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Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC vs Hardkernel ODROID-H4: Comparison
Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC vs Hardkernel ODROID-H4 onboard storage compared
The first real difference is onboard storage: Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC Up to 128GB eMMC against Hardkernel ODROID-H4 3 GB. On memory there is little in it, 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4 on the Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC versus Up to 48GB DDR5-4800 on the Hardkernel ODROID-H4. There is a split on soc model as well, Octa-core on the Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC versus Intel N97 , Quad-Core @ up to 3.6GHz on the Hardkernel ODROID-H4.
Who each one is for
it is the wrong buy for buyers who want the smallest or cheapest RK3588S board available. It is equally the pick for Linux enthusiasts who want easier OS installation via UEFI boot on RK3588S hardware. Take the Hardkernel ODROID-H4 for budget x86 NAS, router, and firewall builds (pfSense, OPNsense, Proxmox) needing genuine x86 compatibility. The same goes for compact digital signage or desktop setups needing triple 4K display output. Avoid it for storage-heavy NAS builds, the base H4 has no SATA ports, look at Hardkernel's own H4+ variant instead. 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 Hardkernel ODROID-H4 (8/10): the budget x86 pick for NAS, router, and firewall builds where ARM compatibility isn't enough.
Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC vs Hardkernel ODROID-H4 price
The Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC asks 121% more, $219 against $99.00 for the Hardkernel ODROID-H4.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC or Hardkernel ODROID-H4?
The Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC asks 121% more, $219 against $99.00 for the Hardkernel ODROID-H4.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- Firefly
- Hardkernel ODROID-H4
- Hardkernel
Model Number
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- ROC-RK3588S-PC
- Hardkernel ODROID-H4
- ODROID-H4
Memory
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4
- Hardkernel ODROID-H4
- Up to 48GB DDR5-4800 (single-channel)Best
SoC Model
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- Octa-core (4x Cortex-A76 + 4x Cortex-A55)
- Hardkernel ODROID-H4
- Intel N97 (Alder Lake-N), Quad-Core @ up to 3.6GHz
Price
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- 219 USD
- Hardkernel ODROID-H4
- 99 USD
Onboard Storage
- Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
- Up to 128GB eMMC
- Hardkernel ODROID-H4
- 3 GB
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 Hardkernel ODROID-H4 if you want the higher memory (Up to 48GB DDR5-4800 (single-channel) vs 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC | Hardkernel ODROID-H4 |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $219.00 View on Consumercarts listing | $99.00 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.
Hardkernel ODROID-H4
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The budget x86 pick for NAS, router, and firewall builds where ARM compatibility isn't enough.