Radxa X4: Intel N100, 4K displays and Wi-Fi 6 in one SBC

The Radxa X4 is a remarkable single-board computer (SBC) that stands out in the crowded compact computing market. Powered by the Intel N100 processor, Radxa X4 offers an impressive combination of performance, connectivity and versatility, making it an attractive choice for a wide range of applications.

Price and technical data of Radx X4

Prices start at just $69 for the 32GB version. The Mini PC gives you plenty of bang for your buck.

Processor and performance

Radxa X4 is built around Intel N100 processorwhich consists of four efficient cores capable of clocking up to 3.4 GHz. This processor is complemented by Intel UHD graphics with 24 execution units, providing solid performance for both general computing tasks and multimedia applications. Radxa X4 offers a choice of configurations with 4, 8 or 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, providing enough memory for multitasking and running demanding software.

Storage options

One of the strengths of the Radx X4 is its flexible storage solutions. The board includes optional on-board eMMC flash memory, which is convenient for quick setup and basic storage needs. However, for more demanding storage requirements, the Radxa X4 has an M.2 slot that it supports NVMe SSDs with PCIe 3.0 x4 interface. This allows for high data transfer speeds and significant memory capacity, allowing users to efficiently store and access large files and data sets.

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Communication

Connectivity is another area where the Radxa X4 excels. The board supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2providing fast and reliable wireless connections for seamless communication and data transfer. It also features a USB-C power input and an additional 2-pin power input connector, providing flexible power options to suit a variety of configurations.

In terms of display outputs, the Radxa X4 includes two 4K micro HDMI ports, allowing users to connect multiple high-resolution displays. Audio needs are well taken care of with an easily accessible 3.5mm stereo output and microphone input.

The Radxa X4 has an impressive range of USB ports, including three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and one USB 2.0 Type-A port. The abundance of USB ports allows users to connect a wide range of peripherals such as keyboards, mice, external storage devices and more.

For networking, Radxa X4 includes: 2.5Gbps Ethernet portproviding fast wired connectivity. Additionally, it has a Power over Ethernet (PoE) connector, enabling convenient power supply and data transmission via one Ethernet cable. The 40-pin GPIO connector further enhances the board’s expandability and customization capabilities, allowing users to communicate with a variety of sensors, actuators, and other hardware modules.

• Intel N100 processor with four cores and a clock frequency of up to 3.4 GHz
• Possibility to choose a configuration with 4, 8 or 16 GB of DDR5 RAM
• Optional onboard eMMC flash memory and M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs
• Connectivity Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and Ethernet 2.5 Gb/s
• Multiple USB ports including USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 2.0
• Dual 4K micro HDMI display outputs and audio input/output

Cooling and temperature management

Effective cooling is crucial to maintaining optimal performance and durability of any computing device, and the Radxa X4 is no exception. There is an official heatsink and case on the board that helps dissipate heat generated by the processor and other components. However, users have reported issues with the thermal pad gap, which may impact cooling performance.

To remedy this, it is recommended to use a copper washer and thermal paste when installing the radiator. This provides better thermal conductivity and helps bridge any gaps between the CPU and the cooler. While fan noise may be a concern for some users, the Radxa X4 shows commendable thermal performance in stress tests, indicating efficient heat dissipation.

Operating systems

Radxa X4 offers flexibility in terms of operating system compatibility. Supports both Windows 11 and various Linux distributions to suit different user preferences and requirements. Setting up Windows 11 on the Radx X4 may require additional drivers to be installed, but once properly configured, the board ensures a smooth and responsive Windows experience.

For users who prefer open source operating systems, Radxa X4 is compatible with popular Linux distributions such as Linux Mint. These manifolds provide good performance and effective heat management, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Additional features

Radxa X4 comes with several additional features that increase its functionality and usability. A notable feature is the inclusion of a real-time clock battery, which ensures accurate timekeeping even when the board is turned off. This is especially useful for applications that require precise time synchronization or scheduled tasks.

The board also provides a comprehensive BIOS/UEFI interface, allowing users to fine-tune various system settings and configurations. This level of customization allows users to optimize the Radx X4 for their specific needs, whether it’s adjusting boot options, configuring power management settings, or tweaking performance parameters.

Power consumption is another important factor with SBCs, and the Radxa X4 demonstrates efficient energy use. Detailed energy consumption information is available to help users understand the hob’s energy requirements and plan accordingly. Additionally, Radxa X4 demonstrates impressive thermal performance in stress tests, indicating its ability to maintain stable operation even under heavy loads.

• Official cooler and case available with recommendations for optimal thermal performance
• It supports Windows 11 and popular Linux distributions such as Linux Mint
• Includes a real-time clock battery for accurate timekeeping
• Comprehensive BIOS/UEFI interface for system customization
• Efficient energy consumption and impressive thermal performance under load

Radxa X4 is a high-performance and versatile SBC that offers significant performance improvements over traditional ARM-based SBCs. The powerful Intel N100 processor combined with flexible storage options, extensive connectivity and effective cooling solutions make it a versatile and reliable computing platform suitable for a wide range of applications.

Whether you’re building a mini PC for home use, developing embedded systems, or implementing industrial control solutions, Radxa X4 provides the necessary performance, connectivity, and expandability to meet your needs. With compatibility with Windows 11 and Linux distributions, Radxa X4 caters to various user preferences and software requirements.

The attention to detail in the Radx X4’s design, such as the inclusion of a real-time clock battery and comprehensive BIOS/UEFI interface, demonstrates the commitment to providing a complete and user-friendly computing solution. The hob’s efficient energy consumption and impressive thermal performance further underline its reliability and suitability for demanding applications.

The Radxa X4 is a compelling choice for anyone looking for a powerful and feature-rich SBC. The combination of performance, connectivity and versatility makes it a unique option on the market. Whether you are a hobbyist, developer or industrial user, Radxa X4 offers a robust and flexible platform with which you can bring your projects and ideas to life. For full specifications and more information about the powerful single-board computer, visit the official Radxa X4 product page.

Media Source: Explaining Computers

Filed Under: Equipment, Top news

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