CPU: CIX P1 (CD8180) 2600 MHz | 12 Cores | ARMv9
RAM: 16384 MB LPDDR5
Ethernet Interfaces Qty: 2
Gigabit Ethernet: Yes
USB Ports Qty: 4
USB 3.0: Yes
Wi-Fi+BT: No
Wi-Fi 6: No
NVMe Port: Yes
The Orange Pi 6 16GB is a high-performance single-board computer built around the CIX P1 (CD8180) 12-core Arm processor. It combines 16GB of 128-bit LPDDR5 memory with an Arm Immortalis-G720 MC10 GPU, a 28.8 TOPS NPU, dual 2.5GbE networking, and two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots for NVMe storage.
With its combination of high memory capacity, fast networking, multiple NVMe interfaces, and AI acceleration, the Orange Pi 6 16GB is designed for demanding SBC applications such as development, AI edge computing, servers, Docker, storage systems, multimedia and advanced embedded projects.
Orange Pi 6 16GB Specifications
| Specification | Orange Pi 6 16GB |
|---|---|
| SoC | CIX P1 (CD8180) |
| CPU | 12-core Armv9 |
| CPU configuration | 4 × Cortex-A720 + 4 × Cortex-A720 + 4 × Cortex-A520 |
| Big-core frequency | Up to 2.6 GHz |
| Medium-core frequency | Up to 2.4 GHz |
| Efficiency-core frequency | Up to 1.8 GHz |
| GPU | Arm Immortalis-G720 MC10 |
| GPU features | Vulkan 1.3, OpenGL ES 3.2, OpenCL 3.0, hardware ray tracing |
| NPU | Up to 28.8 TOPS |
| Total AI compute | Up to 45 TOPS |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Memory bus | 128-bit |
| Storage | microSD + SPI NAND |
| NVMe | 2 × M.2 M-Key PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Ethernet | 2 × 2.5GbE |
| Wi-Fi | Optional M.2 E-Key module |
| Bluetooth | Optional M.2 E-Key module |
| USB 3 | 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A + 2 × USB-C |
| USB 2 | 2 × USB 2.0 Type-A |
| HDMI | HDMI 2.0, up to 4K60 |
| DisplayPort | DisplayPort 1.4, up to 4K120 |
| eDP | Up to 4K60 |
| GPIO | 40-pin |
| Camera | 2 × 4-lane MIPI CSI |
| Audio | 3.5mm audio + microphone/speaker connectors |
| Power | USB-C PD, 20V/5A |
| Dimensions | 90 × 90 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 106 g |
The Orange Pi 6 specifications are based on the board documentation and current hardware information available for the standard model.
CIX P1 12-Core Processor
The Orange Pi 6 16GB uses the CIX P1 (CD8180), a 12-core Arm processor manufactured using a 6nm process.
The CPU is divided into three groups:
- 4 × Cortex-A720 performance cores up to 2.6 GHz
- 4 × Cortex-A720 cores up to 2.4 GHz
- 4 × Cortex-A520 efficiency cores up to 1.8 GHz
This configuration gives the Orange Pi 6 considerably more CPU resources than many conventional SBC platforms.
The processor is particularly suited to applications involving multitasking, virtualization, compilation, development workloads, servers and edge computing.
16GB LPDDR5 Memory
The Orange Pi 6 16GB includes 16GB of 128-bit LPDDR5 memory.
The large memory capacity is useful when running applications that require more RAM than a typical SBC provides.
Potential applications include:
- Docker
- Development environments
- Databases
- AI applications
- Web servers
- Virtualization experiments
- Large software builds
- Home servers
- Multimedia applications
- Edge computing
The 16GB configuration is part of the Orange Pi 6 memory lineup, alongside lower-capacity configurations.
Immortalis-G720 MC10 GPU
The CIX P1 integrates an Arm Immortalis-G720 MC10 GPU.
The GPU supports:
- Vulkan 1.3
- OpenGL ES 3.2
- OpenCL 3.0
- Hardware ray tracing
This gives the Orange Pi 6 capabilities beyond basic desktop graphics and makes it suitable for graphics-intensive applications and experimentation with GPU acceleration.
