Introducing an upgraded retro emulation media center – the Rockbox PLUS!
This article breaks down the technical detail and sets performance expectations between between:
Rockchip RK3328 vs RK3566
⚙️ CPU Comparison
| Spec | RK3328 | RK3566 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Architecture | 4 × Cortex-A53 (ARMv8-A 64-bit) | 4 × Cortex-A55 (ARMv8.2-A 64-bit) |
| Clock Speed | up to 1.5 GHz | up to 1.8 GHz |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 22 nm |
| Cache / Efficiency | Smaller L2, older µarch | Larger L2 per core, +15 % IPC gain |
| CPU Benchmark Gain (est.) | – | ≈ 40 – 50 % faster overall in synthetic tests |
➡️ Summary:
The RK3566’s Cortex-A55 cores are roughly 15–20 % faster per clock than the RK3328’s A53s, and it also runs at a slightly higher frequency. Combined, that yields a ~40–50 % overall CPU performance increase in typical workloads (browsing, emulation, streaming, system responsiveness).
🧮 GPU Comparison
| Spec | RK3328 | RK3566 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | Mali-450 MP2 | Mali-G52 2EE (Bifrost architecture) |
| Shader Cores | 2 fragment cores | 2 execution engines (≈ 4–5× perf) |
| OpenGL ES Support | Up to 2.0 | Up to 3.2 |
| 3D Performance Gain | Baseline | ≈ 3–4× higher fill rate + modern API support |
➡️ Summary:
GPU performance is where the biggest leap happens — the Mali-G52 absolutely outclasses the old Mali-450 MP2, delivering 3–4× faster graphics throughput and enabling far better emulator and video-shader performance.
📊 Real-World Gains (Typical)
| Workload | RK3566 vs RK3328 |
|---|---|
| Retro Emulation (PS1/N64/DC) | +40–60 % higher FPS |
| 1080p / 4K Video Playback | Hardware decode smoother and more efficient |
| Power Efficiency | ≈ 25–30 % lower power draw at same load |
✅ In Addition:
The Rockbox PLUS includes more RAM, more onboard storage, Bluetooth 4.0, faster Wired and Wireless networking options, as well as an LCD screen which shows the time and current connections.
The Rockbox PLUS is slightly wider than the original Rockbox, with an splash of color, and also sports a sleek, modern, soft glow from a blue LED strip that wraps around the base—illuminating your space with stylish underlighting on all sides except the back.
✅ In Summary:
The Rockchip RK3566 CPU is roughly 150% faster than the RK3328 and the GPU is 300%–400% faster, while also running cooler and consuming less power.
This translates that the RK3566 performs roughly twice as fast overall as the RK3328 in realistic mixed workloads.