Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini vs Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board (2026): Key Differences
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This guide compares the waveshare mini base board raspberry vs cm5 mini base board for your small form factor projects. Both boards share a compact 85 × 56mm footprint and include gigabit Ethernet. The main difference lies in the compute module generation they support. One targets the older CM4, while the other is built for the newer CM5. You need to choose the board that matches your specific module to ensure proper connectivity and power delivery for your system.
Key differences
| Aspect | Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board | Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible Module | Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 | Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 |
| Video Output | Single HDMI port | Dual HDMI ports with dual 4K support |
| USB Connectivity | Standard USB ports | Two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A and two USB 2.0 via FFC |
| Expansion Interface | M.2 Slot | 16-pin PCIe Gen2/3 x1 |
| Power Requirement | not listed | 5V DC at 5A |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board if
- You are using a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4.
- You need a simple M.2 slot for storage expansion.
- You prefer a board with documented 5V fan support.
Choose Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board if
- You are using a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5.
- You require dual 4K video output capabilities.
- You need PCIe Gen2/3 expansion or USB 3.2 ports.
Verdict: Choose the CM4 board if you are working with the older Compute Module 4 and need basic connectivity. The CM5 board is the better choice for newer projects requiring dual 4K displays and faster USB 3.2 speeds. Your selection depends entirely on which compute module you plan to install.
CM4 vs CM5 Base Board Specs
Compatibility
The Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board is designed specifically for the Compute Module 4. It includes a standard CM4 socket and supports both the Lite and EMMC series modules. In contrast, the Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board is built for the newer Compute Module 5. It features a CM5 socket that supports all variants of the CM5. You cannot mix these modules with their respective boards. Choose the CM4 board if you are using a CM4. Choose the CM5 board if you are using a CM5.
Networking
Both boards provide wired connectivity through a Gigabit Ethernet port. The Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board uses an RJ45 connector for this purpose. The Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board also includes a Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 connector. Neither product data lists additional network interfaces like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Your wired connection speed will be similar on both boards. The choice here depends on your other connectivity needs rather than network performance.
Video Output
The Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board offers superior video capabilities. It includes two HDMI ports, one via FFC, supporting dual 4K video output. This allows you to drive two high-resolution displays simultaneously. The Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board lists HDMI connectivity but does not specify dual 4K support in the provided data. It connects to the CM4's video outputs. If you need dual 4K displays, the CM5 board is the clear choice. The CM4 board is sufficient for standard single or dual display setups.
Expansion Interfaces
The Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board provides more modern expansion options. It features a 16-pin PCIe Gen2/3 x1 interface for added expansion. It also includes two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports and two USB 2.0 ports via a 6-pin FFC connector. It supports dual 4-lane MIPI interfaces for cameras or displays. The Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board includes an M.2 slot, CSI/DSI connectors, and standard USB ports. The CM5 board offers faster USB speeds and PCIe expansion, which the CM4 board lacks.
Power Requirements
The Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board has specific power requirements. It requires a 5V DC power input at 5A. This higher current draw supports the increased power needs of the CM5 and its additional interfaces. The Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board does not list its power input specifications in the provided data. However, CM4 modules generally require less power than CM5 modules. Ensure your power supply meets the 5A requirement for the CM5 board. The CM4 board is likely less demanding on your power source.
Size and Form Factor
Both boards share the same compact physical dimensions. The Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board measures 85x56mm. The Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board also measures 85 × 56mm. This identical footprint means they fit in the same small form factor enclosures. The CM4 board lists additional dimensions of 2.2 inches by 3.35 inches, which likely refers to the socket or header area. Both are designed for space-constrained projects. You can swap between them without changing your case size.
Choose the right base board for your needs
Users with existing CM4 hardware
This board features a standard CM4 socket designed specifically for Compute Module 4 Lite and EMMC series modules. It includes a 40-pin GPIO header and an M.2 slot for storage expansion. You also get a Gigabit Ethernet port and a Micro SD card slot for reliable connectivity and flexible storage options.
Developers needing high-speed I/O
The CM5 base board supports dual 4K video output via two HDMI ports. It includes two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports and a PCIe Gen2/3 x1 interface for high-speed expansion. You also benefit from dual 4-lane MIPI interfaces for cameras or displays, offering significantly more bandwidth than older generations.
Users requiring flexible connectivity
This board provides two USB 3.2 Type-A ports and two USB 2.0 ports via FFC connector. It also features a 16-pin PCIe interface for added expansion. You get Gigabit Ethernet and dual 4K support. The design supports all Compute Module 5 variants, ensuring broad compatibility for modern projects.
The products compared
Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board
Best for: Compact CM4 integration and evaluation
- Ethernet
- RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
- Dimensions
- 3.35 × 2.2 × 2.2 inches
View on Amazon: Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board Affiliate link
This Waveshare base board supports the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4. It includes a standard CM4 socket and a 40-pin GPIO header. You get Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, USB, and an M.2 slot. The board measures 3.35 by 2.2 inches. It is suitable for evaluating the CM4 or integrating it into end products. You must use a 5V fan only.
Pros
- RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port
- M.2 slot for storage
- Standard CM4 socket
- 40-pin GPIO header
Cons
- DSI1 display interface is not connected
- Fans only support 5V, not 12V
- No case included in base version
Good fit if
- You need a compact board for CM4 evaluation
- You require Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
- You want an M.2 expansion slot
Skip if
- You need dual DSI display support
- You plan to use a 12V fan
- You require a pre-assembled enclosure
Verdict: Waveshare CM4 Mini Base Board offers essential I/O for CM4 projects. It fits users who need Gigabit Ethernet and M.2 expansion in a small form factor.
Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board
Best for: CM5 projects needing dual 4K and PCIe
- Ethernet
- Gigabit Ethernet RJ45
- Video Resolution
- Dual 4K
View on Amazon: Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board Affiliate link
This base board supports all Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 variants. It features a Gigabit Ethernet port and two HDMI outputs for dual 4K video. You get two USB 3.2 ports and two USB 2.0 ports via FFC. A 16-pin PCIe slot adds expansion options. The compact 85 by 56mm design fits tight spaces. You need a 5V 5A power source to run it.
Pros
- Supports all Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 variants
- Dual 4K video output via two HDMI ports
- Gigabit Ethernet and 16-pin PCIe Gen2/3 x1 expansion
- Two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports
Cons
- Requires a 5V 5A power supply
- USB 2.0 ports use a 6-pin FFC connector
- No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth listed
Good fit if
- You need dual 4K display support
- You want PCIe expansion for the CM5
- You require Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
Skip if
- You need built-in wireless networking
- You cannot provide 5V 5A power
- You prefer standard USB-A for all ports
Verdict: Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board provides dual 4K output and PCIe expansion for the Compute Module 5. It suits users who need wired networking and flexible I/O in a compact form factor.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board | Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 |
| Video Resolution | not stated | Dual 4K |
| Dimensions | 3.35 × 2.2 × 2.2 inches | not stated |
| Color | CM4-IO-BASE-B | not stated |
| Model | not stated | CM5-IO-BASE-A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the CM5 Mini Base Board support the CM4 module?
No, the Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board is designed specifically for the Compute Module 5. It does not support the older CM4 modules. You must match the base board to the specific compute module generation you plan to use for your project.
What is the physical size of the CM4 Mini Base Board?
The Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board measures 2.2 inches in width and height, with a length of 3.35 inches. This compact footprint allows it to fit easily into small enclosures. It is designed for users who need a minimal footprint for integration.
Does the CM5 board offer PCIe expansion?
Yes, the Waveshare CM5 Mini Base Board provides PCIe expansion capabilities. This feature suits users who need flexible I/O options and high-speed connectivity for their CM5 projects. It is a key differentiator for users requiring advanced peripheral support in a compact form factor.
Can the CM4 board handle dual 4K outputs?
The Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board focuses on essential I/O for CM4 projects. It does not highlight dual 4K output support. If you need dual 4K video capabilities, the CM5 Mini Base Board is the more suitable choice for your display requirements.
Is the CM4 board suitable for M.2 storage expansion?
Yes, the Waveshare CM4 Mini Base Board includes an M.2 slot for storage expansion. This feature fits users who need Gigabit Ethernet and additional storage in a small form factor. It is ideal for compact CM4 integration and evaluation tasks requiring local data storage.
Which board is better for wired networking?
Both boards include gigabit Ethernet for wired networking. The CM4 board offers this alongside M.2 expansion. The CM5 board provides dual 4K output and PCIe expansion alongside wired connectivity. Choose based on whether you prioritize storage or advanced I/O and display options.