Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) has officially launched Starting at $45

 The Raspberry PiCompute Module 5 (CM5) has officially launched, building on the success of its predecessors and bringing significant hardware upgrades. First previewed at a German trade fair earlier this month, the CM5 is a compact, versatile, and powerful computer-on-a-module designed to cater to a range of embedded and industrial applications.

Core Specifications and Performance

The CM5 measures 55 x 40mm (2.17″ x 1.57″) and features the same 2.4 GHz Broadcom BCM2712 ARM Cortex-A76 quad-core processor found in the Raspberry Pi 5. Accompanying the CPU is the VideoCore VII GPU, which supports OpenGL ES 3.1, Vulkan 1.3, and 4K/60Hz HEVC video decoding. These enhancements make the CM5 capable of handling high-performance tasks, including powering up to two 4K/60Hz HDMI displays.

The Raspberry Pi 5 Compute Module 5 (CM5) is here! 🧵 pic.twitter.com/akpfpokEsb

— Jeff Geerling (@geerlingguy) November 27, 2024

The module is currently available with configurations of 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of LPDDR4-4267 memory and optional 16GB or 32GB of eMMC storage. While models with 16GB of RAM are expected in 2025, the entry-level version with 2GB of RAM and no onboard storage starts at just $45.

Connectivity and Expansion

The CM5 supports advanced connectivity options, including:

• Optional Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless communication.
• Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking.
• PCIe 2.0 x1, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and MIPI DSI/CSI interfaces for peripherals and displays.

With its two 100-pin connectors, the CM5 is designed to connect to carrier boards, enabling access to GPIO, USB, LAN, PCIe, and other interfaces. It serves as a drop-in replacement for the CM4, maintaining backward compatibility with existing carrier boards, although new USB 3.0 support and the removal of some MIPI interfaces may require minor adjustments.

Software and Compatibility

The CM5 runs on the Raspberry Pi OS, ensuring smooth performance and compatibility with software developed for the Raspberry Pi 5. Third-party operating systems are also supported, expanding its usability for diverse applications.

Raspberry Pi CM5 IO Board

To complement the new module, Raspberry Pi has introduced an IO Board tailored for the CM5. The board is available for purchase or as an open reference design with KiCad design files, empowering developers to create custom carrier boards.

Key features of the 160 x 90mm (6.3″ x 3.54″) IO Board include:

• 1 x CM5 connector (2 x 100-pin)
• 40-pin GPIO connector
• M.2 2280 PCIe socket
• 2 x HDMI 2.0 and 2 x USB 3.0 ports
• Gigabit Ethernet jack with PoE+ support
• MicroSD card reader
• MIPI-DSI/CSI connectors
• RTC battery socket, 4-pin fan connector, and USB Type-C for power

The IO Board is priced at $20, with additional accessories available, including a case ($15), a cooler ($5), and an antenna kit.

Development Kit and Accessories

For those looking for a complete development package, the Raspberry Pi CM5 Development Kit is available for $172. It includes:

• CM5 with 4GB RAM and 32GB eMMC
• IO Board
• Case, cooler, and antenna kit
• Cables and a 27W USB Type-C power supply

This comprehensive kit is ideal for developers and engineers exploring the full potential of the CM5.

Future-Proofing with CM5

While the CM5 introduces a host of upgrades, Raspberry Pi continues to support the Compute Module 4 (CM4). The CM4 will remain in production until at least January 2035, giving users flexibility to transition to the CM5 when ready.

Whether for prototyping, industrial use, or hobbyist projects, the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 sets a new benchmark for compute modules, combining power, versatility, and affordability. It’s available now starting at $45, with additional configurations and accessories to suit a wide range of needs.