The Compute Module 4 is an “industrial” version of the classic Raspberry Pi and is eagerly awaited by integrators, here is its price, specs and release date.
The format has changed
Since the first Raspberry Pi was released in February 2012, the foundation of the same name has got into the habit of distributing a system-on-a-module variant, as it is called in the industry. Compute Module 1 arrived in 2014 and the Compute Module 3 / 3+ were released in 2017 and 2019 respectively. Only the Raspberry Pi 2 never received this treatment because of its short lifespan.
Today, the Raspberry Pi Foundation puts an end to rumors. It confirms the immediate release of the Compute Module 4, sixteen months after the release of the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. While it is already possible to order the Compute Module 4, stocks are not yet available at all resellers.
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 specs
The Compute Module 4 uses the same processor as the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B but differs from the previous Compute Module by its format, which is significantly different from the previous Compute Modules. The latter was in the SODIMM format defined by the JEDEC for the DDR2 whereas the Compute Module 4 resembles a small credit card of 55 x 40 millimeters. Here are the details:
- 64-bit ARM processor with four Cortex-A72 @ 1.5 GHz cores
- VideoCore VI graphics solution with support for OpenGL ES 3.x
- Hardware decoding of H.265 (HEVC) in 4K @ 60 fps
- Hardware decoding of H.264 to 1080p @ 60 fps and encoding of 1080p @ 30 fps
- Dual HDMI interface capable of up to 4K
- PCI Express 2.0 interface (one line)
- Dual DSI interface (display) and dual CSI interface (camera)
- Choice of 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, or 8 GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM
- Optional 8GB, 16GB or 32GB eMMC storage
- Optional Wi-Fi ac and Bluetooth 5.0
- Support for Gigabit Ethernet PHY (IEEE 1588)
- 28-pin GPIO port with up to 6x UART, 6x I2C, and 5x SPI
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 price
Much more customizable than the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, the Compute Module 4 is available in a total of 32 variants. Prices start at $25 for a model with 1 GB of RAM, no eMMC storage, and no wireless. At the other end of the spectrum, the CM4 with 8 GB RAM, 32 GB eMMC flash, and Wi-Fi / Bluetooth wireless are available for $90.
An IO expansion card
In parallel with the release of the Compute Module 4, the Raspberry Pi Foundation is releasing a new version of the IO Board. The principle of this 160 x 90 mm board is to offer all the CM4’s connectivity in more “classical” formats, more directly usable. This is how we can count on the presence of :
- Two “standard” HDMI ports
- One Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 connector
- Two USB 2.0 Type-A ports
- A microSD card reader usable by CM4 without eMMC
- One PCI Express Gen 2 x1 slot
- A 40-pin GPIO connector with PoE
- One 12V power jack connector
- FPC connectors for camera and display
- A real-time clock with battery
IO Board price and release date
The IO Board is priced at $35, which makes it possible to offer a complete Compute Module 4 + IO Board solution at an entry price of $60.
