The Nanopi R4S is a high-performance single-board computer (SBC) developed by FriendlyElec, featuring impressive capabilities for both personal and professional applications. With its quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor, ample RAM, and advanced connectivity options, the Nanopi R4S is a versatile solution for a wide range of uses, from home servers to industrial IoT projects.

In this article, we will explore the Nanopi R4S in depth, discussing its hardware specifications, performance benchmarks, practical applications, and how to choose the right SBC for your project.


What Is the Nanopi R4S?

The Nanopi R4S is an SBC powered by the Rockchip RK3399 chipset, featuring a 6-core CPU (Quad Cortex-A53 + Dual Cortex-A72) and up to 4GB LPDDR4 RAM. The board is designed to deliver exceptional performance while maintaining low power consumption. It supports Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, and PCIe, making it a great option for applications requiring high-speed connectivity and processing power.

FeatureSpecification
ProcessorRockchip RK3399 (6-core: 4x Cortex-A53 + 2x Cortex-A72)
RAM2GB or 4GB LPDDR4
StorageMicroSD card slot, eMMC (optional), USB storage
Connectivity2x Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2x USB 3.0, PCIe, WiFi (optional)
Display SupportHDMI 2.0, MIPI-DSI

Key Features of the Nanopi R4S

1. Powerful Processor

The Nanopi R4S comes equipped with the Rockchip RK3399 chipset, which combines 4x Cortex-A53 cores for power efficiency and 2x Cortex-A72 cores for high-performance tasks. This combination enables the Nanopi R4S to handle a variety of workloads, from basic web browsing to heavy multitasking and media streaming.

2. High-Speed Connectivity

Equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, the Nanopi R4S is ideal for networking tasks, including setting up as a home server or router. The inclusion of USB 3.0 ports and PCIe support further enhances its connectivity options, allowing for the attachment of external storage devices, wireless modules, and more.

3. Expandable Storage

Storage flexibility is another key feature of the Nanopi R4S. The board supports microSD cards, with options for eMMC storage and USB-based storage. This makes it ideal for use as a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) or other applications requiring large amounts of storage.

4. High-Quality Display Outputs

With support for HDMI 2.0, the Nanopi R4S can drive high-definition displays. It also features a MIPI-DSI connector, allowing users to connect compatible screens for embedded projects or custom displays.

FeatureNanopi R4SCompetitor SBCs
Processor6-core Rockchip RK33994-core ARM Cortex-A53
RAM2GB/4GB LPDDR42GB LPDDR4
Ethernet2x Gigabit Ethernet1x Gigabit Ethernet
USB Ports2x USB 3.01x USB 3.0
Storage OptionsmicroSD, eMMC, USB storagemicroSD only

Performance Benchmarks

The Nanopi R4S is a versatile SBC that offers outstanding performance for various tasks. Below, we present some typical performance benchmarks comparing it to other popular SBCs in terms of processing power, networking, and storage throughput.

BenchmarkNanopi R4SRaspberry Pi 4Odroid HC4
CPU Performance6-core RK33994-core Cortex-A724-core Cortex-A55
Memory Bandwidth22.4GB/s (LPDDR4)25.6GB/s (LPDDR4)16GB/s (LPDDR4)
Ethernet Throughput2x Gigabit Ethernet1x Gigabit Ethernet1x Gigabit Ethernet
Storage Speed60-80 MB/s (eMMC)40-50 MB/s (microSD)40-60 MB/s (eMMC)

As seen from the benchmarks, the Nanopi R4S is a strong contender, especially in terms of Ethernet throughput with its dual Gigabit ports, which offer superior networking capabilities compared to other SBCs like the Raspberry Pi 4 and Odroid HC4.


Applications of the Nanopi R4S

1. Home Server

With its powerful processing capabilities and extensive connectivity options, the Nanopi R4S is an excellent choice for building a home server. Whether you’re running a file server, media server, or a home automation hub, the Nanopi R4S offers the reliability and flexibility needed for such projects.

2. Network-Attached Storage (NAS)

The Nanopi R4S‘s dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and ample storage options make it ideal for use as a NAS. By connecting multiple storage devices, users can create a centralized storage system for their home or office network.

3. Router/Firewall

Due to its dual Ethernet ports, the Nanopi R4S can easily be configured as a router or firewall for both home and business networks. With the ability to run open-source networking software such as OpenWRT or pfSense, the Nanopi R4S can handle high-speed networking tasks with ease.

4. IoT and Embedded Applications

The Nanopi R4S‘s versatility makes it a suitable candidate for IoT and embedded applications, particularly those requiring real-time data processing and high-speed connectivity. It is well-suited for sensor networks, edge computing, and other industrial automation tasks.


How to Choose the Right Nanopi R4S Variant

The Nanopi R4S comes in two variants: a 2GB RAM version and a 4GB RAM version. Choosing the right one depends on your specific use case.

  1. For Basic Applications – The 2GB version is sufficient for simple tasks like home servers and file storage.
  2. For Advanced Use – If you’re planning on running more demanding applications such as media streaming, IoT systems, or network management, the 4GB version will provide better performance and scalability.
Variant2GB RAM4GB RAM
ApplicationsBasic server, file storageStreaming, IoT, networking
PerformanceSuitable for light tasksBetter for multitasking
PriceMore affordableSlightly more expensive

Conclusion

The Nanopi R4S is a powerful and versatile single-board computer that is suitable for a wide range of applications, from home servers to industrial IoT projects. With its high-performance RK3399 processor, dual Gigabit Ethernet, and ample storage options, the Nanopi R4S offers a superior experience compared to other SBCs in its price range. Whether you’re building a home server, a network-attached storage device, or an IoT gateway, the Nanopi R4S is an excellent choice that delivers great value and performance.