Radxa ROCK 4D Review: A Deep Dive into Performance Benchmarks
In the competitive world of single-board computers (SBCs), finding the right balance of performance, features, and price is key. The Radxa ROCK 4D has emerged as a compelling option for developers, hobbyists, and anyone needing a powerful and versatile computing platform. Powered by the Rockchip RK3399-T processor, this board promises significant processing power in a compact form factor.
But how does it perform in the real world? We’ve analyzed its performance across critical benchmarks to determine its strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.
Key Specifications at a Glance
Before diving into the numbers, let’s look at what the ROCK 4D brings to the table:
- CPU: Rockchip RK3399-T with a dual-core ARM Cortex-A72 and a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 (big.LITTLE architecture).
- GPU: ARM Mali-T860 MP4, supporting modern graphics APIs.
- RAM: Available with LPDDR4 memory configurations.
- Storage: High-speed eMMC socket and a microSD card slot.
- Networking: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Video Output: HDMI 2.0 port.
CPU Performance: The Hexa-Core Advantage
The heart of the ROCK 4D is its RK3399-T processor. The big.LITTLE design is a major asset, allowing the system to use the powerful Cortex-A72 cores for demanding tasks while relying on the energy-efficient Cortex-A53 cores for background processes.
In benchmark tests, this architecture proves its worth. The ROCK 4D delivers robust multi-core performance, easily handling tasks like compiling software, running web servers, and managing Docker containers. Its single-core performance, driven by the Cortex-A72 cores, is also impressive, ensuring a snappy and responsive experience in general use and for applications that don’t utilize multiple cores. This level of CPU capability makes it a suitable candidate for projects that might overwhelm less powerful boards.
Storage Speed Showdown: eMMC vs. MicroSD
One of the most significant bottlenecks in any computer system is storage speed. The ROCK 4D offers two options: a traditional microSD card slot and a high-speed eMMC module socket.
Our analysis confirms what many experienced users already know: using an eMMC module provides a massive leap in performance. In read/write tests, a quality eMMC module consistently outperforms even the fastest microSD cards by a wide margin.
Actionable Tip: If you are building a system where boot times, application loading, and file transfer speeds are important, investing in an eMMC module is not just an upgrade—it’s essential. For a responsive desktop experience or a high-performance server, the eMMC option is the only way to unlock the board’s full potential.
Real-World Network Throughput
Reliable connectivity is non-negotiable for most SBC projects. The ROCK 4D is well-equipped with both Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 5.
The Gigabit Ethernet port performs as expected, consistently achieving near-line-speed throughput. This makes it an excellent choice for building a home media server, a network-attached storage (NAS) device, or any application requiring stable, high-speed wired networking. The onboard Wi-Fi 5 also delivers solid performance, providing reliable wireless connectivity for projects where running an Ethernet cable isn’t practical.
Thermals and Throttling: Keeping the ROCK 4D Cool
Powerful processors generate heat, and the RK3399-T is no exception. Under sustained, heavy workloads, the CPU temperature will rise, and without proper cooling, the system will engage thermal throttling to protect itself. Throttling reduces the processor’s clock speed, which in turn reduces performance.
Testing reveals that for light tasks, the board can operate without a heatsink. However, for anything demanding, cooling is a must. A heatsink is highly recommended to prevent performance degradation during intensive, long-running processes. For users planning to push the board to its limits—such as continuous software compilation or heavy server loads—a heatsink with an active cooling fan is the best way to ensure maximum, sustained performance.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Radxa ROCK 4D?
The Radxa ROCK 4D is a powerful and capable single-board computer that excels in CPU-intensive tasks.
It is an excellent choice for:
- Developers needing a powerful and compact Linux development machine.
- Users building a high-performance home server, NAS, or private cloud.
- Hobbyists working on projects that require more processing power than entry-level boards can offer.
Its strong CPU, fast eMMC storage option, and reliable networking make it a versatile platform. However, to truly harness its power, potential buyers must plan for adequate cooling. When properly configured, the Radxa ROCK 4D stands out as a top-tier performer in its class, offering a significant upgrade for those ready to move beyond basic SBCs.
Source: https://www.linuxlinks.com/benchmarking-radxa-rock-4d-single-board-computer/
