Radxa ROCK 4D Power Consumption: A Deep Dive into Efficiency
The Radxa ROCK 4D is a powerful and versatile single-board computer (SBC) that packs a significant punch, thanks to its Rockchip RK3399-T processor. But with great performance comes a critical question for any project builder, from home server enthusiasts to robotics engineers: how much power does it actually consume? Understanding the power draw of your SBC is crucial for choosing the right power supply, managing heat, and estimating running costs.
We took a close look at the ROCK 4D’s power usage across various scenarios, from idling on the desktop to being pushed to its absolute limits. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect.
Baseline Power Draw: The Idle State
Once the operating system is booted and settled on the desktop environment, the ROCK 4D establishes its baseline power consumption. With a keyboard, mouse, and HDMI display connected, the board’s power draw is impressively modest.
- At idle on the Linux desktop, the Radxa ROCK 4D consumes approximately 2.8 to 3.1 Watts.
This low idle power is a testament to the efficiency of the Rockchip RK3399-T SoC and its ability to scale down when not under load. This makes the ROCK 4D a viable candidate for always-on projects where energy efficiency is a key concern.
Power Usage Under Common Loads
Of course, you won’t be leaving your board at the desktop forever. Power consumption naturally increases as you begin to perform tasks. We tested several common use cases to see how the board holds up.
- Web Browsing and Light Tasks: When actively browsing modern websites or performing light desktop tasks, power usage typically rises to the 4.0 to 5.5 Watt range. This fluctuation depends on the complexity of the web pages and the intensity of the tasks.
- 4K Video Playback: One of the strengths of the RK3399-T is its media decoding capability. During smooth 4K video playback, the ROCK 4D’s power consumption sits comfortably at around 6.5 to 7.2 Watts. The hardware acceleration handles the heavy lifting, preventing the CPU from being fully taxed and keeping power draw reasonable.
Pushing the Limits: Peak Power Consumption
To find the maximum power draw, we subjected the ROCK 4D’s CPU to a full stress test, engaging all six cores. This scenario represents the absolute worst-case power demand, which is important for selecting an appropriate power supply.
- Under a full CPU stress test, the Radxa ROCK 4D reaches a peak power consumption of approximately 8.5 to 9.0 Watts.
This peak figure is a critical piece of information. It demonstrates that while the board is efficient at idle, it requires a power source capable of handling significant spikes in demand, especially if you plan to use power-hungry peripherals.
Key Factors That Influence Power Draw
The numbers above provide a solid baseline, but your actual power consumption can vary based on several factors:
- Connected Peripherals: Every USB device, from a simple keyboard to an external SSD, draws power. High-performance peripherals like NVMe SSDs (via an adapter) can significantly increase overall consumption.
- Wireless Connectivity: Actively using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will add a small but consistent amount to the total power draw.
- CPU Governor: The Linux kernel’s CPU governor settings can be configured to prioritize performance or power savings, directly impacting consumption.
- Cooling: While not a direct power draw, inadequate cooling can lead to thermal throttling, where the CPU slows down to prevent overheating. A good heatsink or fan ensures you can access peak performance when needed.
Choosing the Right Power Supply for Your ROCK 4D
Based on its peak power draw of around 9W, selecting a stable and reliable power supply is non-negotiable. The Radxa ROCK 4D uses a USB-C port for power and supports Power Delivery (PD).
For maximum stability, we strongly recommend a high-quality USB-C power adapter capable of delivering at least 5V/3A (15W). An official Raspberry Pi 4 power supply is an excellent choice. Using an underrated or low-quality power supply can lead to system instability, random reboots, and data corruption, especially under heavy load.
The Verdict: A Balance of Power and Performance
The Radxa ROCK 4D strikes an impressive balance between robust performance and sensible power consumption. Its low idle draw makes it suitable for 24/7 applications, while its peak performance remains manageable within a sub-10W envelope.
By understanding its power characteristics and pairing it with a quality power supply, you can build reliable and efficient projects that leverage the full potential of this capable single-board computer.
Source: https://www.linuxlinks.com/radxa-rock-4d-single-board-computer-running-linux-power-consumption/
