provide fantastic
documentation.  Just removing  a  few screws  and  disconnecting a  few
cables  and then  inserting  and securing  the new  CPU  card with  its
heatsink and the new adapter board, too.

I actually did a clean OS install as  my OS was quite old and hacked in
several ways. 

From my point of view the new CPU with larger RAM will extend usability
of the  device "on the Interned"  for several years. This  was the area
where the  originally configured device  was lacking. Also the  new CPU
seems to be cooler and more (absolutely?) stable. But time will tell. 

The old  CPU card is now  stored but there is  a plan to reuse  it in a
desktop when it will be possible.

A similar update (actually the same  card but with different screws and
spacers) is available for the Pocket  Reform device, too. While the CPU
of the  Pocket is not  ideal it still  has some 8  GB of RAM  and works
generally  well. So  I'm  not sure  if  a CPU  upgrade  here is  really
necessary for me (the RK3588 upgrade in not exactly cheap).


References:

[1] https://mntre.com