AI Acceleration
One of the major features of the Orange Pi 6 is its dedicated NPU.
The CIX P1 provides up to 28.8 TOPS of NPU performance, with Orange Pi also quoting up to 45 TOPS of combined AI compute across the CPU, GPU and NPU.
The NPU supports multiple numerical formats, including:
- INT4
- INT8
- INT16
- FP16
- BF16
- TF32
This makes the Orange Pi 6 suitable for experimentation with:
- Computer vision
- Image recognition
- Object detection
- Edge AI
- AI inference
- Robotics
- Smart cameras
- Local AI applications
Actual performance depends on the model, framework, drivers and software implementation.
Dual NVMe Storage
The Orange Pi 6 provides two M.2 M-Key slots supporting PCIe 4.0 x4.
This is one of the most interesting features of the board for storage-focused projects.
The two NVMe interfaces can be used for:
- High-speed storage
- NAS projects
- Databases
- Docker storage
- Local AI datasets
- Video storage
- Development environments
- Server applications
The board also provides a microSD card slot and 64Mbit SPI NAND storage.
Dual NVMe for NAS Projects
Having two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 interfaces makes it possible to build considerably more capable storage systems than those based solely on USB storage.
For example, the Orange Pi 6 can be used as a foundation for a compact NAS with multiple NVMe drives.
Storage configurations can be designed around:
- Separate data and system drives
- Software RAID
- Fast scratch storage
- Database storage
- Container storage
- Local backup storage
The exact configuration depends on the operating system and storage software being used.
Dual 2.5GbE Networking
The Orange Pi 6 includes two 2.5GbE Ethernet ports.
This provides considerably more networking bandwidth than the Gigabit Ethernet found on many SBCs.
The two Ethernet interfaces can be useful for:
- NAS
- Routers
- Firewalls
- Network gateways
- Proxmox experimentation
- Docker servers
- Network storage
- Home labs
- High-speed file transfers
The standard Orange Pi 6 should not be confused with the Orange Pi 6 Plus, which uses two 5GbE interfaces.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Expansion
Wireless connectivity is provided through an M.2 E-Key interface rather than being permanently integrated into the standard board configuration.
Compatible Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules can therefore be added according to the requirements of the project.
This approach also allows the board to be configured differently depending on the application.
USB Connectivity
The Orange Pi 6 provides several high-speed USB connections.
The board includes:
- 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 2 × USB 2.0 Type-A
- 2 × USB Type-C
The USB 3.2 interfaces support up to 10Gbps according to the published specifications.
This makes the board suitable for connecting:
- External storage
- USB adapters
- Cameras
- Keyboards
- Mice
- Controllers
- Development peripherals
- High-speed networking adapters
Display Outputs
The Orange Pi 6 provides several display interfaces.
HDMI 2.0
The HDMI output supports up to 4K at 60Hz.
DisplayPort 1.4
The DisplayPort interface supports up to 4K at 120Hz.
USB-C DisplayPort
The USB-C interfaces can also provide DisplayPort Alt Mode with support up to 4K60.
eDP
An eDP interface is available for compatible internal displays and embedded applications.
The combination of display interfaces makes the Orange Pi 6 suitable for desktop systems, digital signage and embedded displays.
Video Processing
The CIX P1 includes hardware video acceleration.
The Orange Pi 6 supports decoding of formats including:
- AV1
- H.265
- H.264
- VP9
- VP8
- H.263
- MPEG-4
- MPEG-2
Video encoding supports formats including H.265, H.264 and VP9.
This provides hardware-assisted video capabilities for multimedia and embedded applications.
40-Pin GPIO
The Orange Pi 6 includes a 40-pin GPIO header.
The header provides interfaces including:
- GPIO
- UART
- I²C
- SPI
- PWM
This allows the board to be used for hardware projects involving:
- Sensors
- Displays
- Motors
- Robotics
- Automation
- IoT
- Embedded controllers
Camera Support
The Orange Pi 6 includes two 4-lane MIPI CSI interfaces.
