Radxa has introduced the ROCK 5T, a new single-board computer (SBC) based on the high-performance Rockchip RK3588 series. Designed to pack most of the capabilities of a full mini-ITX motherboard—which typically measures 170×170mm—into a significantly smaller 110×80mm form factor, the ROCK 5T is setting new standards in compact computing for embedded applications and high-performance projects.
Design and Form Factor Comparison
The ROCK 5T distinguishes itself from its mini-ITX counterpart by dramatically reducing size without sacrificing core functionality. While conventional mini-ITX boards offer extensive connectivity and expansion options in a 170×170mm package, Radxa’s design condenses these features into an 110×80mm board. This compact design makes the ROCK 5T ideal for applications where space is at a premium, such as edge computing, home servers, or industrial automation, while still providing many of the connectivity options expected in a full mini-ITX motherboard.
Specifications and Performance
At its heart, the ROCK 5T is powered by either a Rockchip RK3588 or the industrial-grade RK3588J, featuring an octa-core CPU with four Cortex-A76 cores (up to 2.4 GHz in commercial and 2.2 GHz in industrial versions) paired with four Cortex-A55 cores running up to 1.8 GHz. Its graphics are driven by an Arm Mali G610MC4 GPU, and the board includes a robust VPU capable of decoding 8K video streams (8Kp60 for H.265, VP9, AVS2, and AV1, plus H.264 support). In addition, a 6 TOPS NPU provides artificial intelligence acceleration, making the platform suitable for demanding multimedia and AI workloads.
Memory options range from 4GB up to 32GB of 64-bit LPDDR5, and storage is versatile: two M.2 2280 sockets support NVMe SSDs over PCIe 3.0 x2, along with a MicroSD card slot, optional onboard eMMC (16GB to 128GB), four SATA ports (present on some versions of the ITX board but removed on the ROCK 5T based on community feedback), and an optional SPI Flash for bootloader storage. The video subsystem is comprehensive, offering dual HDMI outputs (one capable of 8Kp60 and the other up to 4Kp60), a USB-C port with DisplayPort alternate mode, four-lane MIPI DSI connectors, and even an eDP interface with touch panel support. Video input is also supported through HDMI input and dual MIPI CSI connectors configurable as 4× 2-lane CSI.
Networking on the ROCK 5T is robust with dual 2.5GbE RJ45 ports (one with optional PoE support), integrated WiFi (Wi-Fi 6 for the commercial model and Wi-Fi 6E for the industrial grade) combined with Bluetooth (5.2 or 5.3 respectively), plus an M.2 E-Key socket for an additional WiFi module if required. The board also offers cellular connectivity via an M.2 Key-B socket and Nano SIM card slot for 4G LTE/5G support. Standard USB connectivity includes two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, and a USB 3.1 Gen 1 OTG/Host Type-C port, with additional USB 2.0 available via a front header.
Key Differences and Innovations
In designing the ROCK 5T, Radxa strategically removed or modified several features found on the larger ROCK 5 ITX motherboard to achieve a smaller footprint. For example, the 24-pin ATX connector and front panel header have been omitted, as have four SATA connectors and two of the four USB 3.1 Type-A ports. Additionally, the M.2 Key-E socket for wireless connectivity is not present on the ROCK 5T because the board comes with compact, soldered-on WiFi 6/6E and Bluetooth modules. Instead of a traditional RTC battery socket, the ROCK 5T uses a simplified 2-pin connector for battery backup. Notably, the board also introduces a unique 24GB memory option not available on the ITX version, a 40-pin GPIO header compatible with many Raspberry Pi HATs, and an M.2 Key-B socket with Nano SIM support for cellular connectivity. These modifications underscore Radxa’s focus on delivering a high-performance, yet space-efficient solution that appeals to both commercial and industrial users—the latter being an option only on the ROCK 5T.
Software and Compatibility
Radxa assures that the software experience on the ROCK 5T remains consistent with its ITX sibling. Users can expect support for Debian-based Radxa OS as well as Android, ensuring that a wide range of applications—from media centers to industrial control systems—can be deployed with minimal software adaptation. Detailed documentation is available on the product page and the documentation website, helping developers leverage the board’s extensive capabilities.
Market Impact and Applications
By condensing the features of a mini-ITX motherboard into a smaller form factor, the ROCK 5T is ideally suited for applications that demand high performance in constrained spaces. Its powerful processing capabilities, versatile connectivity options, and integrated multimedia and AI features make it an attractive option for everything from compact home servers and edge computing nodes to digital signage and industrial automation systems. The move mirrors a broader trend in high-performance computing where miniaturization and energy efficiency are key—echoing the advantages typically offered by mini-ITX motherboards in desktop environments, but reimagined for the embedded and data center markets.
Radxa’s ROCK 5T represents a significant innovation in SBC design by merging the comprehensive feature set of a full mini-ITX motherboard with an ultra-compact 110×80mm footprint. With its powerful Rockchip RK3588-based SoC, extensive connectivity, and tailored modifications based on community feedback, the ROCK 5T is poised to drive advancements in various high-performance and embedded computing applications. As the industry continues to evolve, boards like the ROCK 5T are redefining what is possible in compact, energy-efficient computing while delivering the performance and versatility demanded by modern applications.
