Radxa CM5
Expert rating8 / 10
- Processor:
- Rockchip RK3588S2
- NPU:
- 6 TOPS
- Memory:
- 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4X
- Form Factor:
- Raspberry Pi CM4-compatible
- Storage:
- Up to 128GB eMMC onboard
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Manufacturer: Radxa Last updated: September 11, 2026
Radxa CM5 (Compute Module/Rockchip RK3588S2/Octa-Core/6 TOPS NPU/Raspberry Pi CM4-Compatible) Review
The Radxa CM5 is a Raspberry Pi CM4-form-factor compute module built around Rockchip's RK3588S2, giving product designers and system integrators a drop-in RK3588-class upgrade path for existing CM4 carrier board designs.
By matching the CM4's physical connector and pinout, the CM5 lets embedded product designs built around Raspberry Pi's compute module ecosystem swap in dramatically higher CPU, GPU, and NPU performance without a carrier board redesign.
Pi-Compatible, Rockchip-Powered
By matching the CM4's physical connector and pinout, the CM5 lets embedded product designs built around Raspberry Pi's compute module ecosystem swap in dramatically higher CPU, GPU, and NPU performance without a carrier board redesign.
Built for Embedded Products, Not Desktops
Like the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 already on this site, the CM5 targets industrial and embedded integrators rather than hobbyist desktop use, pairing with a separate carrier board sold alongside it.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 already on this site, the Radxa CM5 offers considerably higher raw compute (RK3588S2's octa-core design and 6 TOPS NPU) at a similar form factor, while giving up some of the Pi ecosystem's software maturity. Against the Khadas VIM4 already on this site, the CM5 targets embedded product integration rather than general-purpose desktop or maker use.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Radxa |
|---|
| Memory | 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4X |
|---|---|
| Model | CM5 |
| SoC | Rockchip RK3588S2 |
| Processor | Octa-core (4x Cortex-A76 + 4x Cortex-A55) |
| NPU | 6 TOPS |
| Storage | Up to 128GB eMMC onboard |
| Form Factor | Raspberry Pi CM4-compatible |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating8 / 10
A drop-in RK3588-class upgrade for CM4 carrier designs, with a 6 TOPS NPU and up to 16GB of RAM.
Best for
- Product designers who want an RK3588-class upgrade path for existing CM4 carrier board designs.
Not for
- Hobbyists looking for a ready-to-use desktop board rather than an embedded module.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Radxa CM5 (Compute Module/Rockchip RK3588S2/Octa-Core/6 TOPS NPU/Raspberry Pi CM4-Compatible)?
The Radxa CM5 (Compute Module/Rockchip RK3588S2/Octa-Core/6 TOPS NPU/Raspberry Pi CM4-Compatible) is a single board computer from Radxa. Key specs: SoC Rockchip RK3588S2, Processor Octa-core (4x Cortex-A76 + 4x Cortex-A55), NPU 6 TOPS, Memory 4GB to 16GB LPDDR4X, Storage Up to 128GB eMMC onboard.
Will the Radxa CM5 (Compute Module/Rockchip RK3588S2/Octa-Core/6 TOPS NPU/Raspberry Pi CM4-Compatible) work with my current setup?
The Radxa CM5 (Compute Module/Rockchip RK3588S2/Octa-Core/6 TOPS NPU/Raspberry Pi CM4-Compatible) lists SoC is Rockchip RK3588S2. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Radxa CM5 (Compute Module/Rockchip RK3588S2/Octa-Core/6 TOPS NPU/Raspberry Pi CM4-Compatible) best suited to?
It suits product designers who want an rk3588-class upgrade path for existing cm4 carrier board designs..
What are the drawbacks of the Radxa CM5 (Compute Module/Rockchip RK3588S2/Octa-Core/6 TOPS NPU/Raspberry Pi CM4-Compatible)?
It is a poor fit for hobbyists looking for a ready-to-use desktop board rather than an embedded module..
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