DIY Builder Constructs 8,192-Core GPU Using 13-Cent RISC-V Microcontrollers

A hardware enthusiast known as Bitluni has built a custom GPU by connecting 8,192 WCH CH570 RISC-V microcontrollers, each costing about $0.13, into a single parallel computing array. The project originated from a bulk chip purchase left over from earlier cluster experiments. Each CH570 chip runs at up to 100 MHz with 12 KB of SRAM, with groups of 32 reporting to larger controller chips to simplify communication. The build required six-layer PCBs, individual crystals per chip after a shared clock scheme failed, modular blade boards connected via PCIe edge connectors, and a 3 kW power supply delivering over 650 A on a 3.3 V rail. Firmware was flashed automatically using a pogo-pin fixture mounted on a printer toolhead guided by a Python script.