These can be used to connect compatible camera modules for:
- Computer vision
- Robotics
- Surveillance
- AI inference
- Image processing
- Industrial projects
The combination of the CSI interfaces and NPU makes the platform particularly interesting for edge-AI camera applications.
Audio
The board includes a 3.5mm audio interface supporting headphone and microphone functions.
It also provides connectors for speakers and an analog microphone.
Power Requirements
The Orange Pi 6 uses USB-C Power Delivery.
The published specifications indicate 20V/5A, corresponding to a maximum 100W power supply capability.
A suitable USB-C PD power supply should be used, particularly when the board is operating under sustained CPU/GPU/NPU loads or when multiple peripherals and NVMe drives are connected.
Cooling
The 12-core CIX P1 processor and high-performance GPU/NPU can generate significant heat under sustained workloads.
Active cooling is therefore appropriate for demanding applications such as:
- AI inference
- Compilation
- Gaming
- Video processing
- Docker workloads
- High-performance servers
- Long-running compute workloads
A cooling solution should be selected according to the workload rather than assuming that passive cooling will be sufficient for sustained maximum performance.
Operating Systems
Orange Pi lists support for several operating systems, including:
- Debian
- Ubuntu
- Android
- Windows
- OpenHarmony
- ROS2
Software support can vary considerably between operating systems, particularly for GPU, NPU, video acceleration and peripheral drivers. For a specific project, it is worth checking the current Orange Pi software documentation before choosing an OS.
Orange Pi 6 16GB for Docker
The 16GB memory configuration provides substantial headroom for running multiple containers.
Potential Docker workloads include:
- Web servers
- Databases
- Home automation
- Monitoring
- Media servers
- Development environments
- Self-hosted applications
- AI services
The combination of 16GB RAM, 12 CPU cores, fast NVMe storage and dual 2.5GbE networking makes the Orange Pi 6 particularly interesting for homelab projects.
Orange Pi 6 16GB as a NAS
The hardware configuration is well suited to storage applications.
The combination of:
2 × PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe + 2 × 2.5GbE + 16GB RAM
provides a strong foundation for a high-speed NAS.
Potential uses include:
- File server
- Backup server
- Media storage
- Database server
- Docker storage
- Development storage
- Personal cloud
Actual NAS performance will depend on the operating system, filesystem, NVMe drives, network equipment and software configuration.
Orange Pi 6 16GB for AI
The 16GB version is also designed for AI and edge-computing applications.
The hardware combines:
- 12-core CPU
- Immortalis-G720 GPU
- 28.8 TOPS NPU
- Up to 45 TOPS combined AI compute
- 16GB LPDDR5
- Dual NVMe
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Dual MIPI CSI
This makes the board suitable for experimentation with local inference, computer vision and edge-AI workloads.
The availability and maturity of software acceleration should be checked for the specific AI framework and model you intend to use.
Orange Pi 6 16GB for a Home Lab
The Orange Pi 6 16GB can also be used as a compact home-lab platform.
The dual Ethernet interfaces allow it to participate in more advanced network configurations, while the two NVMe slots provide fast local storage.
Possible applications include:
- Docker host
- Development server
- Network server
- NAS
- Database server
- Monitoring server
- AI server
- Home automation
- Network gateway
Orange Pi 6 vs Orange Pi 6 Plus
These two models use the same CIX P1 processor family, but the standard Orange Pi 6 is smaller and has different networking.
| Feature | Orange Pi 6 16GB | Orange Pi 6 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| SoC | CIX P1 / CD8180 | CIX P1 |
| CPU | 12-core | 12-core |
| GPU | Immortalis-G720 MC10 | Immortalis-G720 MC10 |
| NPU | 28.8 TOPS | 28.8 TOPS |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 | 16GB+ |
| Ethernet | 2 × 2.5GbE | 2 × 5GbE |
| NVMe | 2 × PCIe 4.0 x4 | 2 × PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Size | 90 × 90 mm | 115 × 100 mm |
| Wi-Fi/BT | Optional M.2 E-Key | Optional M.2 E-Key |
The standard Orange Pi 6 is the smaller board and uses dual 2.5GbE, whereas the 6 Plus is physically larger and provides dual 5GbE.
