Now there is an alternative to Raspberry Pi that has an AMD Ryzen CPU.
Axiomtek has announced the launch of a new SBC (Single-board computer), a complete mini PC that due to its format is postulated as an alternative to Raspberry Pi and that also makes it the most powerful of all, thanks to the integration of an AMD Ryzen APU.
There are many alternatives to the famous Raspberry Pi, but not many are really powerful and those that are, are almost as expensive as a complete PC. In this case, Axiomtek’s SBC has a secret weapon under his arm, and it’s the inclusion of an AMD Ryzen APU.
Axiomtek brings the power of AMD in Raspberry Pi format
To be closer to the truth we have to say that, in reality, this SBC from Axiomtek is literally twice as much as a Raspberry Pi in terms of extension, since the board is the same size as a 3.5-inch PC unit . It incorporates, yes, a much greater number of options, as well as the power offered by its integrated processor AMD Ryzen V1807B (it also has the option to come with a Ryzen V1605B).
For its part, the Ryzen V1807B provides 4 physical cores with 8 process wires at a speed of 3.4 GHz, reaching 3.8 GHz in Turbo mode, although its TDP is 45W. On the other hand, the Ryzen V1605B is much less powerful, also with 4 cores and 8 process threads but operating at 2 GHz base and 3.2 GHz in Turbo mode, with a TDP of 25 watts. Obviously with these TDPs, Axiomtek has had to incorporate an active heatsink to the SBC.
On the other hand, the system supports up to 16 GB of DDR4 RAM in SO-DIMM format , up to 2400 MHz if the Ryzen V1605B APU is chosen and up to 3200 if the Ryzen V1807B is chosen.
Specs
In both cases, the connectivity is quite wide and it is as follows:
2 RJ-45 Gigabit ports (Realtek RTL8111G).
Two USB 3.0.
2 HDMI ports
1 DisplayPort
1 LVDS (18/24 bit dual channel).
1 SATA 3
1 M.2 socket (SATA, USB 2.0, PCIe x2 optional).
1 x M.2 Key E socket (PCIe x1, USB 2.0).
Internal RS232 / 422/485 connectors, HD Audio.
It is interesting that such a small board can have so much connectivity, and in fact it has two M.2 sockets, although the Key E is designed to add a WiFi / Bluetooth module to the device and thus expand its connectivity a bit. In any case, keep in mind that the unit requires a 12V power supply, which they also sell.
In any case, this device is, as we said before, surely the most powerful alternative to Raspberry Pi to date, and despite having an integrated APU from AMD, it offers compatibility with x86 architecture so you can install Windows and use it as if it were a normal PC with no problems.
Price and availability
Axiomtek already has this CAPA13R available on its website , but they only allow you to make a purchase request and do not indicate the price. It is curious that they launch a device on the market but if you want to buy it, you have to contact them and they will send you a pro forma invoice, when it is normal for you to announce the price by hype and dish to attract consumers and, in fact, you put on a tray the power to buy your product.
