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Leonard Liao
Leonard Liao

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RK3588 SBC: Kiwi Pi 5 Pro

The realm of Single Board Computers (SBCs) has rapidly progressed in recent times, with Rockchip’s RK3588 processor spearheading a new generation of high-performance, energy-efficient computing options. Crafted for AI, robotics, edge computing, and multimedia uses, the RK3588 SBC platform provides desktop-like performance within a small, affordable package. Among numerous RK3588-based boards on the market, the Kiwi Pi 5 Pro is particularly notable for its impressive capabilities and flexibility, offering outstanding features for developers and enthusiasts alike. Today, we are talking about the RK3588 SBC.

What is the RK3588?

The Rockchip RK3588 is an octa-core processor built on an advanced 8nm process, combining power efficiency with cutting-edge computing capability. Its CPU architecture includes:

Rockchip RK3588 CPU architecture

This architecture allows the RK3588 to handle demanding workloads such as 8K video decoding, deep learning inference, 3D rendering, and industrial control—all on a single, compact board.

While various manufacturers produce boards based on the RK3588, the core specifications are typically:

RK358 core specifications

Spotlight: Kiwi Pi 5 Pro

Among the new generation of RK3588-based boards, the Kiwi Pi 5 Pro has gained attention. Developed with versatility and performance in mind, it’s one of the most developer-friendly SBCs in its class.

Kiwi Pi 5 Pro

Kiwi Pi 5 Pro specifications

The RK3588 SBCs excel in performance benchmarks compared to earlier Rockchip SoCs like the RK3399 or RK3568. Thanks to its advanced GPU and AI engine, it delivers smooth multitasking, real-time object detection, and ultra-high-resolution media processing.

Kiwi Pi 5 Pro vs Other RK3588 SBCs
The Kiwi Pi 5 Pro offers some of the best connectivity and memory support among its competitors, making it an ideal all-around RK3588 SBC.

Rockchip’s ecosystem has matured significantly, with strong open-source community backing. The Kiwi Pi 5 Pro supports multiple Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Armbian, and Buildroot, as well as Android 12.

Developers can leverage standard frameworks like TensorFlow Lite, ONNX Runtime, and OpenCV to harness the RK3588’s NPU capabilities.
Kiwi’s development team provides well-documented SDKs, kernel sources, and community forums, making it easier for developers to integrate the board into custom solutions.

Conclusion

The RK3588 SBC is an embedded computing platform that combines features of consumer PCs and compact development boards. It is equipped with an octa-core CPU, a GPU, and AI acceleration capabilities, making it suitable for a variety of applications such as edge AI, robotics, and multimedia systems.

Among all RK3588 boards, the Kiwi Pi 5 Pro emerges as one of the most well-balanced choices—combining performance, expandability, and developer support into a single powerful platform. Whether you’re building an AI prototype, a home media center, or an industrial controller, the Kiwi Pi 5 Pro demonstrates the full potential of Rockchip’s RK3588 technology.

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