{"product_id":"waveshare-cm4-mini-computer-case-with-io-base-compact-raspberry-pi","title":"Waveshare CM4 Mini-Computer Case with IO Base - Compact Raspberry Pi","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Waveshare Mini-Computer Based on Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (NOT Included) is evaluated for makers and integrators who need a compact, ready-built enclosure and IO base for a CM4 board. The biggest reason to buy is convenience: it combines a Waveshare CM4-IO-BASE-A (Lite Ver.) inside a metal case with a cooling fan and a wide set of onboard connectors so builders avoid cutting panels or wiring a custom backplane. This review focuses on how the unit handles connectivity, cooling and practical mounting for small projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated IO base:\u003c\/strong\u003e The built-in CM4-IO-BASE-A (Lite Ver.) provides exposed connectors so users can attach displays, storage and network hardware without extra wiring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRich peripheral connectors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Onboard CSI, DSI, HDMI, USB and RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet make it straightforward to connect cameras, touch displays, monitors, peripherals and wired networks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActive cooling included:\u003c\/strong\u003e The supplied 5V cooling fan plus airflow vents help keep the Compute Module 4 cooler under load for sustained operation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrecise metal cut-outs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each case opening is aligned and labeled so connectors are accessible without modification, reducing build time and risk of damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWall mount support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built-in mounting holes let the enclosure be secured to walls or panels for embedded installations or kiosks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpandable storage slot:\u003c\/strong\u003e A Micro SD slot and M.2 slot on the IO board allow flexible storage options for different projects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Waveshare CM4 mini-computer case is well suited for hobbyists, makers and integrators who already use the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 and want a neat, ready-made enclosure with the IO base included. It is particularly useful when a small footprint, wall mount capability and direct access to camera or display connectors are required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not aimed at users who expect a fully assembled computer out of the box, as the CM4 is not included. Also, anyone needing a 12V fan, or an enclosure with DSI1 display routing, should look elsewhere or confirm compatibility before buying.\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\u003eComplete IO base integration simplifies builds and reduces wiring time for CM4 projects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultiple onboard ports including Gigabit Ethernet and HDMI cover common connectivity needs without adapters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMetal case and active cooling make the unit suitable for longer duty cycles and more robust installations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompute Module 4 is not included, so additional purchase and installation are required to operate the mini-computer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe fan must be 5V; the case does not support 12V fans so cooling upgrades are limited by voltage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncluded board\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWaveshare CM4-IO-BASE-A (Lite Ver.) inside\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatible compute module\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (NOT included)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCase material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMetal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCooling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5V cooling fan with airflow vent\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOnboard connectors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCSI, DSI (DSI0), HDMI, USB, RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStorage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicro SD card slot and M.2 slot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWall mount holes on two sides\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Waveshare CM4 mini-computer case is a practical choice for anyone building a CM4-based mini PC or embedded system who values tidy OEM-style integration of ports, cooling and mounting. It saves time over fabricating a custom enclosure and provides solid connectivity and thermal management, making it good value for makers and small-scale integrators who already plan to supply a Compute Module 4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the package include the Compute Module 4?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, the unit ships without the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4; the IO base and metal case are included only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat fan voltage does it use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe built-in cooling fan requires 5V; the enclosure does not support a 12V fan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use the Type-C port to flash the CM4 image?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the Type-C interface can be used for power or as a USB SLAVE interface for burning an image; avoid connecting other devices while flashing to ensure stable power.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"waveshare","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48609537851611,"sku":"B0982Y353V","price":45.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61IGdDa7z_S._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778377996","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/waveshare-cm4-mini-computer-case-with-io-base-compact-raspberry-pi","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}