February 15, 20251 yr I’m using the DEVMFC version [https://github.com/devmfc/debian-on-amlogic]. Additionally, I took the `/boot` partition and copied all the files from the Devmfc_Ubuntu-Oracular_6.12.11-meson64_Minimal-25.01.24.img.xz image. Then, I downloaded the same version available from the Armbian community, but with a graphical interface: Armbian_community_25.5.0-trunk.4_Aml-s9xx-box_noble_current_6.12.12_xfce_desktop.img.xz. I first flashed the Armbian image onto a USB drive. Then, in the `/boot` partition, I moved all existing root files into a `/backup` folder. After that, I copied the files from the DEVMFC version into the root of the `/boot` partition on the USB drive. Surprisingly, when I tried to boot this setup on a TV Box similar to the Vontar X4, which has an S905X4 processor, it actually booted! It prompted me to create a root password, a regular user, set the language, and select a time zone. Then, it successfully launched into X for the graphical interface. However, it seems that USB ports were either disabled, or the system froze—the login screen was visible, and the keyboard cursor was blinking, but no input was possible. I believe this is a solid starting point for getting Armbian images with a graphical interface running on S905X4 (Meson SC2), S905W2 (Meson S4), and S905Y4 (Meson S4) processors. Even without hardware-accelerated graphics, it should still be usable for basic applications like Notepad, text editors, spreadsheets, calculators, terminal access, and other simple tasks. Has anyone else made progress running Armbian on the S905X4?
February 15, 20251 yr Just wanted to post the "news" here too Will add the changelog from devmfc, maybe the devs can work with the informations Quote Update kernel to version 6.12.11 Add DRM/HDMI support for SC2 and S4 SoCs (S905X4, S905W2, S905Y4)!!!! Amlogic has started upstreaming patches for DRM/HDMI support for the S4 platform. I backported the first round of patches to the 6.12 kernel and added support for the SC2. It is now possible to run a graphical desktop on these boxes. However, in my opinion, these boxes are waaay too slow to use as a graphical desktop.
February 15, 20251 yr Author @Amalia Could you share your image? To test on the batch of TV Boxes that I have, I would like to test these Boxes in graphic mode. I appreciate any help in advance!
February 15, 20251 yr I think we both talk about the same Image? The one from devmfc https://github.com/devmfc/debian-on-amlogic
March 1, 20251 yr @calusbr did you get it to work? i reread your question, and see you copied /boot. If i look at the kernel update file from devmfc (linux-image-6.12.17-meson64_20250228_arm64.deb) there is also the folder: /lib with files in it maybe you are missing a module? (better take the folder from the image) btw: devmfc did update: Quote Update kernel to version 6.12.17 Replaced most of the SC2 (S905X4) support with modified S4 drivers or missing SC2 drivers from vendor kernel 5.15 (drivers were 4.9 based). So be careful when upgrading existing S905X4 installs. Added Panfrost GPU support for S4 and SC2 boxes Added support for S4 and SC2 thermal sensors Added initial support for 100Mbit ethernet for S905X4 Added support box X96 Max+ Ultra (S905X4, 100Mbit)
March 10, 20251 yr i can confirm that its working, when Armbian and the Devmfc Kernel versions are the same. you need to copy boot and the modules X96 Max Plus Ultra (S905x4) Debian Bookworm with xfce
June 12, 20251 yr Do you have idea with chip S928X-K in device Ugoos SK1 ? if you have Rom please share for me thank you so much
October 16, 2025Oct 16 @Amaliacan you please share the devfmc and armbian image version names/link that you have used to make the box booting? Is sound, wired and wireless networks working for you in this approach? I have a x96 x4 box with S905x4 chipset 4/64 GB model. I am trying to load Armbian. So far Devfmc version boots, network is also working. I am unable to boot into Armbian of any version. Edited October 16, 2025Oct 16 by sr4armbian correcting typos
January 13Jan 13 I have a Magicsee N5 Max X4 TV box (Amlogic S905X4). Has anyone tried this with this model? I tried removing the # S905X4_Generic symbol, but it still gives an error when booting. Could you please help me? Thank you!
August 19Aug 19 I use box=s905x4_generic_gigabit for my Magicsee N5 Max X4. After removing the # in front of this line in boot.config, the box boots successfully and the Gigabit LAN works properly. I also tested it with Klipper, and everything works fine and is stable. However, the CPU information/details are not displayed correctly. Recently I had some free time, so I brought the box back out and started patching it again. I managed to patch support for the VFD, Blue/Red LEDs, and the on-board WiFi chip. For the DTB, I changed to: box=x96maxplusultra However, there is one issue: the original DTB is configured for 100M LAN, so it needs to be patched to support 1000M Gigabit Ethernet. The WiFi also does not work by default, so that needs an additional patch as well. The good thing is that the VFD GPIO mapping matches this box, so I was able to configure the display to show: Time WiFi connection status LAN connection status USB status Play icon when booting from SD card Pause icon when booting from eMMC The LEDs are configured as: Blue LED = Power On Red LED = Power Off Overall, everything is working well and the system is quite stable. Cr. https://github.com/devmfc/debian-on-amlogic/discussions/132 Quote I have a Magicsee N5 Max X4 TV box (Amlogic S905X4). Has anyone tried this with this model? I tried removing the # S905X4_Generic symbol, but it still gives an error when booting. Could you please help me? Thank you!
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