Radxa ROCK 5 ITX Single Board Computer User Manual

1. Introduction

The Radxa ROCK 5 ITX is a high-performance Mini-ITX motherboard powered by the RK3588 8-core CPU. Designed for edge computing, AI applications, and multimedia entertainment systems, it offers robust features including LPDDR5 RAM, 8K HDMI output, and dual 2.5G Gigabit Ethernet. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Radxa ROCK 5 ITX.

2. Setup Guide

2.1 Package Contents

Before you begin, ensure all items are present in your package:

• 1x Radxa ROCK 5 ITX Motherboard
• 1x I/O Shield for ROCK 5 ITX

2.2 Powering the Device

The Radxa ROCK 5 ITX offers flexible power input options:

• Standard 24-Pin ATX Power Supply Interface: Connect a standard ATX power supply unit.
• 12V DC Jack: Use a compatible 12V DC power adapter.
• PoE Header: For Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality, an additional PoE HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) is required.

2.3 Connecting Peripherals

Connect your peripherals to the appropriate ports:

• Video Output: Use the 2x Standard HDMI ports (one 8Kp60, one 4Kp60), 1x Standard DP via USB Type-C (4Kp60), 1x eDP with Touch Panel, or 2x 4-lane MIPI DSI for display connections. The board supports up to 4 concurrent displays.
• USB Devices: Utilize the 4x USB 3.0 Type-A HOST Ports, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A HOST Ports, or 2x USB 2.0 Type-A HOST Ports via 9-Pin GPIO Header. A USB Type-C port also supports DP display and USB 3.0 OTG/HOST.
• Ethernet: Connect to your network using the 2x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Ports.
• Audio: Connect headphones to the Headphone Jack, a microphone to the Microphone Jack, or use the S/PDIF output.
• Storage: Insert a microSD card into the microSD Card Slot or connect SATA drives to the 4x SATA Ports with Power Header for expanded storage.
• M.2 Devices: The board includes 1x M.2 M Key Connector with PCIe 3.0 2-lane for NVMe SSDs and an M.2 E Key Connector.

2.4 Operating System

The Radxa ROCK 5 ITX comes with Roobi OS pre-installed on the onboard eMMC, simplifying the initial setup process and resolving common ARM system installation challenges. You can also install other compatible operating systems as needed.

3. Operation

3.1 General Usage

The Radxa ROCK 5 ITX features a Mini-ITX form factor (170 mm x 170 mm), making it compatible with standard computer cases. This allows for flexible integration into various setups, from compact home office environments to dedicated server applications.

3.2 Multimedia Capabilities

Leverage the powerful multimedia features of the ROCK 5 ITX:

• 8K Multimedia Decoding: Enjoy super ultra HD content with support for H.265 / VP9 / AVS2 multivideo decoding up to 8K@60fps.
• GPU: The ARM Mali G610MP4 GPU is capable of handling large-scale games and demanding graphical tasks.
• Audio: Integrated Headphone Jack, Microphone Jack, and S/PDIF for comprehensive audio solutions.
• Video Input: Supports 1x Micro HDMI Input up to 4Kp60 and 2x 4-lane or 4x 2-lane MIPI CSI for camera inputs.

3.3 Network Server Applications

With dual 2.5G Gigabit Ethernet ports, the ROCK 5 ITX is ideal for network server applications. Both ports support Power over Ethernet (PoE) with an additional PoE module, allowing for simplified cabling in network deployments.

3.4 Personal NAS Server

Transform your ROCK 5 ITX into a personal Network Attached Storage (NAS) server using the integrated storage options. The microSD card slot and 4x SATA ports with a power header provide ample connectivity for multiple storage drives.

4. Maintenance

The Radxa ROCK 5 ITX is designed for quiet operation with passive heat dissipation. To ensure optimal performance and longevity:

• Keep the motherboard in a clean, dust-free environment.
• Ensure adequate airflow around the board, especially if operating under heavy load.
• Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures or humidity.
• Regularly check for and install system updates for the operating system and drivers.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Radxa ROCK 5 ITX, consider the following basic troubleshooting steps:

• No Power: Double-check all power connections. Ensure the power supply is adequate and properly connected to the ATX, DC jack, or PoE header.
• No Display: Verify that your display cables (HDMI, DP, eDP) are securely connected to both the board and the monitor. Test with a different display or cable if possible.
• Peripheral Not Detected: Ensure USB devices are properly seated. Try different USB ports. For M.2 devices, confirm correct installation and driver availability.
• Network Issues: Check Ethernet cable connections. Verify network settings in your operating system.
• System Instability: Ensure the board is adequately cooled. Overheating can lead to instability. Check for any loose connections or improperly seated components.

6. Specifications

Below are the detailed specifications for the Radxa ROCK 5 ITX:

7. User Tips

• RAM Configuration: The Radxa ROCK 5 ITX is available in various LPDDR5 RAM configurations (4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 24GB, 32GB). Consider your specific application needs when choosing the RAM size, as higher RAM capacities are beneficial for demanding tasks like AI and edge computing.
• Operating System Flexibility: While Roobi OS is pre-installed, the board supports other operating systems. Explore community forums and official documentation for guides on installing alternative OS distributions.
• Cooling: Although designed for passive heat dissipation, for sustained high-performance tasks, especially in enclosed cases, consider adding a compatible fan to the Fan Header for enhanced cooling.

8. Warranty and Support

For technical support, driver downloads, and further documentation, please visit the official RADXA website or contact their customer service. Keep your purchase records for any warranty claims.