This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Leonard Liao
Single-board computers (SBCs)
Single-board computers (SBCs) have revolutionized embedded development, IoT, and hobbyist projects. Two dominant architectures power these devices: x86 (Intel/AMD) and ARM (various vendors like Rockchip, Broadcom, and Qualcomm). Each has distinct advantages depending on the use case.
In this article, we’ll compare x86 SBCs and ARM SBCs objectively, covering performance, power efficiency, software support, and cost. We’ll also highlight the Rockchip RK3588 and RK3588S, two powerful ARM-based SoCs gaining traction in the SBC market.
1. Performance: x86 vs ARM
x86 SBCs (Intel/AMD)
Strengths:
Higher single-threaded performance (better for legacy desktop applications).
Full compatibility with x86-64 OSes (Windows, standard Linux distros).
Better virtualization support (VT-x, AMD-V).
Stronger GPU drivers for desktop use (Intel HD Graphics, AMD Radeon).
Weaknesses:
Higher power consumption (typically 10W–30W).
More expensive than ARM alternatives.
Limited in extreme low-power scenarios.
Popular x86 SBCs:
Intel-based: LattePanda, UDOO Bolt, Up Squared.
AMD-based: Some industrial boards, but less common in SBC form.
ARM SBCs (Rockchip, Broadcom, Amlogic, etc.)
Strengths:
Extremely power-efficient (as low as 2W–15W).
Massively parallel workloads (great for AI/ML with NPUs).
Lower cost (Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, etc.).
Better thermals (passive cooling often sufficient).
Weaknesses:
Weaker single-threaded performance (not ideal for legacy x86 software).
Limited Windows support (mostly Linux/Android).
GPU/driver issues (some ARM GPUs lack open-source drivers).
Popular ARM SBCs:
Raspberry Pi 5 (Broadcom BCM2712, ARM Cortex-A76).
Orange Pi 5/5 Plus (Rockchip RK3588).
Radxa Rock 5B (RK3588).
Kiwi Pi 5/5 Pro (RK3588/RK3588S)
2. Spotlight: Rockchip RK3588 & RK3588S
The RK3588 and its smaller variant RK3588S are among the most powerful ARM SoCs for SBCs in 2024.
Key Specs:
CPU: 4× Cortex-A76 (@2.4GHz) + 4× Cortex-A55 (@1.8GHz) (big.LITTLE).
GPU: Mali-G610 MP4 (supports 8K video decoding).
NPU: 6 TOPS AI accelerator (good for ML inference).
RAM: Up to 32GB LPDDR4/LPDDR4X.
PCIe 3.0, USB 4.0, Dual 4K HDMI/DP outputs.
RK3588 vs RK3588S:
Feature RK3588 RK3588S
PCIe Lanes 4x PCIe 3.0 1x PCIe 3.0
NPU 6 TOPS 6 TOPS
Use Case High-end SBCs Compact SBCs
Why It Matters?
Competes with Intel N100 in some workloads.
8K media playback and AI acceleration make it great for edge computing.
More powerful than Raspberry Pi 5 (but pricier).
3. Software & Ecosystem
x86 Advantages:
Full desktop OS support (Windows 10/11, Linux, even macOS via Hackintosh).
Better proprietary software compatibility (e.g., Adobe, Steam, some CAD tools).
Docker, K8s, and virtualization work flawlessly.
ARM Advantages:
Optimized for Linux (Debian, Ubuntu, Armbian).
Android support (great for media centers).
Growing AI/ML ecosystem (TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch ARM optimizations).
Challenge: Some x86 binaries won’t run on ARM without emulation (QEMU, Box64).
4. Power Efficiency & Use Cases
Metric: x86 SBCs ARM SBCs
Power Draw: 10W–30W – 2W–15W
Best For: Desktop replacement, NAS, gaming – IoT, edge AI, low-power servers
When to Choose x86?
Need Windows or x86-only software.
Running virtual machines or heavy desktop apps.
High-performance home server (Plex, NAS).
When to Choose ARM (e.g., RK3588)?
Low-power 24/7 operation (Pi-hole, Kubernetes node).
AI/ML at the edge (RK3588’s NPU helps).
Media center (8K HDR playback).
5. Price Comparison
x86 SBCs: $150–$500 (higher-end models).
ARM SBCs: $50–$200 (RK3588 boards ~$150–$250).
Example:
LattePanda 3 Delta (x86): ~$220 (Intel N5105).
Orange Pi 5 Plus (RK3588): ~$180 (more AI/GPU power).
Final Verdict: Which Should You Pick?
Choose x86 If… Choose ARM (RK3588) If…
You need Windows – You prioritize power efficiency.
Running x86-only apps. – Need AI/ML acceleration.
Heavy virtualization – Want 8K media playback.
Willing to pay more – Prefer Linux/Android.
Conclusion
x86 SBCs are better for traditional computing and legacy software.
ARM SBCs (like RK3588) excel in power efficiency, AI, and media tasks.
If you’re building a home server/NAS, x86 may be better. For AI, robotics, or embedded Linux, ARM (especially RK3588) is a strong contender.
What’s your experience with x86 vs ARM SBCs? Let’s discuss in the comments!
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Leonard Liao