Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4
Expert rating7.8 / 10
- SoC:
- Broadcom BCM2711
- CPU:
- Quad-Core Cortex-A72 @ 1.5GHz
- Memory:
- 1-8GB LPDDR4
- Storage:
- Lite (microSD via carrier) or 8-32GB eMMC
- Price:
- From $25
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Manufacturer: Raspberry Pi Foundation Last updated: 2026-09-12
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (Compute Module/Broadcom BCM2711/Quad-Core Cortex-A72 1.5GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/SODIMM Embedded Form Factor) Review
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 in a SODIMM-style form factor, built around the same BCM2711 SoC as the Pi 4, available in Lite, eMMC, and wireless/wireless-less variants for embedding into custom carrier boards and products.
CM4 is not a board you plug a monitor into out of the box -- it's the Pi Foundation's answer for companies and makers who want Pi 4 performance soldered or slotted into a purpose-built product, from industrial panel PCs to NAS enclosures, without exposing an unused HDMI port or SD slot.
Overview
The Compute Module 4 packages the Pi 4's BCM2711, RAM, and optional eMMC storage onto a compact SODIMM-edge module, sold in over 30 SKU combinations of RAM (1-8GB), storage (Lite through 32GB eMMC), and wireless (with or without WiFi/Bluetooth). It requires a carrier board -- either the official CM4 IO Board or a third-party design -- to expose usable ports.
Performance & Connectivity
Performance mirrors the Pi 4 Model B since it's the identical SoC, but CM4 exposes a PCIe Gen 2 x1 lane on carrier boards that support it, opening the door to NVMe SSDs, 2.5GbE adapters, or other PCIe peripherals that the consumer Pi 4 board cannot offer natively.
Comparison to Alternatives
Where the Orange Pi CM4 undercuts it on price with a similar SODIMM concept, the Raspberry Pi CM4 wins on documentation, carrier-board availability, and long-term supply commitments that industrial customers rely on. Against the standard Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (8GB), CM4 trades plug-and-play convenience for embeddability and a PCIe lane.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Raspberry Pi Foundation |
|---|
| CPU Architecture | ARM |
|---|---|
| Memory | 8 GB |
| Storage Type | eMMC |
| Has AI Accelerator / NPU | No |
| Wireless | WiFi 5 |
| GPIO Header | No |
| Price | 45 USD |
| Use Case | General Purpose |
| Model | Compute Module 4 |
| Processor | Broadcom BCM2711, Quad-Core Cortex-A72 @ 1.5GHz |
| GPU | VideoCore VI |
| Power | Carrier-board dependent, typically 5V |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating7.8 / 10
The right choice specifically for products and enclosures being designed around Pi 4 silicon; not meant to compete with the Pi 5 for hobbyist desktop use.
Best for
- Custom carrier-board products and industrial panel PCs
- NAS or router builds needing a PCIe lane off Pi 4 silicon
- Volume manufacturing needing guaranteed long-term supply
Not for
- Anyone wanting a board usable straight out of the box
- New designs that could instead target the faster Pi 5
- Budget builds where Orange Pi CM4 pricing matters more
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (Compute Module/Broadcom BCM2711/Quad-Core Cortex-A72 1.5GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/SODIMM Embedded Form Factor)?
The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (Compute Module/Broadcom BCM2711/Quad-Core Cortex-A72 1.5GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/SODIMM Embedded Form Factor) is a single board computer from Raspberry Pi Foundation. Key specs: Processor Broadcom BCM2711, Quad-Core Cortex-A72 @ 1.5GHz, CPU Architecture ARM, GPU VideoCore VI, Memory 8, Storage Type eMMC.
Will the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (Compute Module/Broadcom BCM2711/Quad-Core Cortex-A72 1.5GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/SODIMM Embedded Form Factor) work with my current setup?
The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (Compute Module/Broadcom BCM2711/Quad-Core Cortex-A72 1.5GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/SODIMM Embedded Form Factor) lists Processor is Broadcom BCM2711, Quad-Core Cortex-A72 @ 1.5GHz. 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 Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (Compute Module/Broadcom BCM2711/Quad-Core Cortex-A72 1.5GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/SODIMM Embedded Form Factor) best suited to?
It suits custom carrier-board products and industrial panel pcs, nas or router builds needing a pcie lane off pi 4 silicon, volume manufacturing needing guaranteed long-term supply.
What are the drawbacks of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (Compute Module/Broadcom BCM2711/Quad-Core Cortex-A72 1.5GHz/Up to 8GB LPDDR4/SODIMM Embedded Form Factor)?
It is a poor fit for anyone wanting a board usable straight out of the box, new designs that could instead target the faster pi 5, budget builds where orange pi cm4 pricing matters more.
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