Tim,
I assumed that the users' HiFive1 was installed in the Arduino IDE. To clarify, I am using Windows 10. I did not download the .json files, but installed through the IDE boards manager.
I ran a Dhrystone test and the HiFive1 reported:
Microseconds for one run through Dhrystone: 11.47
Dhrystones per Second: 87178.00
VAX MIPS rating = 49.62
The Arduino MEGA 2560 VAX MIPS are 9.78 for comparison.
Here are my installation notes:
The HiFive1 board rev b (minor improvements from their initial crowsdsupply.com funded version) is $59USD.
1. Use the Boards Manager to install the SiFive HiFive1 board
2. Add this to the File\Preferences\Additional Boards Manager URLS:
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/VSChina/azureiotdevkit_tools/master/package_az...;
3. You must also install the HiFive1 FTDI Device Driver. Follow the directions here exactly or the install will fail:
https://mcuoneclipse.com/2018/08/17/open-source-risc-eclipse-with-risc-v-on-the-... If you cannot find the driver, download their FreedomStudio app. Its in there.
I use several of the faster (RISC) Arduino compatibles starting with the Teensy. I prefer to program them in VS 2017 + VisualMicro rather using a combinatioon of IDEs for different manufacturers. Let's see, Energia for Launchpad, Freedom Studio for HiFive1, VSCODE+PlatformIO for RE-ARM, etc.