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Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC vs FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S: Comparison
What is the difference between Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC and FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S?
Memory is the dividing line, Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4 against FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S 4 GB. They differ on soc model too, Octa-core on the Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC versus Rockchip RK3568, Quad-Core Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz on the FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S.
Who each one is for
it is not the pick for buyers who want the smallest or cheapest RK3588S board available. It also earns its place with Linux enthusiasts who want easier OS installation via UEFI boot on RK3588S hardware. The FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S suits OpenWrt or Linux-based home router/firewall builds and multi-gigabit network segmentation projects, though it is not built for GPIO or electronics tinkering (no header) and general-purpose desktop or media-center use. 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. Our rating of the FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S (7.9/10): the best small-form-factor board in this list specifically for home router or firewall duty -- dual 2.5GbE in something this small is hard to beat.
Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC vs FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S price
Cost splits them too. FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S sits at $60.00, Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC at $219, 265% more.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- Firefly
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- FriendlyElec
Model Number
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- ROC-RK3588S-PC
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- NanoPi R5S
Memory
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- 4 GB
SoC Model
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- Octa-core (4x Cortex-A76 + 4x Cortex-A55)
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- Rockchip RK3568, Quad-Core Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz
Price
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- 219 USD
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- 60 USD
Which one should you pick?
Choose Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC | FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $219.00 View on Consumercarts listing | $60.00 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
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.
FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
7.9 / 10 Expert Rating
The best small-form-factor board in this list specifically for home router or firewall duty -- dual 2.5GbE in something this small is hard to beat.