The Radxa Dragon Q8B positions itself as a powerful single-board computer alternative to the Raspberry Pi 5, targeting professional and industrial users who need robust local AI capabilities and versatile connectivity.
- Powered by Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 with AI performance over 29 TOPS
- Supports up to 32GB LPDDR4X memory and dual M.2 2280 slots for storage
- Features dual 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, and dual USB Type-C outputs at 4K 120Hz
- Priced around $210 for the 8GB RAM model with shipping expected late July
Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 brings strong AI and computing performance
At the heart of the Dragon Q8B is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 processor, delivering AI performance reportedly exceeding 29 trillion operations per second. This level of processing power is designed to support demanding tasks such as real-time object detection and other AI workloads locally, a key differentiator for industrial and professional applications.
Generous memory and storage options for flexibility
The board supports up to 32GB of LPDDR4X RAM, enabling smooth multitasking and handling of memory-intensive processes. Storage can be expanded via two M.2 2280 slots, with one slot providing two PCIe 3.0 lanes and the other four lanes, allowing for high-speed NVMe drives or Universal Flash Storage. There is also a microSD card slot for additional storage options.
Connectivity and display capabilities tailored for modern use
Networking is robust with two Ethernet ports supporting up to 2.5 Gbps each, catering to high-bandwidth applications. Wireless networking is possible through M.2 2230 cards. For display output, the Dragon Q8B offers HDMI 2.1 and two USB Type-C ports capable of 4K resolution at 120Hz, suitable for high-definition monitors and multimedia setups.
Compact design with essential expansion interfaces
The SBC measures 3.8 by 3.0 inches and includes a 40-pin header supporting GPIO, I2C, and SPI for hardware expansion and customization. An FPC connector allows for PCIe 3.0 expansion with one lane, enhancing the board’s versatility for various projects.
Pricing and availability
Currently, the version with 8GB RAM is priced around $210 at Arace Tech, with shipping anticipated in late July. The Dragon Q8B is also listed on Amazon but is not yet available for order. This pricing and feature set position it as a premium alternative to the Raspberry Pi 5, appealing to users requiring higher performance and flexibility.
Via: Notebookcheck
