Hello everyone, I am Dr.K. Since we introduced KIWI310 earlier, today we have obtained first-hand updated samples of KIWI310. Based on the specifications we have obtained, the main upgrade is the CPU, which has been upgraded from the original Celeron N3350 (referred to as N3350 below) to Celeron J3455 (referred to as J3455 below), and the PCB circuit board has also been partially adjusted according to J3455. Based on the technical data we obtained from Intel's official website, the main difference between the two is that N3350 is a dual-core processor while J3455 is a quad-core processor. The power consumption of the cores has also been increased from 6W for the dual-core to 10W for the quad-core. Both processors belong to the Intel Apollo Lake generation, so technically they should be "Pin to Pin compatible". However, Axiomtek has redesigned the power supply circuit for the 6W and 10W differences, indicating a very high pursuit of stability.

Next, let's take a look at the comparison table between J3455 and N3350 (data sourced from the Intel website).
 

From the Vertical Segment item, it can be seen that Intel positions N3350 in the mobile market, while J3455 is positioned in the desktop market. There are some differences in their target audiences, so there are also clear differences in design and specifications. J3455 has a complete Quad Core with 4 CPU cores, with a Base Frequency of 1.5GHz, higher than N3350's 1.1GHz, and a slightly lower Burst Frequency of just below N3350's 2.3GHz. The built-in HD Graphics 500 core also has an operating base frequency that is increased from N3350's 200~650MHz to 250~750MHz. The increase in core count and clock speed also results in different TDPs for the two, with J3455's TDP increasing from 6W to 10W. Perhaps it is due to these design differences that Axiomtek ultimately optimized the power supply design when upgrading to J3455 in the KIWI310.

Let's take a look at the physical appearance of the KIWI310 J3455 version. As you can see, the board itself maintains the same compact 1.8-inch mini size, but the engine core has been upgraded to a physical 4-core processor, with both the base frequency and graphics processor frequency significantly increased. We can expect an improvement in performance based on tests.

With the TDP of the CPU increased to 10W, Axiomtek also provides an optional heatsink module with a fan. With a 10W processor, this should be sufficient to handle the heat. Currently, Intel CPUs have a very good temperature protection mechanism, which will dynamically adjust the frequency according to the processing requirements and heat dissipation conditions to stabilize the system. In general, the CPU is likely the most reliable component in the entire computer.
Fig xx. Heat sink for KIWI310

the overall appearance has a texture unique to bare machine enthusiasts. If you have sharp eyes, you will notice that the corners of the heat sink are rounded, which increases the cost of CNC machining and edge repair when using handheld devices for assembly. Finally, the anodized iron gray treatment adds a level of delicacy that is not inferior to that of mobile handheld devices.

The fan itself requires an additional 5V power supply and can be directly connected using a 2-pin pitch 2.54mm Dupont Connector. This connector is currently the easiest to obtain and can be connected directly to the +5V and GND signals on the 40-pin GPIO.

According to the functional labeling of the 40-pin GPIO, Pin 4 is the 5V power supply, which connects to the red positive wire of the fan (indicated by the red arrow in the figure). The black wire is connected to Pin 5's ground (indicated by the green arrow in the figure).

Next, let's take a look at the parameters on the comput  er. We will verify them using CPU-Z.

50. KIWI310 N3350 CPU-Z information

50. KIWI310 J3455 CPU-Z information

As you can see, the main difference between the two is the difference in CPU specifications, while the speed and CL value of the RAM are the same.

We plan to use three testing software today, which are:

1. Pass Mark Performance Test V9
   This software mainly focuses on comprehensive performance testing of individual items such as CPU, 2D graphics, 3D graphics, memory, and disk, and is currently one of the most referenceable comprehensive performance testing software.
    
2. 3D Mark v2.8.6546
   This software mainly focuses on heavy 3D graphics testing of the DirectX 12 3D API and is a comprehensive 3D gaming testing indicator specifically for independent graphics cards. As the KIWI310 does not have an independent graphics card, it only uses Intel's built-in HD Graphics as reference data.
    
3. AS SSD Benchmark 2.0.6821.41776
   This software mainly focuses on comprehensive read and write performance testing of storage devices, covering the scope of system operation and user read and write, such as large file read and write, 4K random read and write, 4K-64Thrd simultaneous 64-thread 4K random read and write, Acc.time search time, and the final comprehensive score.

Testing Platform：

50. OS：Windows 10 IOT
50. SBC1：KIWI310 N3350 4G RAM/64G eMMC
50. SBC2：KIWI310 J3455 4G RAM/64G eMMC
50. Power supply：FSP-Group FSP065-A1BR3 65W PD Adapter
50. Monitor：ViewSonic VX2476 24inch
50. Mouse：ASUS ROG STRIX IMPACT II RGB USB
50. Keyboard：ASUS ROG STRIX SCOPE NX TKL 80% RGB

Before starting the tests, there is an adjustment that needs to be made. Generally, in fanless heat dissipation systems or single-board computers, the Turbo Mode of the CPU is turned off by default. This is because these types of computers are designed for long-term operation, such as 24-7-365, and therefore the performance part is often set more conservatively.

To enter the BIOS settings screen, quickly and continuously click the Delete key on the keyboard when starting up. Then, go into the Advanced menu and scroll down to find Turbo Mode, which is disabled by default. Press Enter and use the up and down arrow keys to modify it to Enabled in order to activate it.