If you’ve ever wanted to play with distributed computing but didn’t have a datacenter handy, this project might be the cheapest way to get started.

This build uses a master node based on a CH32V307RCT6 RISC-V microcontroller to coordinate 24 worker nodes, each a CH32V003F4P6 running on its own tiny core. Everything is connected over Ethernet, making this a true miniature cluster you can hold in one hand.

The board is a four-layer KiCad design, with the master node getting its own USB programming/debug interface and Ethernet MAC+PHY for communication. Each worker node has its own LED indicator (because blinkenlights make everything better), plus test points for debugging. Power is handled with a 3.3 V AMS1117 regulator, so you can run the whole thing from USB power.