Radxa ROCK 5T Power Consumption: An In-Depth Analysis
When choosing a single-board computer (SBC) for your next project, performance is often the main attraction. However, for applications like home servers, network-attached storage (NAS), or any always-on system, power consumption is an equally critical factor. The Radxa ROCK 5T, powered by the efficient Rockchip RK3588S2 system-on-chip (SoC), promises a compelling balance of power and efficiency. But how much energy does it actually use?
We took a close look at the ROCK 5T’s power draw across various scenarios to give you a clear picture of its operational costs and hardware requirements.
The Baseline: Idle Power Consumption
For any device intended for 24/7 operation, its idle power draw is the most important metric. This is the baseline energy cost when the system is powered on but not actively performing tasks.
In our analysis, the Radxa ROCK 5T demonstrates excellent efficiency at rest. When sitting idle at the Linux desktop with no active processes, the board’s power consumption is remarkably low.
- Idle Power Draw: Approximately 1.8 Watts
This low idle consumption makes the ROCK 5T an outstanding candidate for lightweight, always-on projects. It consumes minimal energy when not under load, keeping electricity costs down over the long term. This efficiency is a significant advantage over more power-hungry x86-based mini PCs or older SBCs.
Power Usage Under General Desktop Load
An SBC is more than just a server; many users want a capable, low-power desktop computer. We tested the ROCK 5T under a typical workload, including web browsing with multiple tabs, document editing, and 4K video playback on YouTube.
During these everyday tasks, the power draw remains modest, showcasing the RK3588S2’s ability to handle common workloads without demanding significant energy.
- Typical Desktop Usage: Fluctuates between 4.0 and 6.5 Watts
This range indicates that the ROCK 5T can serve as a highly efficient workstation for daily computing. It provides a smooth user experience while consuming less power than a typical LED light bulb, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for a secondary or primary computer.
Pushing the Limits: Heavy Load and Peak Power Draw
To understand the upper limits of its power needs, we subjected the ROCK 5T to intense, multi-core CPU stress tests. This scenario simulates demanding tasks like compiling software, rendering video, or running complex computations, pushing all CPU cores to 100% utilization.
Under maximum load, the power consumption rises significantly, but it remains well within manageable limits for an SBC of this performance class.
- Sustained Heavy CPU Load: Approximately 11.5 Watts
- Absolute Peak Power Spike: Up to 14 Watts
The peak draw of 14 Watts is a crucial figure. It represents the maximum power the board might momentarily request from its power supply. This highlights the importance of using a quality power adapter that can handle these brief spikes without issue.
Practical Advice and Key Takeaways
Understanding these power consumption figures allows you to make informed decisions for your project. Here are our key recommendations:
Choose the Right Power Supply: While the board is efficient, its peak power draw requires a capable power source. We strongly recommend using a high-quality USB-C Power Delivery (PD) adapter rated for at least 20W (e.g., 9V/2.22A or 12V/1.67A). Using an underpowered or non-PD adapter can lead to instability, random reboots, and poor performance under load.
Factor in Your Peripherals: The measurements above are for the board itself. Remember that connected peripherals like NVMe SSDs, USB hard drives, and displays will add to the total power consumption. An NVMe drive, for example, can add 2-3 Watts to your total idle and load figures. Always budget extra power for your accessories.
Cooling Remains Important: Sustained heavy loads not only increase power consumption but also generate significant heat. To prevent thermal throttling and maintain peak performance, equipping the ROCK 5T with a heatsink is essential. For demanding, long-running tasks, an active cooling solution with a fan is highly advisable.
In conclusion, the Radxa ROCK 5T establishes itself as a powerful yet remarkably energy-efficient single-board computer. Its low idle power draw makes it a top-tier choice for always-on applications, while its modest consumption under typical loads offers a cost-effective desktop experience. By pairing it with the right power supply and cooling, the ROCK 5T delivers impressive performance without breaking the bank on your electricity bill.
Source: https://www.linuxlinks.com/radxa-rock-5t-single-board-computer-running-linux-power-consumption/
