Access Device — Ncomputing Xd3
Historically, ARM-based access devices struggled with high-resolution displays. The NComputing XD3 solves this via the NXP i.MX 8 QuadMax. This chip features dual-core Cortex-A72s (for heavy lifting) and quad-core Cortex-A53s (for efficiency).
Real-world results:
Here is where the XD3 distinguishes itself. In standard VDI, when you scan a document at 600dpi, that raw data travels from the scanner → thin client → network → server → back to thin client. This consumes massive bandwidth and CPU cycles on the host.
The XD3 includes Local USB Processing. The device handles the low-level USB control transfers and bulk data processing on the device itself, compressing the data before sending it to the virtual desktop. For a finance department using USB smartcard readers or a medical office connecting ECG monitors, this means zero perceptible lag.
NComputing bundles the vSpace Management Center—a free, browser-based console. An admin can:
One notable omission: No PoE (Power over Ethernet) option. The XD3 requires a 12V DC adapter, which is a minor annoyance for desks without easy power access.
Hospitals rely on label printers, barcode scanners, and signature pads. The XD3’s persistent USB mapping ensures a receipt printer assigned to COM port 3 stays assigned after a power cycle—something generic Raspberry Pi-based thin clients notoriously fail at.
The NComputing XD3 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
is an access device used in desktop virtualization, specifically designed for the X-series kits. It functions as a "thin client" that allows multiple users to share the resources of a single, powerful host PC simultaneously. Key Specifications & Features
Connectivity: Features an Ethernet (RJ-45) port for network connection and USB 2.0 ports for peripherals.
Virtualization: Works with the vSpace Pro Desktop Virtualization Software and a PCI/PCIe host card. ncomputing xd3 access device
Efficiency: Consumes only about 1 watt of power per user, significantly lower than a standard PC's ~110 watts.
Compact Design: Small enough to be mounted on the back of a monitor using a VESA mount. How It Works Host Setup: A PCI card is installed into a "host" PC.
Connection: The XD3 access devices connect to this host via standard Cat 5e or Cat 6 cabling (up to 10 meters/33 feet).
User Access: Peripherals like a monitor, keyboard, and mouse are plugged directly into the XD3. Shared Computing : Each
user gets an independent desktop experience, sharing the host PC's processing power. Benefits and Use Cases vSpace Pro Enterprise - NComputing
It was a typical Monday morning at the IT department of a large corporation. The team was buzzing with activity as they prepared for the day's tasks. John, a senior IT specialist, was sipping his coffee and reviewing his schedule for the day when his colleague, Maria, approached him.
"Hey John, have you heard about the new NComputing XD3 access device that's been making waves in the industry?" Maria asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
John raised an eyebrow. "Actually, I haven't. What's the big deal about it?"
Maria pulled up a chair and began to explain. "The XD3 is a revolutionary device that allows multiple users to access a single computer or server, just like a terminal server. But here's the amazing part: it's incredibly thin, lightweight, and energy-efficient. We're talking about a device that's smaller than a smartphone, but packs the punch of a full-fledged computer."
John's curiosity was piqued. "That sounds too good to be true. How does it work?" One notable omission: No PoE (Power over Ethernet) option
Maria smiled. "The XD3 uses a combination of hardware and software to create a virtualized desktop environment. Users can access their applications, files, and settings from any XD3 device, without the need for a traditional computer. It's perfect for organizations that want to reduce their IT infrastructure costs and environmental impact."
As Maria continued to explain the benefits of the XD3, John's mind began to wander to the possibilities. He thought about the company's call center, where hundreds of agents were tied to their desks, using clunky computers to manage customer interactions. He envisioned a future where agents could use XD3 devices to access their desktops, freeing up valuable floor space and reducing energy consumption.
The more John learned about the XD3, the more excited he became. He saw the potential for the device to transform the way their organization worked, making it more efficient, flexible, and sustainable.
Within weeks, John's team had deployed the XD3 devices across the call center, replacing traditional computers and transforming the workspace. The results were staggering. Agents were able to work more efficiently, and the company saw a significant reduction in energy costs. The XD3 devices had not only simplified their operations but also improved employee productivity and job satisfaction.
As John looked around the call center, he felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The NComputing XD3 access device had been a game-changer for their organization, and he knew that it would continue to shape the future of their work.
Years later, the company had expanded its use of XD3 devices across the organization, and they had become an integral part of their IT infrastructure. John had become a champion for the technology, evangelizing its benefits to other organizations and industries.
The story of the XD3 device had come full circle, from a curious conversation to a revolutionary transformation. And John knew that the impact of that small, but powerful device would be felt for years to come.
NComputing XD3 is a specialized access device within the X-series lineup, designed to expand a single PC's capabilities to multiple users through direct-connect desktop virtualization
. By leveraging the untapped processing power of a standard host computer—which often uses only 5% of its capacity—the XD3 allows organizations to create high-performance computing environments at a fraction of the cost of traditional hardware. Key Features and Performance Plug-and-Play Expansion
: Part of the X-series desktop virtualization kits, these devices connect to a host PC equipped with a dedicated PCI card using standard Cat 5 or Cat 6 cabling Hardware Interface : The device features essential connectivity, including Ethernet (RJ-45) ports for peripherals like keyboards and mice. Rich Multimedia Support Needs : No local OS – it downloads
: Despite its compact size, it supports full-screen video and standard applications such as office suites and web browsing, providing users with a "standalone PC" experience. High Resolution : It is capable of supporting widescreen resolutions up to Efficiency and Sustainability Ultra-Low Power Consumption : The XD3 is remarkably energy-efficient, consuming only 1 watt per user , compared to roughly 110 watts for a typical desktop. Minimalist Design
: With no fans or moving disks, the device is quiet, durable, and significantly reduces e-waste, making it one of the "greenest" computing solutions available. Cost Savings
: Organizations can slash hardware and support costs by up to
by sharing one PC with up to 11 users (depending on the specific X-series model). Management and Software The XD3 relies on the vSpace Pro software
to manage sessions and divide host resources. Administrators can use the vSpace Console
to monitor server health, view active user sessions, and manage deployments of 100 or more sessions per host machine. or comparing it to the newer RX-series thin clients
vSpace Pro Client for Windows - NComputing | Compute Smartly
The NComputing XD3 is a legacy access device (thin client) that was popular in educational labs, small businesses, and call centers during the early-to-mid 2010s. It is designed to allow multiple users to share a single host PC using NComputing’s vSpace virtualization software.
Because this hardware is no longer manufactured and the software ecosystem has moved on, this review is framed both from a historical perspective and a practical "should you buy this used today?" perspective.
Here is the full review of the NComputing XD3.