Single-board computers (SBCs) have become indispensable tools in modern tech projects, bridging the gap between compact design and robust functionality. From DIY hobbyists crafting home automation systems to developers prototyping edge AI solutions, these devices continue to redefine what’s possible in a palm-sized package. While brands like Raspberry Pi dominate the spotlight, companies like Radxa are pushing boundaries with boards tailored for power users. Enter the Radxa X4—a compelling blend of Intel’s efficiency and Radxa’s signature modularity, designed to tackle demanding workloads without sacrificing versatility.
Radxa has steadily built its reputation by catering to enthusiasts who crave more than entry-level performance. The X4 epitomizes this ethos, leveraging Intel’s Alder Lake-N architecture to deliver a quad-core, quad-thread Intel® Processor N100. With a max turbo frequency of 3.40 GHz, 6 MB of Intel® Smart Cache, and specialized accelerators like the Intel® Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0, this SBC is engineered for tasks ranging from machine learning inference to real-time data processing. Paired with Intel® UHD Graphics (750 MHz max dynamic frequency) and support for DirectX 12.1, the X4 also doubles as a capable platform for light gaming or 4K media playback.
What truly sets the Radxa X4 apart is its adaptability. Users can configure it with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM (4800 MT/s) and expand storage via an M.2 NVMe SSD slot, while an optional eMMC module ensures quick boot times. Connectivity is equally impressive: dual 4K micro HDMI outputs, a 2.5G Ethernet port with PoE support (using an add-on HAT), and WiFi 6/Bluetooth 5.2 ensure seamless integration into home labs or industrial setups. The board’s 40-pin GPIO header—supporting SPI, UART, I2C, PWM, and programmable I/O—opens doors for robotics, sensor networks, or custom hardware expansions. Targeted at developers and homelab enthusiasts the Radxa X4 bridges the gap between Raspberry Pi’s simplicity and industrial-grade SBCs. Its balance of raw compute power, expandability, and Intel’s ecosystem support makes it ideal for edge computing, lightweight servers, or media centers. This article unpacks the X4’s technical prowess, real-world applications, and how it stacks against rivals like the Intel NUC or LattePanda 4. Whether you’re optimizing a project for speed or scalability, let’s explore whether the Radxa X4 deserves your attention—or if its niche focus limits its appeal.
Key Features and Specifications
The Radxa X4’s hardware is a masterclass in balancing raw power with modularity. At its core sits the Intel® Processor N100, a quad-core, quad-thread chip built on the Alder Lake-N architecture. Clocking up to 3.40 GHz in turbo mode, it’s no slouch for an SBC—imagine a compact car with a turbocharged engine, quietly humming until you demand speed. The 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache ensures rapid data retrieval, while integrated accelerators like the Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 (GNA) and Image Processing Unit 6.0 (IPU) unlock niche capabilities. Need real-time AI inference or efficient image processing? The X4 handles it without breaking a sweat. Paired with Intel® UHD Graphics, the GPU peaks at 750 MHz, supporting DirectX 12.1 and 4K video playback—perfect for a living room media hub or lightweight gaming rig.
Memory and storage options cater to both frugal hobbyists and power users. LPDDR5 RAM scales from 4GB to 16GB, clocked at 4800 MT/s, ensuring buttery-smooth multitasking whether you’re hosting a home server or compiling code. Storage shines with flexibility: an M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe SSDs for blistering read/write speeds, while optional eMMC storage simplifies OS installations. A microSD slot and SPI Flash for BIOS round out the choices, ensuring legacy compatibility.
Connectivity is where the X4 flexes its muscles. Dual micro HDMI 2.0 ports push 4K resolution at 60Hz, ideal for dual-screen coding marathons or media centers. Networking? A 2.5G Ethernet port with PoE support (via an add-on HAT) delivers wired speed, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 keep wireless connections lag-free—critical for IoT deployments or streaming 4K content. Four USB ports (three USB 3.0, one USB 2.0) handle peripherals effortlessly, and the 3.5mm audio jack with microphone input caters to voice-controlled projects or retro gaming setups.
But expansion is the X4’s crown jewel. The 40-pin GPIO header is a tinkerer’s playground, offering SPI, UART, I2C, PWM, and programmable I/O pins for robotics, environmental sensors, or custom LED arrays. Need more firepower? The PCIe 3.0 x4 lane via the M.2 slot can host AI accelerators, 10G NICs, or even external GPUs. Practical touches like a fan header and RTC battery socket ensure stability during prolonged workloads, whether you’re crunching data overnight or running a 24/7 NAS.
