RK3328 vs RK3566: Comparing Rockchip Processors

Introduction

Today, we’re comparing these two popular Rockchip SBC processors: the RK3328 and the RK3566. Both are developed by Rockchip, a leading Chinese semiconductor company known for creating cost-effective and powerful System-on-Chips (SoCs) for multimedia, AIoT, and industrial applications.

The RK3328 is popular among makers and developers because it is affordable and offers decent 64-bit performance. It is often used in budget single-board computers (SBCs) like the Pine64 ROCK64 and Libre Computer Renegade. However, the newer RK3566 chip is more advanced. It provides better CPU efficiency, a stronger GPU, and improved I/O options, making it suitable for AI and edge computing.

This detailed comparison looks at the RK3328 and RK3566 processors. We’ll compare their hardware design, performance, multimedia features, power use, and how they perform in real-world applications. By the end, you’ll know which Rockchip processor is the best fit for your project.

RK3328 Overview

The Rockchip RK3328 was introduced around 2017 as a 64-bit quad-core processor primarily targeting entry-level media boxes and affordable SBCs. It’s built using a 28nm process and focuses on delivering balanced CPU and GPU performance at a low cost.

Key Specifications

The RK3328 is still popular because it has reliable software support. It works well with Linux systems like Ubuntu, Debian, and Armbian. Even though the technology is older, it’s still a good option for basic multimedia and network tasks. Anyway, a new Rockchip processor is coming soon.

RK3566 Overview

The Rockchip RK3566 represents a major leap forward. Released in 2021, it’s part of Rockchip’s newer lineup built on an advanced 22nm process, offering much better power efficiency and a significantly more capable GPU.

Key Specifications

Thanks to its newer Cortex-A55 cores and improved GPU, the RK3566 is about 30–40% faster in CPU performance and has graphics that are roughly twice as good as the RK3328. Also, there is another Rockchip processor (RK3576); you can also find some information about this.

Detailed Comparison: RK3328 vs RK3566

1. CPU and Architecture

The most significant difference lies in the CPU architecture. The RK3328 uses the Cortex-A53, while the RK3566 employs Cortex-A55 cores.

The Cortex-A55 not only runs faster but is also more efficient per clock cycle. Rockchip’s optimization allows the RK3566 to maintain low thermals even under sustained loads, something that the RK3328 sometimes struggles with when overclocked.

Engineer’s insight:
In practical workloads, the RK3566 delivers around 20–25% better integer and floating-point performance. When tested with tools like Geekbench 5 or Phoronix Test Suite, you’ll notice smoother multitasking, especially in desktop or lightweight server environments.

2. GPU and Multimedia Performance

Graphics performance is another major area of improvement.

The Mali-G52 GPU in the RK3566 is based on ARM’s Bifrost architecture, which supports Vulkan and OpenGL ES 3.2, enabling much better 3D graphics, UI rendering, and general multimedia performance. This makes it suitable for AIoT dashboards, digital signage, and even Android-based media players.

In contrast, the Mali-450 MP2 on the RK3328 is dated, supporting only OpenGL ES 2.0, which limits its ability to handle modern UI elements and games.

Opinion:
If you’re working on projects involving high-resolution displays, GPU acceleration, or 3D rendering (like HMI interfaces), the RK3566 is the clear winner.

3. Power Efficiency and Thermal Design

Efficiency is a defining factor in embedded systems.

• RK3328 (28nm) tends to run hotter under heavy load, especially in confined SBC enclosures without proper cooling.
• RK3566 (22nm) offers significantly lower power consumption, roughly 25–30% more efficient at comparable workloads.

In industrial environments where continuous 24/7 operation is expected, thermal stability matters. The RK3566’s smaller process node not only reduces heat output but also extends component lifespan.

Example:
In sustained stress tests, the RK3328 may throttle after 10–15 minutes at full CPU load, whereas the RK3566 maintains consistent clock speeds for over an hour without noticeable throttling when passively cooled.

4. I/O and Connectivity

Connectivity is crucial for embedded boards, and here the RK3566 shines.

This makes the RK3566 far more flexible. The addition of PCIe, SATA, and MIPI interfaces allows for expanded use cases such as industrial cameras, AI accelerators, and high-speed storage.

Engineer’s opinion:
If your application requires storage expansion (NAS, edge server, or AI vision system), the RK3566 offers unmatched versatility in its class.

5. Software Support and Ecosystem

Both chips have strong Linux and Android support, but the RK3566 enjoys more active community development in 2025.

RK3328 SBCs:

• Armbian, Ubuntu 18.04/20.04, LibreELEC
• Rockchip’s legacy Android 7.1–9.0 SDKs

RK3566 SBCs:

• Armbian, Debian 12, Ubuntu 22.04
• Android 11 and 12 SDKs
• Yocto Project and Buildroot compatibility

Since RK3566 is newer, many Rockchip SBCs (like the Radxa ROCK 3A or Pine64 Quartz64) have robust kernel support and upstream patches. The open-source driver situation has improved greatly, making it developer-friendly.

Tip:
If long-term software updates and Linux kernel integration are important, the RK3566 is a safer bet.

Use Cases: Which Rockchip SBC Fits Your Project?

RK3328 — Best for Basic and Budget Applications

The RK3328 remains a great choice for:

• Low-cost media players and Kodi boxes
• Home NAS servers (with USB 3.0 storage)
• DIY SBC projects on a budget
• Educational development kits

Advantages:

• Lower price (typically under $25–$35 per SBC)
• Mature Linux distributions available
• Stable performance for 1080p or light 4K playback

Limitations:

• Outdated GPU (Mali-450)
• Limited expansion interfaces
• Higher power consumption under load

RK3566 — For Modern AIoT and Edge Devices

The RK3566 targets more demanding use cases, including:

• Edge AI inference and computer vision
• Industrial HMI panels and control systems
• Advanced digital signage and kiosk systems
• Embedded tablets and smart home controllers
• NAS or IoT gateways requiring PCIe/SATA

Advantages:

• Significantly better CPU and GPU
• Integrated NPU for lightweight AI tasks
• Broader I/O and multimedia options
• Better power efficiency and thermal behavior

Limitations:

• Slightly higher cost (SBCs start around $45–$60)
• Newer platform — some kernels may still need patches

Performance Benchmarks (Approximate Real-World Differences)

These numbers vary between different SBC vendors and cooling setups, but they clearly demonstrate how RK3566 delivers nearly double the graphics performance and better power efficiency overall.

Future Outlook and Ecosystem Trends

Rockchip’s SBC ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly. While RK3328-based boards are still available and affordable, RK3566 and its siblings (RK3568, RK3588) represent Rockchip’s future direction — emphasizing AI capabilities, modern fabrication nodes, and scalable performance.

The RK3328 might soon phase out from high-performance applications, but it remains valuable for ultra-low-cost devices and educational kits.

Meanwhile, RK3566 SBCs are increasingly adopted in industrial and commercial settings due to:

• Extended lifecycle support
• Modern security features (TrustZone, Secure Boot)
• Enhanced multimedia capabilities

Conclusion

In summary, the Rockchip RK3328 and RK3566 each serve distinct segments of the SBC market:

• RK3328 — Affordable, stable, and sufficient for simple media or server tasks. Ideal for beginners or low-budget IoT devices.
• RK3566 — Modern, efficient, and feature-rich, perfect for AIoT, industrial automation, and embedded computing applications.

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