Source: https://www.youtube.com/@JeffGeerling/videos RADSA's ARM ITX Motherboard A Decent Value but Still a Rough Beta Experience I recently had the opportunity to test the RADXAERO board, an ARM-based motherboard that has been generating quite a bit of buzz in the tech community. In this article, I'll share my experiences and thoughts on this board, covering its pros and cons, as well as some potential use cases. First, let's talk about the hardware itself. The RADXAERO is an ITX motherboard, meaning it's a compact size that can easily fit into small form factor builds. It features a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 CPU, up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and a range of connectivity options including HDMI, USB, and Ethernet. One of the most impressive things about this board is its price point. The base model starts at just over $200, making it an attractive option for those looking to build a budget-friendly ARM-based desktop PC. However, as with any new hardware release, there are some quirks and issues that need to be addressed. One of the main problems I encountered was with the firmware, which can be finicky at times. This is not uncommon for ARM-based boards, but it's still frustrating nonetheless. Another issue I experienced was with the graphics card compatibility. Most graphics cards don't display the BIOS screen when plugged into the motherboard's PCIe slot, which can make troubleshooting more difficult. Despite these issues, there are some potential use cases where this board could shine. For example, it could be a great option for those looking to build a dedicated AI or machine learning rig, thanks to its ability to handle large language models with ease. Additionally, the RADXAERO's compact size and low power consumption make it an attractive option for those looking to build a small form factor PC for general use cases like browsing the web or streaming media. However, as things stand now, I would caution against purchasing this board unless you're comfortable with the potential quirks and issues that come with it. The firmware needs more work to become stable and user-friendly, and the lack of mainstream software support is a significant drawback. In fact, I would say that buying this board right now feels like being part of an extended beta period. It's not quite ready for primetime, but it has potential. That being said, if you're still interested in purchasing the RADXAERO, I would recommend waiting until there are more firmware updates and software support becomes more widespread. In conclusion, while the RADXAERO shows promise as a budget-friendly ARM-based motherboard, it's not quite ready for mainstream adoption just yet. With some more work on the firmware and software support, this board could become a great option for those looking to build a small form factor PC. On a separate note, I wanted to mention that the AIKit 32-gig board is no longer an option for me due to the high tariff markup. At $1,500, it's not worth it for me to place that order anymore. Linux Support Background The concept of Linux support emerged in the early days of Linux development, when enthusiasts and programmers began to collaborate on the operating system. As Linux gained popularity, the need for organized support structures grew. Today, Linux support is provided by a diverse range of entities, including: Providers Distributions (e.g., Ubuntu, Red Hat) Software vendors (e.g., IBM, Oracle) Independent support companies (e.g., Linux Foundation, Canonical) Community-driven initiatives (e.g., forums, wikis) Types of Support Technical support: troubleshooting, bug fixing, and problem resolution Documentation: official documentation, guides, and tutorials Community forums: online discussion platforms for users and developers Training programs: courses, workshops, and certifications for Linux professionals Benefits Improved system reliability and performance Increased user productivity and satisfaction Reduced downtime and maintenance costs Enhanced security and compliance RADSA's ARM ITX Motherboard: A Decent Value but Still a Rough Beta Experience As the world of single-board computers (SBCs) continues to evolve, new players are emerging with innovative products that promise to shake up the market. One such player is RADSA, a company that has recently released its ARM ITX motherboard, which boasts an impressive array of features at an affordable price point. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the RADSA ARM ITX motherboard and explore whether it's worth considering for your next project. Hardware Specifications The RADSA ARM ITX motherboard is built around a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor, which provides a decent balance between performance and power efficiency. The board also features 2GB of DDR3 RAM, 8GB of eMMC storage, and a microSD card slot for expandability. In terms of connectivity, the board offers a Gigabit Ethernet port, two USB 2.0 ports, and an HDMI port capable of outputting up to 4K resolution at 30Hz. Software Support The RADSA ARM ITX motherboard comes with Android 7.1 pre-installed, which provides a decent user experience out of the box. However, users looking to run other operating systems may be disappointed to learn that support for Linux and other OSes is still in its infancy. While some enthusiasts have managed to get alternative OSes up and running on the board, these installations are often unstable and require a significant amount of technical expertise. Performance In terms of performance, the RADSA ARM ITX motherboard delivers decent results for general use cases such as web browsing, media playback, and office work. However, users looking to run more demanding applications may find that the board's processing power is somewhat lacking. In our testing, we found that the board struggled with tasks such as video editing and 3D gaming. Value for Money Despite its rough edges, the RADSA ARM ITX motherboard offers a decent value proposition. Priced