Orange Pi 6 16GB vs Raspberry Pi 5
These boards target somewhat different parts of the SBC market.
| Feature | Orange Pi 6 16GB | Raspberry Pi 5 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 12-core CIX P1 | 4-core Broadcom |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 | 8GB LPDDR4X |
| GPU | Immortalis-G720 MC10 | VideoCore VII |
| NPU | 28.8 TOPS | — |
| Ethernet | 2 × 2.5GbE | 1 × Gigabit |
| NVMe | 2 × PCIe 4.0 x4 | PCIe 2.0 x1 via connector |
| USB 3 | Multiple | Multiple |
| GPIO | 40-pin | 40-pin |
| Size | 90 × 90 mm | 85 × 56 mm |
The Orange Pi 6 has substantially more RAM, CPU cores, networking bandwidth and NVMe expansion, while Raspberry Pi 5 benefits from the much larger Raspberry Pi software and accessory ecosystem.
Orange Pi 6 16GB Dimensions
The Orange Pi 6 measures approximately:
90 × 90 mm
and weighs around 106 grams.
Its relatively compact 90 × 90 mm form factor provides room for features such as dual Ethernet and two M.2 NVMe interfaces without reaching the dimensions of the Orange Pi 6 Plus.
Orange Pi 6 16GB Specifications Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Orange Pi 6 16GB |
| SoC | CIX P1 (CD8180) |
| CPU | 12-core Arm |
| CPU cores | 4 × A720 + 4 × A720 + 4 × A520 |
| Maximum CPU frequency | Up to 2.6 GHz |
| GPU | Arm Immortalis-G720 MC10 |
| NPU | 28.8 TOPS |
| Total AI compute | Up to 45 TOPS |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | microSD + SPI NAND |
| NVMe | 2 × M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Ethernet | 2 × 2.5GbE |
| Wi-Fi | Optional M.2 E-Key |
| Bluetooth | Optional M.2 E-Key |
| USB 3 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| HDMI | 4K60 |
| DisplayPort | 4K120 |
| GPIO | 40-pin |
| Camera | 2 × MIPI CSI 4-lane |
| Audio | 3.5mm + speaker/mic connectors |
| Power | USB-C PD 20V/5A |
| Dimensions | 90 × 90 mm |
| Weight | 106 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much RAM does the Orange Pi 6 16GB have?
The Orange Pi 6 16GB has 16GB of 128-bit LPDDR5 memory.
How many CPU cores does the Orange Pi 6 have?
The CIX P1 processor has 12 Arm CPU cores: four Cortex-A720 performance cores, four additional Cortex-A720 cores, and four Cortex-A520 efficiency cores.
Does the Orange Pi 6 have an NPU?
Yes. The CIX P1 includes a dedicated NPU capable of up to 28.8 TOPS, with Orange Pi quoting up to 45 TOPS of combined CPU, GPU and NPU AI compute.
Does the Orange Pi 6 have NVMe support?
Yes. It has two M.2 M-Key slots with PCIe 4.0 x4 support for NVMe SSDs.
Does the Orange Pi 6 have 2.5GbE?
Yes. The standard Orange Pi 6 has two 2.5GbE Ethernet ports.
Does the Orange Pi 6 have built-in Wi-Fi?
Wireless connectivity is provided through an optional M.2 E-Key module, rather than being permanently integrated into the standard board configuration.
Can the Orange Pi 6 run Docker?
Yes. Its 12-core processor and 16GB RAM make it suitable for running multiple Docker containers, subject to software and OS compatibility.
Can the Orange Pi 6 be used as a NAS?
Yes. Its dual NVMe interfaces and dual 2.5GbE ports make it suitable for NAS and high-speed storage projects.
What power supply does the Orange Pi 6 use?
The published specifications specify USB-C Power Delivery at 20V/5A.
How large is the Orange Pi 6?
The board measures approximately 90 × 90 mm and weighs around 106 grams.