The single-board computer (SBC) landscape is buzzing with excitement today as Radxa, a prominent name famous for its powerful and versatile boards, has officially pulled back the curtains on its latest project: a powerful newcomer designed to compete directly with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4. This new module, packed with a staggering 8-core processor and support for up to 16GB of RAM, is poised to become a game-changer for industrial applications, high-end embedded projects, and anyone needing serious computational power in a tiny package.
For developers and engineers, the promise of a more powerful, readily available alternative to the CM4 has been a long time coming. With supply chain issues now largely in the rearview mirror, Radxa's timing appears impeccable, offering a compelling upgrade path for existing designs and a robust foundation for new ones.
A Closer Look at the Brains of the Operation
At the heart of the new Radxa CM4 lies the Rockchip RK3588S system-on-a-chip (SoC), a processor that has already proven its mettle in other powerful SBCs like the Radxa Rock 5B. This chip is a workhorse, featuring a big.LITTLE octa-core CPU configuration. This setup combines four high-performance Arm Cortex-A76 cores capable of speeds up to 2.4 GHz with four power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores. This allows the module to intelligently balance intense computational workloads with everyday tasks, maximizing both performance and battery life.
But the real head-turner is the memory configuration. While the Raspberry Pi CM4 maxes out at 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, Radxa's module doubles that, offering a top-tier option with a massive 16GB of LPDDR4X RAM. This immense memory headroom opens doors to more demanding applications, including heavy data processing, virtualization, and running complex containerized environments that were previously out of reach for compact computing modules.
Visual Prowess: Pushing Pixels to 8K
The multimedia capabilities of this tiny module are nothing short of spectacular. The integrated Arm Mali-G610 MP4 GPU provides ample graphics power for gaming and UI rendering, but it's the video output that truly stuns. The Radxa CM4 supports a truly breathtaking 8Kp60 video decode and 4Kp60 encode, making it an ideal solution for digital signage, media centers, and video processing boxes.
Output options are equally versatile, with support for dual 4K displays via HDMI 2.1, embedded DisplayPort (eDP), and a MIPI DSI interface. This flexibility allows designers to create products with multiple high-resolution monitor support without breaking a sweat.
Modern Connectivity and Expansion Galore
Staying connected is crucial, and Radxa has equipped its module with modern standards. Integrated Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 ensure fast, reliable, and energy-efficient wireless communication, a significant step up from the older Wi-Fi 5 found on the Pi CM4.
Perhaps the most significant advantage for many will be the direct PCIe 2.0 interface, which opens a world of expansion possibilities. Users can easily connect NVMe SSDs for blistering fast storage, 2.5GbE network cards for high-speed networking, or other PCIe-based peripherals, turning the module into the core of a incredibly capable mini-server or network appliance.
Other core features include a dedicated 100-pin high-density connector exposing interfaces like:
- Multiple USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports
- Gigabit Ethernet (with a second GbE port possible via PCIe)
- I2C, I2S, SPI, UART, and PWM for sensor and hardware interfacing
- ADC and DAC channels
For those looking to build a complete system, the module will require a custom carrier board. Thankfully, for enthusiasts and developers eager to get their hands dirty without designing a board from scratch, pre-made carrier boards are expected to be available from various retailers. You can check the current availability and pricing for a popular carrier board model on Amazon here.
Target Market and Final Thoughts
The Radxa CM4 is clearly not aimed at the beginner hobbyist. Instead, it targets a professional and industrial audience—the engineers and companies building commercial products like network gateways, industrial automation systems, kiosks, and advanced robotics. Its potent combination of extreme memory, a powerful octa-core CPU, elite video capabilities, and PCIe expansion makes it one of the most formidable compute modules on the market.
While full pricing and exact availability dates are still forthcoming, the detailed specifications have set a new benchmark. Radxa's entry into the CM4-form-factor arena signals a vibrant and competitive future, giving developers powerful choices and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in embedded computing. This isn't just another SBC; it's a statement that the compact computing space is ready for a massive performance leap.
Source: LinuxGizmos.com - Radxa CM4 Compute Module Supports 8K Video, WiFi 6, and PCIe Expansion
