Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5: What We Know So Far
Raspberry Pi YouTuber Jeff Geerling had the opportunity to interview Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton at CES. During the interview, Upton confirmed that the production of the Raspberry Pi 5 is ramping up and inadvertently also gave the first confirmation that the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 is a future product.
At the three-minute mark, we hear Geerling ask Upton about the Compute Module 5 and Upton responded: “Yes. No, it’s happening. I think we’ve committed to the CM5 that’s happening.” Geerling then talks about a forum post from a Raspberry Pi engineer alluding to a possible release date in the first half of 2024. Upton’s inadvertently enigmatic response does not confirm when we will see a CM5. All we get is a simple “Yes,” followed by highlighting that the Raspberry Pi has released guidance for those who want to design products based on the future board. The guidance is not for general distribution, requiring a lengthy application and verification process to be able to use the guide. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Compute Module 5 Shared Connectors
What we can confirm is that the Compute Module 5 will share the same dual connectors as the Compute Module 4. Previous Compute Modules used an SODIMM interface for power and data. With the CM4, we saw the introduction of dual edge connectors. One served for low-speed power and data interfaces, the other for high-speed interfaces.
Maintaining the dual connector means that boards designed around the CM4 should work with the CM5. The assumption is that the 55 x 40 MM form factor remains the same. The future guidance documentation will help ensure that third-party CM4 boards have the best chance of compatibility with the Compute Module 5.
Compute Module 5 Wishlist
The Compute Module 4 also introduced a multitude of configuration options. With modules ranging in RAM from 1 to 8GB, flash storage from 8 to 32GB, and modules with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Raspberry Pi 5, like the previous Raspberry Pi 4, also has several RAM options. At launch, we have 4 and 8 GB models on offer, with 1 and 2 GB coming soon. Logically, the Compute Module 5 should also provide the same RAM, flash storage, and Wi-Fi options.
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Specs
- SoC: BCM2711 quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A72 CPU @ 1.5GHz. VideoCore VI GPU, supporting OpenGL ES 3.x with 4Kp60 hardware video decode of H.265 (HEVC). 1080p60 hardware video decode and 1080p30 hardware video encode of H.264 (AVC).
- RAM: 1GB, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM
- Flash Storage: Optional 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB eMMC flash storage
- GPIO: 40-pin GPIO, with up to 6x UART, 6x I2C, and 5x SPI
- Connectivity: Single-lane PCI Express 2.0 interface. Gigabit Ethernet PHY with IEEE 1588 support. 2x USB 2.0 ports. Dual HDMI interfaces, with resolutions up to 4K. Dual MIPI DSI display and dual MIPI CSI-2 camera interfaces. Optional 2.4GHz and 5GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac wireless LAN and Bluetooth 5.0
When Can We Expect the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5?
With no set date, only vague forum conversation as a source, we can only speculate that the Compute Module 5 will be with us within a year. But we can confirm that as soon as they are available, there will be a full review from Tom’s Hardware.