This tiny computer changes EVERYTHING

Summary

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) is a powerful, modular upgrade to its predecessor, boasting 2-3x faster performance, improved USB 3 and PCIe Gen 3 speeds, and enhanced features for developers. With up to 8GB of RAM, faster networking, and storage options, it provides more versatility than ever for creating embedded devices, from routers to media players. While maintaining compatibility with many existing accessories, the CM5 opens new possibilities for custom builds. The video explores the CM5’s improvements, real-world applications, and benchmarks, while also comparing it to other alternatives in the single-board computer market.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) is a highly modular and more powerful upgrade compared to its predecessor, the CM4, with 2-3x faster CPU and significantly faster RAM, Wi-Fi, and storage.
• 😀 The CM5 is compatible with most CM4 accessories, offering a smooth upgrade path without compatibility issues, thanks to improvements like PCIe Gen 3, USB 3, and faster RAM.
• 😀 The CM5 is designed for more specialized, modular use cases, such as custom networking devices and embedded systems, allowing for enhanced versatility compared to standard Pi boards.
• 😀 The CM5's improvements in speed, including 2-3x faster CPU performance and 1.5x more efficient power consumption, make it an attractive option for high-performance tasks like video encoding and kernel recompiling.
• 😀 While the CM5 consumes almost double the power at full load compared to the CM4, it performs much better in benchmarks, demonstrating the trade-off between performance and power usage.
• 😀 The new I/O board for the CM5 is designed to simplify connections, including a new USB-C power input, upgraded USB ports, M.2 slot, and fan headers for better thermal management.
• 😀 The CM5 supports new features like ECC RAM for error correction, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the ability to handle 5A USB-C power delivery, making it more reliable for high-demand projects.
• 😀 Benchmarks for the CM5 indicate performance improvements across the board, such as 3x faster Linux kernel recompilation and 3x faster video encoding at both 4K and 1080p resolutions.
• 😀 Despite its higher performance, the CM5 is priced similarly to previous models, with the 8GB version starting at $75 and new options for higher storage capacities, making it a cost-effective upgrade.
• 😀 The CM5 is highly suitable for building networking solutions, including using 5G and 10G network adapters, but some projects, like using dual 2.5G adapters, show the limitations of the single PCIe lane.
• 😀 The CM5 excels in clustering scenarios, with improved speed and scalability over the CM4, making it a viable option for DIY infrastructure projects like Kubernetes clusters, albeit not yet competitive with higher-end alternatives.

Q & A

What are the key improvements in the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) compared to the CM4?

The CM5 offers significant performance improvements, including a 2-3x faster CPU, 3-4x faster RAM, and faster storage and Wi-Fi. It also supports USB 3, PCIe Gen 3, and has a new RP1 chip for better I/O management.

Is the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 compatible with previous Compute Module 4 (CM4) accessories?

Yes, most CM4 accessories and cases still work with the CM5, but the CM5 offers more bandwidth and faster performance. However, there are certain changes, like the eMMC chip being moved to the bottom and the introduction of a USB-C power input.

How does the modularity of the CM5 compare to the regular Pi 5?

The CM5’s modularity allows users to customize their setup. For example, if you need two 2.5G Ethernet ports, you can easily add USB-to-Ethernet chips, making the CM5 more versatile than the Pi 5.

What makes the Compute Module 5 better suited for networking and storage projects?

The CM5 supports PCIe Gen 3, allowing for faster network adapters like 5 and 10 gigabit Ethernet cards. It also offers better performance with M.2 storage, supporting faster SSDs and hard drives without requiring awkward adapter cards.

What is the price range of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 and what storage options are available?

The CM5 starts at $35 for the 2GB model, $45 for the 4GB model, and $75 for the 8GB model. New storage options include eMMC up to 64GB, and the possibility of more RAM and storage in the future.

What new features does the CM5 I/O board offer compared to previous models?

The CM5 I/O board introduces several improvements, including a power button, USB-C power input, two multipurpose camera/display ports, upgraded USB 3 ports, and a built-in M.2 slot for storage.

How does the CM5 compare to other Compute Modules from different manufacturers like Radxa?

While Radxa’s modules often outperform the CM5 in benchmarks, the Raspberry Pi’s big advantage is its strong community support and compatibility with a wide range of accessories, making it more reliable for users.

What are some practical projects you can build using the CM5?

Practical projects include setting up high-precision time servers, testing 5-10 gigabit network adapters, creating custom networking setups, and running media playback systems or even gaming setups with the Pi.

What are the limitations of the CM5’s PCIe interface when it comes to networking?

The CM5’s PCIe Gen 3 interface offers a significant performance improvement over the CM4 but still has limitations, such as supporting only one lane, which restricts the maximum speed of certain high-performance network cards.

How does the performance of the CM5 compare to other SBCs in tasks like Linux kernel recompilation and video encoding?

The CM5 outperforms the CM4 by more than three times in tasks like recompiling the Linux kernel and video encoding, thanks to its faster CPU, RAM, and overall architecture.