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Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 vs Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element: Comparison
Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 vs Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element: the cpu architecture difference
They are built to different briefs, and cpu architecture shows it, Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 ARM against Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element x86. There is a split on soc model as well, Quad-Core Cortex-A53 up to 1.5GHz on the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 versus 8 Performance-cores + 16 Efficient-cores up to 5.8GHz on the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element. Wireless is not the same on both, WiFi 5 on the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 versus WiFi 6E on the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element. There is a split on use case as well, General Purpose on the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 versus x86 Compatible on the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element.
Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 vs Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element: which one fits your build
The Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 suits factory floor Modbus/CAN protocol gateways and outdoor or harsh-environment IoT deployments, though it is not built for hobbyist or desktop projects and budget-constrained builds. Buy the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element for 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 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 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.
Which is cheaper, Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 or Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element?
The Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element asks 238% more, $1,349 against $399 for the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 and Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element differ on gpu model?
Yes. GPU Model reads Vivante GC7000UL on the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 versus Intel UHD Graphics 770 on the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element.
Is the Has AI Accelerator / NPU the same on the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 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
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- CompuLab
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- Intel
CPU Architecture
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- ARM
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- x86
Model Number
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- IOT-GATE-iMX8
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- NUC13RNGi9 Compute Element
Memory
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- 1GB to 4GB LPDDR4
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- Up to 64GB DDR5 SODIMMBest
Storage Type
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- eMMC
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- NVMe/M.2
SoC Model
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- Quad-Core Cortex-A53 up to 1.5GHz
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- 8 Performance-cores + 16 Efficient-cores (24C/32T) up to 5.8GHz
Has AI Accelerator / NPU
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- No
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- No
Wireless
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- WiFi 5
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- WiFi 6E
GPIO Header
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- Yes
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- No
Price
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- 399 USD
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- 1349 USD
Use Case
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- General Purpose
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- x86 Compatible
GPU Model
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- Vivante GC7000UL
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- Intel UHD Graphics 770 (discrete GPU via PCIe x16 in host chassis)
Onboard Storage
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- 8GB to 64GB eMMC
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- 2 GB
Official OS
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- Debian, Yocto Linux
- Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element
- Windows 11, Linux
Connectivity
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- Gigabit Ethernet, RS485, CAN bus, digital I/O, optional 4G/LTE, wide 9-36V DC input
- 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 Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 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 1GB to 4GB LPDDR4).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 | Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $399.00 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
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.
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.