Quick Answer: As of October 2026 the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) is a 55 mm by 40 mm module with the Pi 5's 2.4GHz quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU, 2 to 16GB of RAM, optional 16 to 64GB of eMMC storage and optional Wi-Fi. It has no ports of its own, so it needs an IO board or a custom carrier board. List prices run from $67.50 to $375. For a desk or home project a Raspberry Pi 5 is the simpler purchase.
The CM5 puts the processor of the Raspberry Pi 5 on a small module meant to be built into products. This post covers what it is, how it differs from the Pi 5 and from the older Compute Module 4, what the variants cost and what else you must buy. Figures come from Raspberry Pi's CM5 product brief, published September 2026, and its documentation.
What is the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5?
It is a system on module. The product brief says it delivers the power of Raspberry Pi 5 in a form factor for embedded applications. It carries a Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 at 2.4GHz, dual HDMI 2.0 outputs that each support 4Kp60, Gigabit Ethernet, PCIe Gen 2 x1, two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port and up to 30 GPIO pins. Raspberry Pi's documentation says a Compute Module has no standard connectors such as HDMI, USB or Ethernet, and connects to a carrier board through two 100-pin connectors. The brief says it will remain in production until at least January 2036.
How does the CM5 differ from the CM4 and the Pi 5?
Against the CM4 it has a faster CPU, more RAM options and more ports. Against the Pi 5 it has the same processor but no connectors.
| Feature | Compute Module 5 | Compute Module 4 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Cortex-A76, 2.4GHz | Cortex-A72, 1.5GHz |
| RAM options | 2, 4, 8 or 16GB | 1, 2, 4 or 8GB |
| eMMC | None (Lite), 16, 32 or 64GB | None (Lite) or up to 64GB |
| USB | 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0 | 1 x USB 2.0 |
| GPIO | Up to 30 | 28 |
| Lowest list price | $67.50 | $41.25 |
The CM4 figures come from its product brief, published July 2026, which lists production until at least January 2034.
How much does each CM5 variant cost?
Price depends on RAM and storage, with the lowest price at $67.50 and the highest at $375. The table shows list prices without wireless. Wireless adds $5 on every row, per the September 2026 brief.
| RAM | Lite (no eMMC) | 16GB eMMC | 32 or 64GB eMMC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2GB | $67.50 | $92.50 | $102.50 |
| 4GB | $100 | $125 | $135 |
| 8GB | $165 | $190 | $200 |
| 16GB | $335 | $360 | $370 |
What else do you need to run a CM5?
You need a carrier board. The CM5 IO Board is Raspberry Pi's starting point. Its product brief lists two full-size HDMI ports, two USB 3 sockets, Gigabit Ethernet, a 40-pin header, an M.2 M-key PCIe socket, a microSD socket for Lite modules and a USB-C power input. It lists the board at $20, so a 2GB Lite module and an IO board come to $87.50. A 2GB Pi 5 lists at $77.50 in the Pi 5 brief, which already has its ports.
The documentation says the IO board's microSD slot is only for Lite modules, while eMMC modules are written from another computer using the nRPI_BOOT jumper and the rpiboot tool. It also lists a passive CM5 Cooler. Read the CM5 product brief before you design around the module.
Who should buy a CM5, and who should buy a Pi 5?
Buy a CM5 if you are building a product or a custom carrier board and want the Pi 5 processor without the connectors you do not use. The documentation says Compute Modules are designed primarily for embedded and industrial applications. Buy a Pi 5 if you want a computer for a desk, a media box or a learning project. At the 2GB size it lists for less than a Lite module plus IO board, and every port is already fitted. If storage is the goal, an add-on board such as the SATA HAT in our Raspberry Pi SATA HAT post is a lighter route. For the board comparison, see Pi 5 versus Pi 4.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Raspberry Pi CM5?
The CM5 is a compute module built around the Pi 5 processor. It has no ports of its own and plugs into an IO board or custom carrier board, so it suits products rather than desktops.
What is the difference between the CM5 and the Raspberry Pi 5?
Both use the BCM2712 at 2.4GHz. The Pi 5 is a finished board with ports, while the CM5 is a bare module with eMMC and wireless options and connectors for a carrier board.
How much does the Compute Module 5 cost?
As of September 2026 the brief lists $67.50 to $375 depending on RAM, eMMC and wireless. The official products page shows a Development Kit for Compute Module 5 at $195 in October 2026.
Does the Compute Module 5 have Wi-Fi?
Only on the wireless variants. The brief lists an optional certified module with dual-band 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 with BLE.
What does CM5 Lite mean?
Lite means no on-board eMMC storage. A Lite module is used with the microSD socket on the IO board.
Where is the Raspberry Pi CM5 datasheet?
Raspberry Pi publishes the CM5 datasheet on its datasheets site. The product brief carries the summary specification and the price table.
Is the Compute Module 4 still sold?
The July 2026 brief says it will stay in production until at least January 2034, and the products page still lists it. Our CM4 guide covers that module.