Hi Linux- how important is it to install, say Debian, the version that is specifically made for your hardware? For example, if I have a Rock64 SBC, do I have to install Debian-rock64.img or can I just go with Debian-arm64.img? Will I lose performance/features if using generic arm64 image, or conversely, will I gain performance/features if using the image made for my specific SBC? Is the generic image even compatible with all hardwares?
Thank you.
The rock64 version likely is the same, except for boot loader stuff. Often times these SBC’s require custom boot software, firmware, or configuration. The rest of the distro should be straight up debian.
This link here was on the Pine64’s Rock64 software wiki page
It seems like it comes down to better firmware support out of the box.
