The Raspberry Pi Compute Module (CM) may not look as friendly as the classic Raspberry Pi board you’ve used for tinkering, but don’t let its industrial appearance fool you.
The CM4 is a powerhouse designed for embedded projects—think kiosks, robotics, edge AI devices, and custom electronics.
If you’re a beginner curious about the Compute Module 4 (CM4), this guide will walk you through the essentials: what it is, how it differs from a standard Raspberry Pi, the hardware you’ll need, and the steps to get it running for your first project.
What Is the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4)?
The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 i takes the core hardware of a Raspberry Pi 4 but trims away the desktop-friendly ports, making it perfect for embedded and industrial-grade applications. Instead of the familiar USB ports, HDMI slots, and GPIO header, you get a compact board with the same processor and memory, but designed to be slotted into a carrier (or I/O) board.
- Processor: Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 (same as Pi 4)
- Memory options: 1 GB to 8 GB RAM
- Storage options: Available either in a Lite edition without onboard storage, or with built-in eMMC ranging from 8 GB up to 32 GB, depending on your needs.
- Connectivity options: With or without Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Unlike a regular Pi that’s ready to use out-of-the-box, the CM4 is more like a “brain” waiting for the rest of the system (carrier board + accessories) to bring it to life.
Why Choose a Compute Module Instead of a Regular Raspberry Pi?
If you’re just getting started with electronics, you might wonder: Why would I choose this instead of a Pi 4 Model B?
Here’s why the Compute Module shines:
- Flexibility: Carrier boards allow you to design custom hardware with exactly the ports and connections you need.
- Industrial reliability: With onboard eMMC storage, the CM4 can be more stable than an SD card-based Pi.
- Compact design: Its small form factor makes it ideal for embedding into products.
- Long-term availability: The Compute Modules are guaranteed to stay in production longer, which is important if you’re building something for commercial use.
For hobbyists, this means you can explore how real-world products are built using Raspberry Pi brains.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Since the CM4 doesn’t come as a “plug-and-play” unit, you’ll need some extra gear before you can power it up:
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (choose the variant that suits your budget and project).
- Carrier Board (I/O Board): The official CM4 I/O Board is the easiest way to start, but there are third-party boards designed for robotics, media centres, or slim builds.
- Power Supply: Runs on a 5V, 3A USB-C power adapter, identical to what the Raspberry Pi 4 requires.
- MicroSD card (if using Lite version): Needed for OS installation if your CM4 doesn’t have eMMC storage.
- Peripheral connection: Plug your keyboard and mouse into the USB slots provided on the I/O (carrier) board.
- HDMI cable: To connect your monitor.
- Internet connection: Via Ethernet or Wi-Fi (if your module includes it).
Step 1: Setting Up the Hardware
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Insert the CM4 into the I/O Board.
It uses two high-density connectors, so align carefully and press gently until secure.
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Connect your monitor.
Use a micro-HDMI cable from the I/O board to your display.
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Peripheral connection
Plug your keyboard and mouse into the USB slots provided on the I/O (carrier) board.
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Insert storage.
> If you’re using the Lite version (no eMMC), insert a microSD card.
> If you’ve got a CM4 with eMMC, you’ll need to flash the operating system to it using a special USB boot mode.
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Power it up.
Connect the USB-C power supply. The board should light up and boot (once the OS is installed).
Step 2: Installing the Operating System
Like any Raspberry Pi, the CM4 needs an operating system. Here’s how:
Option A: Using a MicroSD card (Lite version)
- Download Raspberry Pi Imager (available for Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Insert your microSD card into your computer.
- Choose Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit recommended).
- Write the image, then insert the card into the I/O board.
- Boot up your CM4.
Option B: Using onboard eMMC (non-Lite version)
- For flashing or working with eMMC, link the CM4 I/O board to your computer using a micro-USB cable.
- Boot configuration: Activate the boot mode by setting the jumper on the I/O board to the correct position.
- Use the official rpiboot utility (available on the Raspberry Pi GitHub) to make your CM4’s eMMC show up as a drive on your computer, so you can install the operating system.
- Flash the OS using Raspberry Pi Imager.
Step 3: First Boot and Configuration
When you boot for the first time:
- Follow the setup wizard.
Configure your country (set to Australia), keyboard layout, and Wi-Fi (if available). - Update your software.
- Enable SSH or VNC (optional).
If you want to run your Pi headless, enable remote access in raspi-config.
Step 4: Exploring What You Can Do with CM4
Now comes the fun part—using your Compute Module for actual projects. Here are some beginner-friendly ideas:
- Media Centre: Install Kodi or Plex and turn it into a compact entertainment hub.
- IoT Gateway: Use the CM4 as the brain for sensors around your home.
- AI at the Edge: With 8 GB RAM variants, you can experiment with TensorFlow Lite for simple machine learning models.
- Robotics: Pair with motor controllers and start building a robot.
- Custom hardware: Third-party carrier boards open doors to exciting builds—whether you’re creating drones, portable gaming consoles, or automation systems.
If You’re a Beginner, Here’s Your Starting Point
- Start simple. Don’t dive into complex industrial carrier boards straight away. The official I/O board is your best learning tool.
- Pick the right variant. If you’re new, a Wi-Fi enabled CM4 with eMMC storage saves you headaches.
- Use cooling. The CM4 can run hot under load. A small heatsink or fan helps.
- Back up your work. If you’re experimenting with eMMC, always keep a backup image handy.
Where to Buy in Australia
You don’t have to look overseas—Pakronics is a trusted Australian supplier for Compute Module. Buying locally ensures faster delivery and warranty support.
Final Thoughts
The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 might seem intimidating at first, but once you understand it’s just a “Pi without the extras,” the learning curve smooths out.
For beginners, it offers a gateway into the world of embedded computing, industrial design, and product prototyping—skills that stretch well beyond hobby projects.
Start small, experiment on the I/O board, and gradually move towards carrier boards tailored for specific use cases. With the CM4, you’re not just tinkering—you’re learning how real-world devices are built.