# Baochip-1x

15 Hacker News commenters recommended Baochip-1x and 2 criticized it, November 2025 to November 2026. It was recommended in 6 of 13 months. It meets the Hacker Approved badge rule.

**Verdict:** People recommend it as an open, security-focused RISC-V chip with an MMU and strong hardware security peripherals. The most common caveat is weak low-power numbers.

## Why people recommend it

- Open, security-focused hardware design (5 comments): "microscope inspectable processors being launched by tiny companies that are focused on security and privacy" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49329027)) "Baochip also has an exceedingly capable set of hardware security peripherals." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47282593)) "Very nice development towards more open hardware. And super powerful at that." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47326448))
- MMU in a small chip (2 comments): "the Baochip-1x's key differentiating feature is the inclusion of a Memory Management Unit (MMU)" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47314099)) "It's pretty exciting to see a small chip with an MMU." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47383087))
- Custom CPU added to partner silicon (2 comments): "This is wonderful! Also what a fantastic partnership that allowed adding a new CPU to that die." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47378389)) "Adding your CPU to another company's silicon is a genius move, well done." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47381619))
- Specialized I/O processors (2 comments): "Very much looking forward to play with the BIO functionality on the Baochips that I have ordered." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47500636)) "I love the specialized io processors." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47376547))

## Alternatives hackers recommend

- [Raspberry Pi RP2350](https://hackerapproved.com/p/rp2350.md): 47 recommend

## Where to get it

- [See price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Baochip-1x+RISC-V+microcontroller+SoC+Crossbar&tag=hackerapprove-20) (affiliate link)
- [Official site](https://www.baochip.com/)

## Cite as

Hacker Approved, "Baochip-1x", https://hackerapproved.com/p/baochip-1x/ (counts from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026).