Radxa X4: Intel N100 SBC

Radxa X4: SBC with Intel N100 - Review

The Radxa X4 is a cutting-edge single-board computer (SBC) that has been making waves in the tech community. Powered by the Intel N100 processor, this SBC offers a unique blend of performance and versatility, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. In this article, we’ll delve into the key features, specifications, and potential use cases of the Radxa X4.

Key Features and Specifications

The Radxa X4 stands out with its impressive hardware and connectivity options:

Processor: Intel N100 CPU with four Alder Lake cores, clocked up to 3.4GHz.
Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics running at 750MHz.
Memory: Available in configurations of 4GB, 8GB, 12GB, and 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM.
Storage: M.2 M-Key connection for NVMe drives, providing fast and expandable storage options.
Networking: 2.5Gbit RJ45 Ethernet with Power over Ethernet (PoE) support.
USB Ports: Three USB-A 3.2 ports (10Gbps) and one USB-A 2.0 port.
Display: Dual Micro HDMI ports supporting up to 4K60 resolution.
Additional Features: WiFi 5 & Bluetooth 5, or WiFi 6 & Bluetooth 5.2 on higher RAM models, 40-pin GPIO headers, and a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller for GPIO control.

Performance and Usability

The Radxa X4’s Intel N100 processor brings x86 compatibility to the SBC market, allowing users to run a wide range of operating systems, including Windows 11 and various Linux distributions. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for developers, hobbyists, and educators who need a powerful yet compact computing solution.

The inclusion of the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller for GPIO control is a significant advantage, bridging the gap between traditional SBCs and more specialized microcontroller-based projects. This feature ensures that users can leverage the extensive ecosystem of Raspberry Pi accessories and peripherals.

Potential Use Cases

The Radxa X4’s robust specifications and versatile connectivity options make it suitable for various applications:

Home Automation: With its powerful processor and extensive GPIO capabilities, the Radxa X4 can serve as the brain of a smart home system, controlling sensors, lights, and other IoT devices.
Media Center: The dual Micro HDMI ports and high-performance graphics make it an excellent choice for a home theater PC (HTPC), capable of streaming 4K content smoothly.
Educational Projects: Its compatibility with popular programming languages and development environments makes it ideal for teaching computer science and electronics.
Edge Computing: The Radxa X4’s compact size and powerful hardware make it suitable for deploying AI and machine learning models at the edge, processing data locally to reduce latency and bandwidth usage.

Conclusion

The Radxa X4 is a versatile and powerful single-board computer that brings the best of both worlds: the performance of an Intel N100 processor and the flexibility of a Raspberry Pi-like form factor. Whether you’re a developer, educator, or hobbyist, the Radxa X4 offers a compelling solution for a wide range of projects.