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Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 vs Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC: Comparison
Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 vs Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC onboard storage compared
The first real difference is onboard storage: Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 8GB to 64GB eMMC against Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC Up to 128GB eMMC. Memory is closer, 1GB to 4GB LPDDR4 on the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 versus 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4 on the Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC. They differ on soc model too, Quad-Core Cortex-A53 up to 1.5GHz on the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 versus Octa-core on the Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC.
Who each one is for
The Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 is the one to take for factory floor Modbus/CAN protocol gateways and outdoor or harsh-environment IoT deployments, though it is the wrong buy for hobbyist or desktop projects and budget-constrained builds. it is not the pick for buyers who want the smallest or cheapest RK3588S board available. The same goes for Linux enthusiasts who want easier OS installation via UEFI boot on RK3588S hardware. Our rating of the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 (7.5/10): A genuinely industrial-grade gateway for automation deployments, priced and built for reliability over raw performance. Our rating of the Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC (7.5/10): the original RK3588S design, still notable for UEFI boot support that makes standard Linux installs far easier.
Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 vs Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC price
Cost splits them too. Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC sits at $219, Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 at $399, 82% more.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- CompuLab
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- Firefly
Model Number
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- IOT-GATE-iMX8
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- ROC-RK3588S-PC
Memory
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- 1GB to 4GB LPDDR4
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4Best
SoC Model
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- Quad-Core Cortex-A53 up to 1.5GHz
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- Octa-core (4x Cortex-A76 + 4x Cortex-A55)
Price
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- 399 USD
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- 219 USD
Onboard Storage
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- 8GB to 64GB eMMC
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- Up to 128GB eMMC
Which one should you pick?
Choose Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC if you want the higher memory (4GB to 16GB LPDDR4 vs 1GB to 4GB LPDDR4).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 | Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $399.00 View on Consumercarts listing | $219.00 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
Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
7.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A genuinely industrial-grade gateway for automation deployments, priced and built for reliability over raw performance.
Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
7.5 / 10 Expert Rating
The original RK3588S design, still notable for UEFI boot support that makes standard Linux installs far easier.