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Banana Pi BPI-R4 vs Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element: Comparison
Banana Pi BPI-R4 vs Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element cpu architecture compared
The first real difference is cpu architecture: Banana Pi BPI-R4 ARM against Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element x86. They differ on wireless too, WiFi 7 on the Banana Pi BPI-R4 versus WiFi 6E on the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element. Use case is not the same on both, NAS / Server on the Banana Pi BPI-R4 versus x86 Compatible on the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element. They differ on official os too, OpenWrt on the Banana Pi BPI-R4 versus Windows 11, Linux on the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element.
Who each one is for
Buy the Banana Pi BPI-R4 for multi-gigabit fiber home routing (2.5G-10G) and future-proof WiFi 7 OpenWrt router builds, though it is the wrong buy for standard gigabit or slower internet connections and budget-conscious router projects. The Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element suits small-form-factor gaming PC builds with discrete GPU and modular workstation upgrades without a full rebuild, though it is not the pick for low-power or embedded applications and budget builds. Our rating of the Banana Pi BPI-R4 (8.5/10): the strongest DIY OpenWrt router board for multi-gigabit fiber connections, if you actually have the bandwidth to use it. Our rating of the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element (8.5/10): exceptional performance for its niche, small-form-factor gaming/workstation upgrades, but not a typical SBC use case or budget.
Banana Pi BPI-R4 vs Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element price
Cost splits them too. Banana Pi BPI-R4 sits at $189, Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element at $1,349, 614% more.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Banana Pi BPI-R4 and Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element differ on storage type?
Yes. Storage Type reads eMMC on the Banana Pi BPI-R4 versus NVMe/M.2 on the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element.
Is the Has AI Accelerator / NPU the same on the Banana Pi BPI-R4 and Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element?
It is. Both are listed at No, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- Banana Pi
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- Intel
CPU Architecture
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- ARM
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- x86
Model Number
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- BPI-R4
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- NUC13RNGi9 Compute Element
Memory
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- 8 GB
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- Up to 64GB DDR5 SODIMMBest
Storage Type
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- eMMC
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- NVMe/M.2
SoC Model
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- Quad-Core Cortex-A73 up to 2.0GHz
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- 8 Performance-cores + 16 Efficient-cores (24C/32T) up to 5.8GHz
Has AI Accelerator / NPU
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- No
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- No
Wireless
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- WiFi 7
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- WiFi 6E
GPIO Header
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- Yes
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- No
Price
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- 189 USD
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- 1349 USD
Use Case
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- NAS / Server
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- x86 Compatible
Onboard Storage
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- 8GB eMMC + microSD, optional M.2 SATA/NVMe
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- 2 GB
Official OS
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- OpenWrt
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- Windows 11, Linux
Connectivity
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- 1x 10GbE SFP+, 2x 2.5GbE, WiFi 7 module support, M.2 for 5G/LTE modem
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- 2.5GbE, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe x16 slot (via Extreme chassis) for discrete GPU
Which one should you pick?
Choose Banana Pi BPI-R4 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element if you want the higher memory (Up to 64GB DDR5 SODIMM vs 8 GB).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Banana Pi BPI-R4 | Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $189.00 View on Consumercarts listing | $1,349.00 View on Consumercarts listing |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Banana Pi BPI-R4
8.5 / 10 Expert Rating
The strongest DIY OpenWrt router board for multi-gigabit fiber connections, if you actually have the bandwidth to use it.
Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
8.5 / 10 Expert Rating
Exceptional performance for its niche, small-form-factor gaming/workstation upgrades, but not a typical SBC use case or budget.