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.
