X2L: This particularly affordable alternative to the Raspberry Pi can run Windows thanks to an Intel processor, comes with M.2 support and a Raspberry Pi chip

The market for single-board computers is very much dominated by systems based on ARM architecture. With the X2L, Radxa is offering a new SBC based on an Intel processor. The Celeron J4125 doesn't offer particularly high performance, but at least ensures compatibility with Windows. Various Linux distributions are also supported. Depending on the selected configuration, it comes with 2, 4 or 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM. Unlike most other single-board computers, the X2L also supports NVMe SSDs, allowing M.2 2280 SSDs to be installed. Depending on the model, eMMC storage is also available.

The second M.2 slot (Key E) allows the installation of a WiFi module, which should also include Bluetooth. In its factory state, connection to a network is only possible via Gigabit Ethernet. External storage media and accessories can be connected via two USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. Two HDMI outputs are available, which can also supply 4K screens with 30 frames per second.

The board comes with a Raspberry Pi 2040, which is then used to connect sensors and actuators. A GPIO pin header consisting of 40 pins is on board and supports SPI, UART, I2C and PWM. The 155 x 80 millimeter board is supplied with electrical power via USB PD; if the USB 3.0 ports are loaded, the use of a power supply with an output of 24 watts is recommended. The base model of the board is now on offer at Allnet.China for $39.

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