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Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC vs Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4: Comparison

Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC vs Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4: the memory difference

There is no decisive spec gap here. Memory splits them by a margin most buyers will never feel, Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4 against Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 8 GB. Soc model is not the same on both, Octa-core on the Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC versus Broadcom BCM2711, Quad-Core Cortex-A72 @ 1.5GHz on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4.

Which should you buy, Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC or Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4?

it is not the pick 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. The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 is the one to take for custom carrier-board products and industrial panel PCs and volume manufacturing needing guaranteed long-term supply, though it is the wrong buy for anyone wanting a board usable straight out of the box and new designs that could instead target the faster Pi 5. It also earns its place with NAS or router builds needing a PCIe lane off Pi 4 silicon. 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 Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (7.8/10): the right choice specifically for products and enclosures being designed around Pi 4 silicon; not meant to compete with the Pi 5 for hobbyist desktop use.

Which is cheaper, Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC or Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4?

Cost splits them too. Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 sits at $45.00, Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC at $219, 387% more.

Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3588S/Octa-Core/8K Decode/UEFI Boot/AI Mainboard)
Firefly

$219.00

Consumercarts listing

@ Consumercarts listing ›

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
    Firefly
    Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4
    Raspberry Pi Foundation
  • Model Number

    Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
    ROC-RK3588S-PC
    Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4
    Compute Module 4
  • Memory

    Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
    4GB to 16GB LPDDR4
    Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4
    8 GBBest
  • SoC Model

    Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
    Octa-core (4x Cortex-A76 + 4x Cortex-A55)
    Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4
    Broadcom BCM2711, Quad-Core Cortex-A72 @ 1.5GHz
  • Price

    Firefly ROC-RK3588S-PC
    219 USD
    Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4
    45 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 Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 if you want the higher memory (8 GB vs 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4).

    Price comparison

    RetailerFirefly ROC-RK3588S-PCRaspberry Pi Compute Module 4
    Consumercarts listing

    $219.00

    View on Consumercarts listing

    $45.00

    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.

    Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4

    7.8 / 10 Expert Rating

    The right choice specifically for products and enclosures being designed around Pi 4 silicon; not meant to compete with the Pi 5 for hobbyist desktop use.