NComputing RX540 is a thin client powered by the Raspberry Pi CM5 that works with Citrix, Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), Windows 365, Remote Desktop Services (RDS), and NComputing’s own vSpace Pro and VERDE VDI platforms. Omnissa Horizon integration is expected in March 2025.
We first covered NComputing when the company released the RX300 Raspberry Pi 3-based Thin Client in 2017, which we reviewed with Windows Server 2016 the same year. Since then, the company introduced the RX420(HDX) Raspberry Pi 4 Thin Client compatible with Citrix HDX in 2020, and now they’ve introduced their first Raspberry Pi Compute Module-based hardware with the CM5-powered NComputing RX540 thin client, and there’s also an RX580 model with 8GB RAM and internal storage available upon request.
Ncomputing RX540 specifications:
- SoM – Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5
- SoC – Broadcom BCM2712
- CPU – Quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 processor @ 2.4GHz
- GPU – VideoCore VII GPU with support for OpenGL ES 3.1 graphics, Vulkan 1.2
- VPU – 4Kp60 HEVC decoder
- System Memory – 4GB RAM (RX540) or 8GB RAM (RX580)
- Storage – 16GB eMMC flash
- SoC – Broadcom BCM2712
- Storage – RX580: expandable internal storage
- Video Output – 2x HDMI ports up to 4K @ 30 Hz
- Audio
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- 3.5mm microphone jack
- Digital audio via HDMI ports
- Connectivity
- Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
- Dual-band (2.4 GHz/5.0 GHz) 802.11b/g/n/ac WiFi 5
- Bluetooth 5.0 BLE
- USB – 2x USB 3.0 ports, 2x USB 2.0 ports.
- Misc – Power button & LED, Kensington lock slot
- Power Supply – 5V DC via USB-C connector
- Dimensions – TBD
The RX540 thin client runs NComputing LEAF OS on the Raspberry Pi CM5 platform, and supports PMC Endpoint Manager software designed to “streamlined device onboarding” and featuring real-time administrative tools.
LEAF OS is a lightweight Linux distribution that enables access to virtual desktops and integrates NComputing vCAST Streaming technology, which reduces the overall server-side CPU usage for videos like YouTube or local media. The OS also comes with local apps such as the Chromium Browser that eliminates virtualization lag when browsing the web, Microsoft Teams PWA (Progressive Web Application), Zoom, and even 3rd party Linux applications that can be installed via the custom module support. Even if you don’t get a product from NComputing, you can try LEAF OS on your own hardware with a 30-day trial.
NComputing says the RX540 thin client is now available for order through NComputing’s global distribution network, but I could not find pricing information at this time. But for reference, NComputing has an Amazon store, and while the RX540 is not listed, the Raspberry Pi 4-based RX420(HDX) goes for just under $200, so I expect the RX540 to sell for $200 to $250 depending on options and licenses. Note that thin clients are mostly useful for companies that determine costs in terms of TCO (Total cost of ownership). Additional information may be found on the product page.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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