Radxa launches its open-spec Rock Pi X  Model B

Radxa has launched its open-spec Rock Pi X Model B single-board computer, based on an Intel Atom processor, that can run Ubuntu 20.04 or Win 10. We were introduced to the Rock Pi X in September 2019, alongside some beta samples in July of 2020. However, Seeed and AllNetChina have begun taking pre-orders for the Model B.

The Rock Pi X Model B shares some similarities with the Rock Pi X. They run Ubuntu 20.04 or Windows 10 on a quad-core, 1.44GHz/1.84GHz Atom x5-Z8300 from Intel’s aging, but 14nm fabricated, Cherry Trail generation. However, the Rock Pi X Model B includes two features not present on the Model A, which is a wireless module with 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2, and also an antenna, as well as a Power-over-Ethernet capability on the GbE port. The Rock Pi X Model B 1GB model features 8GB of eMMC storage in addition to a micro-SD slot for expansion and is priced at $49, which is quite a low price for a 64-bit x86 system. The model that follows offers 2GB of RAM and 16GB of eMMC storage for $59, then the 4GB model is priced at $75 with 32GB eMMC storage, $85 with 64GB of eMMC storage, and $99 with 128GB of eMMC storage.

The Rock Pi X Model B features HDMI 2.0 with 4k30 support and USB Power Delivery (PD) support with Qualcomm Quick Charge compatibility. The Model B’s gigabit Ethernet port offers Power over Ethernet support. You still need to buy a PoE HAT, because it enables HAT add-on. The Rock Pi X enables a 40-pin GPIO connector that supports the official Raspberry Pi PoE HAT, and Radxa’s Rock Pi PoE HAT for its RK3399-based Rock Pi 4. Its 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 radios include support for an external antenna. Also, Radxa has redesigned the Rock Pi X specs. They have removed the MIPI-DSI/eDP and MIPI-CSI interfaces and replaced it with an LCD connector, and the eMMC is now soldered. Also, the dimensions have been increased to 85 x 54mm. They also changed the ports, one of the dual USB 3.0 OTG ports has been downgraded to USB 2.0 Type-C with 9-20V input. They also omitted the mic interface.

Specifications listed for the Rock Pi X include:

• Processor — Intel Atom x5-Z8350 (4x Cherry Trail cores @ 1.44GHz / 1.84GHz burst); Intel HD 400 Graphics (200MHz/500MHz); Intel    Integrated Sensor Hub (ISH)
• Memory/storage:
  -1GB, 2GB, or 4GB LPDDR3-1866 RAM
  -SPI flash
  -eMMC socket for 8GB to 128GB (bootable); optional industrial eMMC available
  -microSD slot for up to 128GB (bootable)
• Networking:
  -Gigabit Ethernet port; PoE support on Model B only (requires RPi PoE HAT)
  -802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5GHz) with Bluetooth 4.2 and internal antenna (Model B only)
• Media I/O:
  -HDMI 2.0 port (with audio) for up to 4K at 30fps with EDID
  -LCD display connector
  -3.5mm audio I/O jack with HD codec with 24-bit/96KHz
• Other I/O:
  -USB 3.0 OTG port with HW switch for host/device
  -3x USB 2.0 host ports
  -USB Type-C port for power input
  -40-pin GPIO header
• Other features — RTC with optional battery connector for timed backup; optional recommended heatsink; 2x LEDs; schematics and other open source files
• Power:
  -9-20V input via USB Type-C
  -QC 3.0 powering
  -Power/reset button
  *Dimensions — 85 x 54mm
• Operating system — Ubuntu 20.04, Windows 10

The company says they are making plans to release a cost-friendly range of Rock Pi Model A, of which they are dumping the on-board Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios. However, they have not decided on a launch date. You can pre-order the Rock Pi X Model B on Seeed for $75 with 4GB LPDDR3-1866 RAM and 32GB eMMC, and on AllNetChina. AllNetChina offers other options, ranging from a $49 model with 1GB RAM and 8GB eMMC to a $99 model with 4GB/128GB. More details on the released Rock Pi X Model B, and the as-yet-unreleased Rock Pi X Model A, can be found on the Radxa wiki

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