Below is a comparison of the core specifications between the RK3566 and RK3568 chips:
Character | RK3566 | RK3568 |
Market positioning | Consumer-oriented | Industrial-oriented |
CPU | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 @ up to 1.8 GHz | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 @ up to 2.0 GHz |
GPU | ARM Mali-G52 2EE | |
NPU | 0.8 TOPS | |
Video Encoding and Decoding | Decode： 4K@60fps H.265/H.264 | Decode： 4K@60fps H.265/H.264 |
Display port | 1x HDMI 2.0 (up to 4K@60), 1x LVDS / Dual-Channel MIPI-DSI, 1x eDP 1.3 | 2x HDMI 2.0 (up to dual-screen 4K@60), 1x LVDS/ dual-channel MIPI-DSI, 1x eDP 1.3 |
Ethernet | Integrated Gigabit Ethernet MAC (requires external PHY chip) | Integrated Dual Gigabit Ethernet MAC (requires external PHY chip) |
Memory Support | DDR3/DDR3L/LPDDR3/LPDDR4/LPDDR4X(High-end boards often use LPDDR4X.) | DDR3/DDR3L/LPDDR3/LPDDR4/LPDDR4X(High-end boards often use LPDDR4X.) |
Typical Application | Single-board computer, entry-level tablet/box, educational development board, smart home central controller, digital signage player | Lightweight server, industrial IoT gateway, network video recorder (NVR), high-end development board, commercial display, multi-port software router |
Let’s compare the similarities and differences between the Raspberry Pi 4 and the RK3566/RK3568 (processors).
Raspberry Pi 4 | RK3666/ RK3568 | |
CPU | 4× Cortex-A72 @ 1.5/1.8GHz | 4× Cortex-A55 @ 1.8/2.0GHz |
Key interfaces | USB 3.0 x2, 千兆网口 x1 | USB 3.0 x2, optional dual Gigabit Ethernet ports (for RK3568), and native PCIe 2.1/3.0 |
Video Encoding | 1080p H.264 | 4K H.265/H.264 |
Pricing | After supply resumes, its cost-effectiveness becomes mediocre. | Boards with the same configuration typically offer a 20%-30% price advantage. |
As can be seen from the table:
1. The Raspberry Pi's A72 CPU is more powerful. However, the RK3566/RK3568's quad A55 configuration offers better overall balance. The real-world user experience is comparable.
2. In terms of key interfaces, the RK3568 offers greater expandability and can directly connect to high-speed storage and networking devices.
3. Regarding video encoding, the RK3568 holds a significant advantage in commercial application scenarios.
4. RK3566/RK3568-based boards offer better cost-performance.
Furthermore, it is important to note that while Rockchip chips typically offer excellent support for the mainline Linux kernel, Ubuntu, and Debian — with the community-maintained Armbian system also being highly popular — the Raspberry Pi’s ecosystem and community remain unparalleled. This constitutes the biggest gap between domestic chips and the Raspberry Pi. The Raspberry Pi boasts a vast array of "out-of-the-box" tutorials and a wealth of preconfigured software.
You can choose based on your actual needs. Here is the advice:
For beginners, educators, and developers seeking stability and quick deployment, the Raspberry Pi is the optimal choice, with extremely low time costs.
2 Versions of RK3566 budget-friendly replacements
RK3566 SBC-TP-1
RK3566 SBC TP-1N
2 Versions of RK3568 higher cost-performance alternative
RK3568 SBC-TP-2
RK3568 SBC-TP-2N
Between the two( RK3566 and RK3568) , the RK3568 holds a greater advantage:
1. The RK3568 is equipped with a more powerful video encoder, support 4K real-time encoding, which serves as its core advantage for commercial applications such as NVRs and video conferencing.
2. RK3568 supports dual HDMI Independent display which makes it more suitable for the application of Digital Signage and multi-screen Applications
3. RK3568 natively supports dual ethernet ports, making it an ideal choice for software routers, gateways and industrial control devices.
Choose the one that meets your requirements!
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