Raspberry Pi is a well-known and favorable computer platform that has taken the world by storm. It is an amazing platform that is used by hobbyists and professionals alike, and its capabilities are limitless. The Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 are two of the latest Raspberry Pi models that have been released by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. These two models have a number of key differences that set them apart from each other. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4.

The Raspberry Pi 4

The Raspberry Pi 4 is a compact and powerful single-board computer that is designed for use by developers, hobbyists, and educators. It is the successor to the Raspberry Pi 3, and it provides a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The Raspberry Pi 4 comes with a 1.5 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 CPU, which offers around 3 times better performance than the previous version. It also comes with up to 8GB RAM, dual-band 802.11ac wireless networking, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 3.0 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. It supports 4K video output at 60 frames per second through two micro-HDMI ports, and also has a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones or speakers. In addition, the Raspberry Pi 4 runs on a wide range of operating systems such as Raspbian, Ubuntu, and more.

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, on the other hand, is a smaller and more flexible board that is designed for use in embedded systems, industrial applications, and large-scale projects. It is based on the same hardware as the Raspberry Pi 4, but is designed to be used in a different way. The Compute Module 4 comes without any connectors or peripherals, and is meant to be integrated into custom-designed products. It features the same processor as the Raspberry Pi 4, but comes with a greater variety of RAM options, ranging from 1GB up to 8GB. It also has an eMMC flash storage option, unlike the Raspberry Pi 4 which uses a removable microSD card. The Compute Module 4 also includes a gigabit Ethernet port, two USB 2.0 ports, and two lanes for PCI Express (PCIe) communication, which enhances its flexibility and supports a wide range of applications.

Key Differences

The Raspberry Pi 4 is a larger board that comes in the form of a traditional single-board computer. It measures 88 x 58mm and is designed to be used as a standalone computer or connected to peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse, and display. The Compute Module 4, on the other hand, is a smaller board that measures 55 x 40mm and has a form factor suitable for industrial use.

2. Connectivity

The Raspberry Pi 4 features dual-band 802.11ac wireless networking, Bluetooth 5.0, gigabit Ethernet, two USB 3.0 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. The Compute Module 4, on the other hand, has a gigabit Ethernet port, two USB 2.0 ports, and two lanes for PCI Express communication. The Raspberry Pi 4 has a wider variety of connectivity options, making it the better choice for standalone computers or projects that require extensive connectivity.

3. Flexibility

The Compute Module 4 is more flexible and customizable compared to the Raspberry Pi 4. This is because it does not come with any connectors or peripherals, and can be integrated into custom-designed products. On the other hand, the Raspberry Pi 4 is designed to be used as a standalone computer, making it less flexible when it comes to customization.

Conclusion

Both the Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 are capable single-board computers that offer different features and functions. If you are looking for a flexible and customizable board for use in industrial or embedded systems, then the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 is the better choice. But if you’re looking for a standalone computer or a board with extensive connectivity options, then the Raspberry Pi 4 is the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two boards depends on your specific use case and project requirements.