Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 IO Board with 7ft IPS Display

In this review of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 development kit, the bottom line is simple: it is a practical platform for engineers and makers who need a complete IO board plus a 7' IPS display to prototype real-world CM4 projects quickly. The kit pairs the original Compute Module 4 IO Board with a crisp 7' IPS display and six common accessories, letting users test HATs, PCIe cards, MIPI displays and cameras, and Gigabit Ethernet with PoE support. Note that the Compute Module 4 itself is not included, but the IO board design and connectors make integration straightforward.

Key Features

• Universal CM4 socket: Accepts all variants of Compute Module 4 so prototypes can use different RAM, eMMC, or wireless options without board changes.
• Dual MIPI DSI display support: Two 22-pin MIPI DSI FPC connectors let the included 7' IPS display and a second display be connected for versatile video output.
• Dual MIPI CSI camera inputs: Two 22-pin MIPI CSI-2 connectors give headroom for camera projects or multi-camera setups without extra adapters.
• PCIe and HAT compatibility: Standard PCIe Gen2 x1 socket and full-size HAT headers enable add-on NVMe, SATA, networking or custom HAT peripherals for rapid system expansion.
• Real-time clock and wake: Onboard RTC with battery socket provides accurate timekeeping and can wake the CM4 for low-power or timed applications.
• Network and USB connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 with PoE support plus two USB 2.0 connectors and a micro USB update port offer practical connectivity for development.

Who It's For

This kit is aimed at hardware developers, embedded engineers, and advanced hobbyists who want a near-complete CM4 development environment with a usable display. It is especially useful when testing PCIe peripherals or camera and display combinations because the IO board exposes PCIe, dual MIPI DSI and dual CSI interfaces together.

It is not the right choice for absolute beginners who expect a ready-to-run single-board computer out of the box, since the Compute Module 4 itself is not included and basic familiarity with CM4 pinout and FPC cables is helpful. For those only wanting a compact, all-in-one SBC without modular expansion, a different product may be simpler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive IO: exposes HAT headers, PCIe x1, dual DSI and dual CSI for broad prototyping options.
• Convenient display bundle: the included 7' IPS gives an immediate visual interface for demos and testing.
• Practical features: onboard RTC with battery socket and PoE-capable Gigabit Ethernet suit real deployments.
• Designed for enclosure-friendly wiring: major connectors are positioned along one side to simplify case design.

Cons

• Compute Module 4 is not included, so total cost and assembly require sourcing the CM4 separately.
• USB ports are USB 2.0 only, which limits throughput for high-speed USB peripherals compared with USB 3.0.

Specifications

Compatible module	All Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 variants
Display interfaces	2 x MIPI DSI 22-pin FPC connectors
Camera interfaces	2 x MIPI CSI-2 22-pin FPC connectors
Expansion	PCIe Gen2 x1 socket and Raspberry Pi HAT headers with PoE support
Network	Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 with PoE support
USB	2 x USB 2.0 connectors and micro USB for updates
RTC	Real-time clock with battery socket and wake capability

Our Verdict

For developers who need a flexible CM4 lab board and a ready 7' IPS display, this kit delivers strong value: it consolidates display, camera, PCIe and network interfaces in one place and includes an RTC for real deployments. Buyers should account for the separate CM4 purchase and the USB 2.0 limitation, but for prototyping modular IoT, vision, or storage projects the IO board plus display is a sensible investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the kit include the Compute Module 4?
The Compute Module 4 is not included; the IO board accepts all CM4 variants which must be purchased separately.

Can I add NVMe storage?
Yes, the board provides a PCIe Gen2 x1 socket suitable for NVMe adapters or other PCIe expansion cards.

Is PoE supported?
Yes, the HAT-compatible headers and Gigabit Ethernet design include PoE support for compatible modules.