Software compatibility bridges the x86 and SBC worlds. Windows 10/11 runs natively, appealing to developers entrenched in Microsoft’s ecosystem, while Debian and Ubuntu Linux support unlocks open-source flexibility. Though pre-installed tools vary by OS, integration with Intel’s OpenVINO and machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow positions the X4 as a budget-friendly edge AI contender.
Power efficiency keeps ambitions grounded. With a 10W TDP and passive cooling, the X4 operates silently under moderate loads—until you rev it up. The 2-pin fan header allows active cooling for sustained performance, while 12-24V DC input via the power header ensures compatibility with everything from lab benches to solar setups.
In short, the Radxa X4 isn’t just a board—it’s a Swiss Army knife for developers who refuse to compromise.
Radxa X4 vs. Competitors (350 words)
The Radxa X4 enters a crowded SBC arena, competing with giants like the Raspberry Pi 5, Odroid N2+, and Orange Pi 5. Each board caters to distinct niches, but the X4’s x86 architecture and Intel-powered specs carve a unique path.
Performance Benchmarks:
The Raspberry Pi 5’s quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 (2.4 GHz) and VideoCore VII GPU excel in energy efficiency and 4K media tasks but lag behind in raw compute power. The Odroid N2+’s hybrid Cortex-A73/A53 cores (2.4 GHz) and Mali-G52 GPU offer mid-range performance with robust thermal management, ideal for 24/7 workloads. The Orange Pi 5 steals the show with its octa-core Rockchip RK3588S (4xA76 @2.4 GHz + 4xA55), Mali-G610 GPU, and 6 TOPS NPU, dominating multi-threaded tasks and AI workloads. However, the Radxa X4’s Intel N100 (quad-core x86, 3.4 GHz turbo) and Intel UHD Graphics leverage single-threaded superiority, PCIe 3.0 x4 bandwidth, and AI accelerators (GNA 3.0) for tasks like real-time inference, where x86 compatibility matters.
Price-to-Performance:
The Raspberry Pi 5 remains the budget king (starting at $60), but limited stock and ARM-centric software can bottleneck advanced projects. The Odroid N2+ ($100) and Orange Pi 5 ($80–$150) offer more muscle for the price, with the Orange Pi 5’s NPU and 8K support appealing to AI/ML enthusiasts. The Radxa X4 likely commands a premium ($120–$180) for its Intel hardware, PCIe 3.0, and LPDDR5 RAM—justifiable for developers needing x86 compatibility or faster storage via NVMe.
Connectivity and Expansion:
While the Pi 5 and Orange Pi 5 include PCIe 2.0 (x1 and x2, respectively), the Radxa X4’s PCIe 3.0 x4 slot doubles throughput for NVMe SSDs or AI accelerators. Its 2.5G Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 outpace competitors’ Gigabit and Wi-Fi 5/6 offerings. However, Raspberry Pi’s ecosystem dominance ensures broader HAT compatibility, and the Orange Pi 5’s 8K HDMI 2.1 and triple MIPI camera inputs cater to multimedia creators.
Unique Advantages:
The X4’s x86 architecture bridges the gap between SBCs and mini-PCs, supporting Windows 10/11 and Intel-optimized Linux tools. Its PCIe 3.0 and LPDDR5 RAM (up to 16GB) enable desktop-grade multitasking, while PoE and dual 4K HDMI enhance industrial and home-lab use.
Limitations:
Despite its specs, the X4’s community pales next to Raspberry Pi’s vast ecosystem. ARM-focused projects (e.g., Raspberry Pi OS optimizations) may lack x86 polish, and Intel’s power draw (10W TDP) demands active cooling for sustained loads—unlike the passively cooled Odroid N2+.
Verdict:
The Radxa X4 excels as a compact x86 powerhouse for developers prioritizing storage speed, AI edge tasks, or Windows compatibility. Yet, for ARM-centric projects or budget builds, the Orange Pi 5 and Raspberry Pi 5 remain compelling.
The Radxa X4 that I have is running Windows 11 which I access via RealVNC. I have it powered via a Power Over Ethernet HAT. I am not entirely sure what I will use it for, but it is a snappy system could possibly replace the need for a full desktop system for some users.