The NComputing RX420 (HDX) is a thin client built on a quad-core Broadcom BCM2711 ARM processor at 1.5 GHz, designed for Citrix HDX virtual desktop deployments. The closest Thinvent alternative is the Thinvent Micro 5R Thin Client, which also uses a 4-core ARM Cortex A53 processor and offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 for wireless connectivity. For buyers who need more memory or a different processor family, the Thinvent Treo Mini PC line offers a wider range.
NComputing RX420 HDX vs Thinvent Thin Clients
| Feature | NComputing RX420 (HDX) | Thinvent Micro 5R Thin Client | Thinvent Micro 6 Pro Mini PC | Thinvent Treo Mini PC, Intel Core i3 to i5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Broadcom BCM2711 (ARM v8), 1.5 GHz | ARM Cortex A53, up to 2.0 GHz | ARM Cortex A55, up to 1.9 GHz | Intel Core i3-1215U, up to 4.4 GHz |
| Cores/Threads | 4 cores | 4 cores | 4 cores | 6 cores (i3-1215U) |
| RAM | 2 GB | 2 GB | 4 GB | Up to 64 GB |
| Storage | Not stated | 16 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 128 GB to 2 TB SSD |
| Form Factor | Not stated | Thin client | Mini PC | Mini PC |
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5 | Dual antenna Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5, dual band (or no Wi-Fi option) |
| Ethernet | 1000 Base-T | Not stated | Not stated | Dual LAN (i3-1215U model) |
| Max video resolution | 3840 x 2160 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| USB | 2x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
Key differences
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Higher memory ceiling: Thinvent Treo Mini PCs offer up to 64 GB of RAM, compared with the RX420 (HDX) at 2 GB, giving more room for demanding workloads.
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Larger storage options: Treo models provide 128 GB to 2 TB SSD storage, while the Micro 5R and Micro 6 Pro use onboard eMMC storage of 16 GB and 32 GB.
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Higher processor performance: The Thinvent Treo i3-1215U reaches up to 4.4 GHz across 6 cores, a stronger class of processor than the RX420's ARM design.
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Trade-off: The RX420 (HDX) is purpose-built for Citrix HDX and offers a 4K-capable video output with native ARM efficiency, which may suit lightweight, low-power Citrix deployments.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the NComputing RX420 (HDX) if you need a compact, Citrix-focused endpoint for lightweight virtual desktop sessions. Choose a Thinvent alternative if you need more memory, larger storage, or a stronger Intel or AMD processor, with the Micro 5R offering a similar ARM-based thin client profile and the Treo range providing higher performance.
