ODROID-N2+ Firmware Install

The ODROID-N2+ from Hardkernel is one of the most powerful single-board computers (SBCs) available for hobbyists and developers alike. With an octa-core ARM Cortex-A73/A53 processor, powerful GPU, and support for up to 4GB DDR4 RAM, it’s a fantastic choice for everything from retro gaming to home servers or embedded AI projects.

In this guide, we'll walk through how to install and set up your ODROID-N2+, from unboxing to booting into your OS of choice.

What You’ll Need

ODROID-N2+ board (2GB or 4GB RAM version)
12V/2A (or higher) DC power supply (center-positive)
microSD card (Class 10 or UHS-I recommended) or eMMC module
HDMI cable and monitor
USB keyboard and mouse
Optional: eMMC module reader/writer
A case and cooling solution (passive or active cooling recommended)
Internet connection (Ethernet)

Step 1: Flash an Operating System

The ODROID-N2+ supports several OS options:

Ubuntu (official support from Hardkernel)
CoreELEC (for media centers)
Android
Debian / Arch Linux
Armbian (community-supported)

Recommended: Ubuntu Minimal or Mate

Using microSD or eMMC:

Download OS Image
Visit Hardkernel’s Wiki and choose your desired image.
Flash the Image
Use Balena Etcher or Rufus to flash the .img.xz file to your microSD card or eMMC module.

Balana Etcher

Recommended: Ubuntu Minimal or Mate

Rufus

(Optional for eMMC)
If you're using an eMMC module, you'll need an eMMC to USB reader to flash the image using balana etcher or rufus.

Step 2: Insert Storage and Connect Peripherals

Insert the microSD card or eMMC module into the appropriate slot.
Connect your monitor via HDMI.
Plug in your USB keyboard and mouse.
Connect Ethernet for internet access.
Finally, plug in the 12V power supply.

The N2+ should power on automatically. If not, press the power button near the edge of the board.

Step 3: First Boot & Configuration

On first boot:

The system will resize partitions automatically.
Log in using default credentials:
- Username: odroid
- Password: odroid

You’ll be prompted to change the password and can start configuring the system.

Optional Configurations:

Set locale and time zone:

bash
sudo dpkg-reconfigure tzdata 
sudo locale-gen en_US.UTF-8

Update the system:

bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Enable SSH (if not already enabled):

bash
sudo systemctl enable ssh 
sudo systemctl start ssh

Step 4: Verify Performance (Optional)

Run a quick benchmark or test CPU frequency scaling:

bash
cat /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpufreq/policy0/cpuinfo_max_freq

Install htop to monitor usage:
bash

sudo apt install htop

htop

Tips & Troubleshooting

Boot issues?
- Double-check power supply (12V, not 5V!)
- Ensure image is correctly flashed
- For eMMC, make sure the switch is set to “eMMC” mode

No display?
- Try a different HDMI cable or port
- Wait 1–2 minutes; first boot may take a while

Overheating?
- The N2+ runs hot at full load. Consider a fan or a heatsink.

The ODROID-N2+ strikes a great balance between performance and power efficiency. Whether you're building a retro gaming station, a media center, or even experimenting with edge AI applications, this SBC has serious potential.

Now that you're up and running, what will you build?