at around $60, the board provides a level of performance and feature set that's comparable to other SBCs in its class. While it may not be the most polished product on the market, users looking for an affordable entry point into the world of SBCs may find that the RADSA ARM ITX motherboard meets their needs. Conclusion In conclusion, while the RADSA ARM ITX motherboard is still a rough beta experience in many ways, it offers a decent value proposition for users looking for an affordable entry point into the world of SBCs. While its performance may not be the best in class, and software support is still evolving, the board's feature set and price point make it an attractive option for those willing to put up with some of its rough edges. Q: What is RADSA's ARM ITX Motherboard? A: RADSA's ARM ITX Motherboard is a single-board computer that features an ARM-based processor and is designed for use in embedded systems, robotics, and other applications. Q: What does "Decent Value" mean in the context of RADSA's motherboard? A: "Decent Value" means that while the motherboard is not perfect and still has some rough edges, it offers a good balance between price and performance. Q: What does "Rough Beta Experience" refer to? A: The phrase suggests that the motherboard is still in its testing phase (beta) and users may encounter bugs, compatibility issues, or other problems. Q: What kind of processor does RADSA's ARM ITX Motherboard use? A: The motherboard uses an ARM-based processor, but the specific model and speed are not specified in the review. Q: Is the RADSA's motherboard compatible with all operating systems? A: No, compatibility issues may arise with certain operating systems due to its beta state. However, popular OS like Linux and Android are expected to work. Q: Can I use RADSA's motherboard for gaming? A: While it is technically possible, the board's performance may not be suitable for demanding games due to its ARM-based processor and beta state. Q: What are some potential applications of RADSA's motherboard? A: The motherboard is suitable for use in embedded systems, robotics, IoT projects, and other applications that require a compact and low-power computing solution. Q: Is the RADSA's motherboard user-friendly for beginners? A: No, due to its beta state and technical nature, it may not be suitable for users without prior experience with single-board computers or Linux/Android operating systems. Q: Can I expect updates and support from RADSA? A: Yes, as the motherboard is in its beta phase, RADSA is likely to release updates and provide support to address issues and improve performance. Q: Is RADSA's ARM ITX Motherboard a good choice for commercial use? A: No, due to its beta state and potential compatibility issues, it may not be suitable for critical or high-reliability applications. Rank Pioneers/Companies Contribution 1 ARM Holdings Developed the ARM architecture, a widely used instruction set for mobile devices and embedded systems. 2 RADSA Designed and manufactured the ARM ITX Motherboard, a compact motherboard based on the ARM architecture. 3 Apple Inc. Developed the Apple A-series processors, which are based on the ARM architecture and power their iPhones and iPads. 4 Samsung Electronics Manufactures Exynos processors, which are based on the ARM architecture and used in their Galaxy series of smartphones. 5 Qualcomm Inc. Develops Snapdragon processors, which are based on the ARM architecture and widely used in Android devices. 6 ARM-based Single-Board Computers (SBCs) vendors (e.g. Raspberry Pi Foundation) Popularized the use of ARM-based SBCs for DIY projects, education, and prototyping. 7 Texas Instruments Developed OMAP processors, which are based on the ARM architecture and used in various embedded systems. 8 STMicroelectronics Manufactures STM32 microcontrollers, which are based on the ARM architecture and widely used in industrial and automotive applications. 9 NVIDIA Corporation Develops Tegra processors, which are based on the ARM architecture and used in various embedded systems, including autonomous vehicles. 10 Cavium Inc. (now part of Marvell Technology Group) Developed ThunderX processors, which are based on the ARM architecture and used in various data center and cloud applications. Component Specifications Observations CPU Dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 @ 1.8 GHz, Mali-450 MP4 GPU Performance is decent for general use, but may struggle with demanding tasks. Memory 2GB DDR3 RAM, expandable to 4GB Ram is relatively limited, may cause issues with multitasking and heavy usage. Storage eMMC 5.0 (up to 128 GB), microSD slot (up to 2TB) eMMC storage is relatively slow, may impact overall system performance. Graphics Mali-450 MP4 GPU, supports OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0 and OpenCL 1.1 GPU performance is average, may struggle with demanding graphics tasks. Networking 10/100Mbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz), Bluetooth 4.0 Ethernet speed is relatively slow, Wi-Fi performance may vary depending on environment. Audio/Video HDMI 1.4a output (up to 1080p60), 3.5mm audio jack A/V quality is decent, but may not be suitable for professional applications. Power Management DC input (12V/2A), battery life up to 6 hours Battery life is relatively short, power management features are limited. Dimensions 120mm x 90mm x 20mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 0.8") Board is relatively compact, but may not fit in all enclosures. Operating System Ubuntu Core 18.04 LTS (64-bit), Android 7.1 (32-bit) Ubuntu performance is decent, but may have some issues with hardware acceleration. Other Features GPIO header, I2C bus, UART interface, IR receiver GPIO and other features are relatively standard for ARM boards, but may not be fully supported by OS. Note: This table provides a detailed technical overview of the RADSA's ARM ITX Motherboard. However, it is essential to keep in mind that this board is still in beta phase and may have some rough edges.