For compute-intensive, AI-supported applications: Kontron's K4021-U mSTX - now at Rutronik

02/13/2025 Product News

Nominated by the trade magazine Elektronik for the “Product of the Year” 2025, the K4021-U mSTX motherboard from Kontron scores with the latest DDR5 memory technology, Intel® graphics and a new integrated NPU for dedicated AI acceleration. The motherboard, which is available from Rutronik, supports up to four 4K60 HDR displays or two 8K displays simultaneously. The platform thus represents a significant advance in embedded computing technology and meets the requirements for the most demanding AI, industrial and medical applications. The K4021-U mSTX can be ordered at www.rutronik24.com. When volume production begins in 2025, a matching SMARTCASE™ chassis kit solution will also be available. In addition, suitable cooling solutions, memory modules and high-performance SSDs for the motherboard are also available from Rutronik. www.rutronik24.com

The compact, flat and versatile design is ideal for applications with limited space and a good alternative to 3.5-inch or NUCs. The energy-efficient design, wireless installation, easy maintenance and flexible expandability make the K4021-U mSTX a particularly cost-effective solution.

The platform was developed for 24/7 continuous operation and is designed for operating temperatures from 0°C to +60°C. The use of high-quality components and strict lifecycle management also ensure high quality and long-term, reliable use.

Robust connectivity and excellent expandability

Designed with expandability in mind, the K4021-U mSTX motherboard features four M.2 slots for storage and Wi-Fi modules, as well as numerous connection options, including two COM ports, Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen2, and GPIO. This allows the board to be customized for a wide range of industrial applications.

Cutting-edge performance thanks to Intel® Core™ Ultra processors

Performance and efficiency are based on the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 and 5 processors, which are part of the Meteor Lake U SoC family. The integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) extends AI capabilities and enables a 20x optimization of performance-per-watt. This makes it ideal for image recognition or automation applications.

Main features:

  • Latest DDR5 memory technology (DDR5-5600, max. capacity 96 GB)
  • Intel Graphics® - within the SoC powered by Intel Xe-Architecture®
  • Up to four simultaneous 4K60 HDR displays or two 8K displays
  • Dual-channel LVDS (24-bit) and eDP V1.4b (4K) onboard
  • COM ports, Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen2, GPIO
  • Operating temperature range from 0 °C to +60 °C
  • Suitable for 24/7 continuous operation

Application examples:

  • POS/POI
  • Production optimization
  • Medical
  • Digital signage
  • Kiosk solutions

Further information can be found in the corresponding Rutronik TEC article.


For more information to Kontron´s K4021-U mSTX motherboards and a direct ordering option, please visit our e-commerce platform at www.rutronik24.com.

Contact Rutronik:

Johannes Gasde | Corporate Product Manager Embedded & Wireless |  +49 7231 801 1799 | johannes.gasde@rutronik.com

Kontron is once again pushing the boundaries of embedded computing with the K4021-U mSTX motherboard.

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