{"product_id":"top1-raspberry-pi-compute-module-4-basic-expansion-board-compact-cm4","title":"TOP1 Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Basic Expansion Board - Compact CM4","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the TOP1 Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Basic Expansion Board finds it is best suited to makers and developers who need a compact, fully featured carrier board for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4. The biggest reason to buy is that it packs a wide set of connectors and a Standard CM4 socket into a credit-card sized board, making it easy to evaluate CM4 variants or integrate networking and storage into prototypes with minimal extra hardware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCM4 socket:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports all Compute Module 4 variants so developers can swap between Lite and eMMC versions without changing the base board.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNetworking:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built-in Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 lets networked projects connect at full wired speeds without an external adapter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStorage options:\u003c\/strong\u003e MicroSD slot for CM4 Lite and an M.2 M key slot that accepts communication modules or NVMe storage for flexible storage and expansion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeripheral connectivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dual HDMI (one via FFC), multiple USB 2.0 ports and color-coded 40PIN GPIO make hooking up displays, cameras and accessories straightforward.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower and cooling:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB Type-C 5V\/2.5A input and a fan header with speed control help keep a loaded CM4 cooled and reliably powered.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis board is ideal for engineers, hobbyists, and systems integrators who want a compact development or evaluation platform for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 with ready access to networking, display and storage interfaces. Its credit-card size and standard GPIO header also make it handy for small embedded projects and proofs of concept.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsers who need industrial I\/O with isolation, built-in wireless antennas, or PCIe lanes exposed as full-size slots should look elsewhere, since this board focuses on convenience and compactness rather than heavy industrial connectivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWide connector set including dual HDMI, dual CSI camera ports and dual DSI display support enables multimedia projects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eIntegrated Gigabit Ethernet and M.2 slot provide strong networking and optional NVMe or communication module expansion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCompact footprint with standard 40PIN GPIO makes it easy to transplant existing Raspberry Pi HATs and accessories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOnboard RTC and fan header add practical features for always-on or thermally sensitive builds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOnly USB 2.0 ports are available, so high-speed USB 3.0 peripherals will be limited by interface speed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe board requires careful handling: do not plug or unplug anything other than USB and HDMI while powered.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMini Base Board for Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCM4 Socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard CM4 socket, supports Lite and eMMC variants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNetworking\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGigabit Ethernet RJ45\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStorage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicroSD slot (for CM4 Lite), M.2 M key slot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDisplay \u0026amp; Camera\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2x HDMI (one via FFC), 2x MIPI CSI-2, MIPI DSI port\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 via FFC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB Type-C 5V \/ 2.5A input; fan header and RTC battery socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e85 x 56 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe TOP1 CM4 Basic Expansion Board is a compact, capable carrier that offers excellent value for anyone prototyping or deploying a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 with networked or multimedia needs. Its broad set of connectors, M.2 option and onboard RTC and fan header make it a practical choice for embedded projects; those needing USB 3.0 or heavy industrial I\/O should consider alternate boards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this board work with all CM4 variants?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the standard CM4 socket supports Compute Module 4 Lite and eMMC series modules.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use an NVMe SSD in the M.2 slot?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe M.2 M key supports communication modules or NVMe SSDs, subject to the CM4 carrier and module capabilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat power input is required?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUse the USB Type-C 5V \/ 2.5A input and avoid plugging or unplugging devices other than USB and HDMI while the board is powered.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"waveshare","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48237057114331,"sku":"B09413V2LQ","price":38.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71AFsIU2u7L._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1770884133","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/top1-raspberry-pi-compute-module-4-basic-expansion-board-compact-cm4","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}