Radxa Rock Pi X
Expert rating6.5 / 10
- SoC:
- Intel Atom x5-Z8350
- Memory:
- 2GB or 4GB LPDDR3
- CPU Architecture:
- x86
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Manufacturer: Radxa Last updated: 2026-09-12
Radxa Rock Pi X Review
Radxa Rock Pi X is a Raspberry Pi-footprint SBC built around an Intel Atom x5-Z8350 x86 chip instead of ARM, letting it boot stock Windows 10 or standard x86 Linux distributions rather than an ARM-specific image.
If you've ever needed a Pi-shaped board that just runs regular Windows software, drivers and all, the Rock Pi X is the answer. It swaps the usual ARM SoC for an Atom x5-Z8350, so retail Windows 10 installs and unmodified x86 Linux ISOs work without hunting for board-specific images, at the cost of the raw horsepower and efficiency newer ARM boards now offer.
Why x86 in a Pi Body Matters
Most single-board computers force a choice between ARM's efficiency and x86's software compatibility. The Rock Pi X keeps the familiar 40-pin GPIO header and Pi-sized footprint but drops in an Atom x5-Z8350, so legacy Windows applications, x86-only industrial software, and drivers with no ARM build all run natively.
Performance and Limits
The quad-core Atom at 1.44GHz (burst 1.92GHz) is adequate for kiosk displays, light desktop use, and embedded controllers, but it trails current ARM boards like the Raspberry Pi 5 or Orange Pi 5 in raw multi-core throughput and stays noticeably warmer under sustained load without a heatsink.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against the Raspberry Pi 5, the Rock Pi X loses on CPU performance and community size but wins whenever the deciding factor is x86 software compatibility. Compared to the Seeed ODYSSEY X86J4125, which uses a more modern (and faster) Celeron J4125, the Rock Pi X is the cheaper, lower-power option for lighter x86 workloads.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating6.5 / 10
A niche but genuinely useful pick when the requirement is 'must run x86 Windows or Linux,' not general performance.
Best for
- Kiosk or POS terminals needing stock Windows drivers
- Legacy x86 software with no ARM port
- Learning x86 embedded development
Not for
- Performance-per-watt builds
- Machine learning or heavy compute workloads
- Buyers wanting the largest hobbyist community
Specifications
What these specs meanIdentity
| Brand | Radxa |
|---|---|
| Model Number | ROCK Pi X |
Processor
| SoC Model | Intel Atom x5-Z8350 (Cherry Trail) |
|---|
Graphics and AI
| GPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Gen8) |
|---|
Storage
| Onboard Storage | eMMC module slot + microSD |
|---|
Physical and software
| Official OS | Windows 10 or Linux (Debian/Ubuntu) |
|---|
| CPU Architecture | x86 |
|---|---|
| Memory | 2GB or 4GB LPDDR3 |
| Storage Type | eMMC |
| Has AI Accelerator / NPU | No |
| Wireless | WiFi 5 |
| GPIO Header | Yes |
| Price | 39 USD |
| Use Case | x86 Compatible |
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Radxa Rock Pi X (Single-Board Computer/Intel Atom x5-Z8350/Quad-Core/2-4GB LPDDR3/x86 in a Pi Footprint)?
Key specs for the Radxa Rock Pi X: SoC Intel Atom x5-Z8350 (Cherry Trail), CPU Architecture x86, GPU Intel HD Graphics (Gen8), Storage Type eMMC, Storage eMMC module slot + microSD, Memory 2GB or 4GB LPDDR3.
Will the Radxa Rock Pi X (Single-Board Computer/Intel Atom x5-Z8350/Quad-Core/2-4GB LPDDR3/x86 in a Pi Footprint) work with my current setup?
The Radxa Rock Pi X (Single-Board Computer/Intel Atom x5-Z8350/Quad-Core/2-4GB LPDDR3/x86 in a Pi Footprint) lists SoC is Intel Atom x5-Z8350 (Cherry Trail). Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Radxa Rock Pi X (Single-Board Computer/Intel Atom x5-Z8350/Quad-Core/2-4GB LPDDR3/x86 in a Pi Footprint) best suited to?
Best suited to: Kiosk or POS terminals needing stock Windows drivers; Legacy x86 software with no ARM port; Learning x86 embedded development.
What are the drawbacks of the Radxa Rock Pi X (Single-Board Computer/Intel Atom x5-Z8350/Quad-Core/2-4GB LPDDR3/x86 in a Pi Footprint)?
Not the best fit for: Performance-per-watt builds; Machine learning or heavy compute workloads; Buyers wanting the largest hobbyist community.
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