Comparison Between Raspberry Pi CM4 and CM5

Offering the power of Raspberry Pi board in a compact and flexible form, Pi CM4 and Pi CM5 modules have quickly become a cornerstone for those who want to build custom embedded systems. Both CM4 and CM5 are well-suited for various applications, from industrial automation to IoT devices.

While the CM4 model has already proven itself as a reliable device with all sorts of useful features and enhanced performance, the CM5 brings even more advanced technologies. So let’s compare these two models and explore their key differences in terms of performance, memory, connectivity, and potential use cases.

What is the Raspberry Pi Module?

Before diving into the specifics of these two models, let’s first clarify what the Raspberry Pi Compute Module series is all about. The CM is a stripped-down version of the Raspberry Pi board, designed mainly for industrial use, embedded systems, and custom hardware projects.

While the regular Pi boards feature HDMI, USB ports, and other peripherals, the CM versions expose the core components of the Pi series on a small, compact board that developers can use in their own designs. This enables flexibility and allows users to build custom systems with only the needed features.

Key Differences Between CM4 and CM5

1. Processor and Performance

Raspberry Pi CM4

● The CM4 model is powered by a Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor which runs at 1.5 GHz.

● Its processor can handle many applications, such as home automation, IoT, and digital signage.

Raspberry Pi CM5

● The CM5 features an upgraded Broadcom BCM2712 processor, based on ARM Cortex-A76 cores, at 2.4 GHz.

● With the A76 cores, CM5 provides significant performance improvements, which make it suitable for more demanding applications, including AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing tasks.

Verdict

The CM5 model outperforms the CM4 in terms of raw processing power, with faster CPU cores and better overall efficiency.

2. RAM and Memory Options

Raspberry Pi CM4

● Offers multiple RAM options: 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB of LPDDR4-3200 RAM.

● Since there are multiple RAM size options available, users can choose the right configuration for their specific use case, from lightweight applications to more memory-intensive tasks.

Raspberry Pi CM5

● The CM5 offers LPDDR5 RAM of up to 8GB, which is faster and more power efficient compared to LPDDR4 in CM4.

● Some rumors suggest that CM5 will support up to 32GB RAM, although this is not yet official.

3. Graphics and Display Support

Raspberry Pi CM4

● The CM4 model is equipped with the VideoCore VI GPU and supports dual 4K HDMI displays at 60Hz. It also supports hardware-accelerated video decoding and encoding.

● This GPU makes CM4 an interesting choice for projects that require high-quality video output, such as digital signage, media players, or GUIs.

Raspberry Pi CM5

● The CM5 features an upgraded GPU and supports more advanced video processing, including better 3D rendering capabilities and potentially higher-resolution display support.

● It also supports better AI and machine learning integration for applications like computer vision and robotics.

Verdict

While both modules support high-quality graphics, the CM5 offers improved GPU capabilities, which can be beneficial for graphical and AI-intensive applications.

4. Connectivity and I/O Options

Raspberry Pi CM4

● Offers various connectivity options, such as Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0.

● It also features PCIe Gen 2, which enables users to connect SSDs, cameras, and more.

Raspberry Pi CM5

● Offers Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Gigabit Ethernet (1Gbps) via external PHY.

● 1xPCIe 2.0 x1 Lane (supports NVMe drivers, 5G modems, USB expansion cards, and more). It also has USB 3.0 support.

Verdict

Neither of these models have native 5G or Wi-Fi 6 support. However, compared to CM4, the CM5 model comes with USB 3.0 support and offers PCIe improvements for faster external storage or modem support.

5. Storage Options

Raspberry Pi CM4

● The CM4 offers eMMC storage in 4 variants: 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB, as well as microSD card storage.

Raspberry Pi CM5

● Some rumors say that CM5 will support storage of up to 128 GB and native M.2 support.

● The CM5 uses eMMC for data storage, which is faster and more reliable than microSD cards, especially if durability and performance are important.

Verdict

The CM4 model offers flexible storage options with support for both microSD and eMMC. On the other hand, the CM5 module focuses on faster and more reliable eMMC storage, with no microSD support, making it more suited for industrial applications where performance and durability are prioritized.

Use Cases: CM4 vs CM5

The CM4 is quite a good choice for industrial and embedded applications where moderate processing power is needed, such as digital signage, home automation, and IoT projects. With its various connectivity options, it is well-suited for projects that require reliable connectivity, such as robotics and custom hardware systems.

The CM5, on the other hand, caters to more demanding applications and offers superior performance with a faster processor, more RAM options, and advanced connectivity features. It is ideal for high-performance tasks where increased storage capacity and faster data speeds are essential.

If you're looking to take your CM5-based project to the next level, the Pi Terminal is an integrated industrial control device you won’t want to miss. Built on the Raspberry Pi CM4, it is also compatible with Raspberry Pi CM5, bringing together powerful hardware and a rich software ecosystem to meet the needs of a wide range of industrial applications.

The Pi Terminal offers excellent real-time performance, enabling quick responses to control and monitoring tasks. It comes equipped with a variety of industrial interfaces and modules, including CAN bus, RS232/RS485, isolated digital I/O, differential input ADC, and relay control, making it perfect for connecting and managing sensors, actuators, and other devices.

Know More about Pi Terminal

Get Your Raspberry Pi CM 5

Conclusion

In summary, both modules offer powerful capabilities for embedded systems, with the CM4 excelling in versatility for a wide range of applications. However, the CM5 module takes it further with improved processing power, faster connectivity options, and expanded storage capabilities, which makes it a better choice for more demanding tasks. Choosing between CM4 and CM5 depends on your specific needs, but the CM5 provides enhanced features that future-proof your designs.