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Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 embedded SODIMM-form-factor module
Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4

Expert rating7.8 / 10

View on raspberrypi.com
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 Last updated: 2026-10-10

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Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 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.

Our verdict

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

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

BrandRaspberry Pi Foundation
Model NumberCompute Module 4

Processor

SoC ModelBroadcom BCM2711, Quad-Core Cortex-A72 @ 1.5GHz

Graphics and AI

GPU ModelVideoCore VI

Power

Power InputCarrier-board dependent, typically 5V
CPU ArchitectureARM
Memory8 GB
Storage TypeeMMC
Has AI Accelerator / NPUNo
WirelessWiFi 5
GPIO HeaderNo
Price45 USD
Use CaseGeneral Purpose

Measured results

Board measurements

Memory copy bandwidth (tinymembench memcpy)2,831 MB/sBoard as reviewed · Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (review 8) · Source
Idle power2.5 WBoard as reviewed · Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (review 8) · Source
Power under full CPU load (stress-ng)4.6 WBoard as reviewed · Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (review 8) · Source

Measured by the author on one board. Power is measured at the wall for the whole board. Memory bandwidth is the tinymembench memcpy result.

Retrieved 23 Sept 2026

Jeff Geerling, sbc-reviews (github.com/geerlingguy/sbc-reviews, web/data/results.yml). Copyright (c) 2023 Jeff Geerling. Used under the MIT License; full permission notice: github.com/geerlingguy/sbc-reviews/blob/master/LICENSE

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)?

Key specs for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4: CPU Architecture ARM, GPU VideoCore VI, Storage Type eMMC, Processor Broadcom BCM2711, Quad-Core Cortex-A72 @ 1.5GHz.

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?

Best suited to: 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)?

Not the best 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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