Axzez Releases Interceptor OS with Raspberry Pi CM5 and Banana Pi Support

Axzez has rolled out its updated Interceptor OS Installer, now offering full Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 support. Built for both performance and ease of use, the installer is based on Debian Bookworm and includes up-to-date kernel versions — 6.12.19-v8 for Raspberry Pi and 6.12.20 for Banana Pi.

The new release provides a single image for both Raspberry Pi CM4 and CM5, streamlining setup and enhancing cross-platform compatibility. Users can pick server or desktop versions based on their needs. This version includes:

• Built-in PoE support and updated kernel versions
• Works with both Raspberry Pi and Banana Pi modules
• Unified OS image compatible with CM4 and CM5
• Available in server and desktop editions for different needs

The Raspberry Pi CM5 has been officially verified as compatible with the Axzez Interceptor Carrier Board, including all its versions. Applications requiring high-performance computing with reliable storage and cooling, such as network storage systems or edge computing devices, primarily use this setup. Tested inside the Axzez Interceptor 3hdd 1u Case with active cooling, the CM5 runs at its full 2400MHz CPU frequency without throttling, even under heavy 24-hour workloads.

Major features include enhanced CPU and GPU performance, improved PCIe data throughput for faster HDD/SSD transfers, and compatibility with the WaveShare CM4 active cooling system using a 12v fan and thermal pad. However, the board lacks USB 3 support, disables the power-on button due to GPIO changes in the CM5, and currently does not support PoE without an updated Axzez OS.

Axzez Interceptor Features:

• Compatible SoM: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5)
• Carrier Board: Axzez Interceptor Carrier Board (All versions supported)
• Tested Enclosure: Axzez Interceptor 3hdd 1u Case with built-in cooling
• CPU Performance:
  • 2400 MHz max CPU frequency
  • No throttling under stress-ng and fio workloads (24-hour test)
• Cooling Setup:
  • WaveShare CM4 active cooler (12V fan)
  • Additional 1mm thermal pad (24x18mm) for SoC
  • Two 12v case fans (always-on)
• Connectivity Notes:
  • USB 3.0: Not supported by the Interceptor Carrier Board
  • PoE: Not supported until future Axzez OS update
• GPIO Changes: Power-on button disabled due to CM5 GPIO behaviour
• Temperatures (ambient 22°C):
  • ISA temp: peak 53°C
  • CPU temp: peak 44°C
  • Without cooling, the CPU reaches 85°C and throttles
• Recommended OS: Raspberry Pi OS (until updated Axzez OS is available)

For storage, the carrier board supports up to five HDDs or SSDs using a JMB585 PCIe to SATA controller, with features like drive sleep, standby mode, and support for software RAID setups including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. It also offers four gigabit Ethernet ports powered by an onboard RTL8367 switch for networking.

In terms of connectivity, the board provides four USB 2.0 ports—two through USB-B connectors and two via a 9-pin header. It also includes dual full-size HDMI 2.0 outputs with 4Kp60 support and an RS-485 port for serial communication.

Additional features include a microSD card slot, an RV3028 real-time clock with battery backup, and a standard 24-pin ATX power connector. The board also offers four 3-pin fan headers and an 8-pin header for connecting a power LED, button, and UART. Two 40-pin FFC connectors make it possible to add one or two Interceptor PoE boards, supporting up to 16 PoE+ ports.

At the time of writing, Axzez has reduced the price of the Interceptor Carrier Board v2.0, dropping it from $89.00 to $79.00. Originally launched last year, the board remains available through Axzez’s official announcements and online store.

Via Linuxgizmos.com

Please follow and like us: