{"product_id":"cm5-waveshare-pi-compute-module-5-2gb-16gb-compact-som-performance","title":"CM5 Waveshare Pi Compute Module 5 2GB\/16GB - Compact SoM Performance","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the CM5 Waveshare Pi Compute Module 5 focuses on makers and embedded designers who need Raspberry Pi 5 performance in a compact system on module. The package reviewed here includes the official Raspberry Pi CM5002016 module with \u003cstrong\u003e2GB RAM\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e16GB eMMC Flash\u003c\/strong\u003e, an antenna kit and a heatsink, and the single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a modern quad-core Cortex-A76 processor and onboard eMMC storage that simplifies deployment in custom hardware. For projects that demand a small footprint and reliable local storage without wireless, this module is a practical, developer-friendly choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuad-core BCM2712 processor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers noticeably better compute performance than earlier Compute Modules, useful for multi-threaded tasks and edge processing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2GB RAM option:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides enough memory for moderate multitasking and many embedded applications without overprovisioning resources.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e16GB eMMC Flash:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built-in storage is faster and more robust than SD-only solutions and simplifies industrial deployments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo WiFi by default:\u003c\/strong\u003e The module without wireless suits regulated or wired environments and avoids radio certification issues.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePCIe Gen2 x1 and Gigabit Ethernet PHY:\u003c\/strong\u003e Onboard interfaces support expandability and reliable networked applications such as gateways or appliances.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility and documentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Uses B to B connectors and broad wiki resources to assist integration into custom carrier boards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe CM5 module is aimed at engineers, product developers and hobbyists building custom single-board systems, industrial controllers or network appliances that benefit from the Raspberry Pi 5 silicon in a compact SoM. It is particularly useful when you need onboard eMMC storage and the ability to add external modules via PCIe or wired Ethernet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThose seeking a ready-made single-board computer with built-in WiFi\/Bluetooth or larger memory for heavy desktop workloads should look at full Raspberry Pi 5 boards or higher RAM variants; this specific 2GB\/16GB configuration is optimized for embedded use rather than multimedia desktop replacement.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact Compute Module design packs a powerful BCM2712 quad-core SoC into a small form factor for custom hardware.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnboard \u003cstrong\u003e16GB eMMC\u003c\/strong\u003e offers faster, more reliable storage than microSD, easing deployment in embedded systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich set of interfaces including PCIe Gen2 x1 and Gigabit Ethernet PHY for flexible expansion and networking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes antenna kit and heatsink for integration and thermal management when needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo WiFi on this SKU, so wireless connectivity requires an external certified radio module or a different SKU.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2GB RAM is adequate for many embedded tasks but may limit heavier multitasking or memory-hungry applications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModule\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5002016)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProcessor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBCM2712 quad-core Cortex-A76 64-bit SoC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRAM\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2GB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eeMMC Flash\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16GB (onboard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWireless\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWithout WiFi (no onboard radio)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterfaces\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCIe Gen2 x1, Gigabit Ethernet PHY, B to B connectors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncluded accessories\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAntenna kit and heatsink\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe CM5 Waveshare Compute Module 5 in the 2GB\/16GB configuration is a smart choice for embedded systems and custom hardware where reliable onboard storage and modern processing are priorities. It offers good value for developers who need Raspberry Pi 5 class performance and flexible interfaces, but buyers who require built-in wireless or larger RAM should select a different variant.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this module include WiFi?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, this CM5002016 kit is the variant without wireless; a certified radio module or a different SKU is required for WiFi.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the 16GB eMMC user replaceable?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 16GB eMMC is onboard storage; it is intended to be used as the primary storage and is not a removable card like microSD.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use this in industrial applications?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the module's onboard Gigabit Ethernet PHY, PCIe interface and optional external antenna support make it suitable for industrial and networked use with proper carrier board design.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"waveshare","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48609739440347,"sku":"B0DPX4NPN3","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71cziomBWHL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778374230","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/cm5-waveshare-pi-compute-module-5-2gb-16gb-compact-som-performance","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}