{"product_id":"waveshare-compute-module-3-32gb-compute-module-flexible-pi-core","title":"waveshare Compute Module 3+\/32GB Compute Module - Flexible Pi Core","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the waveshare Compute Module 3+\/32GB is assessed as a compact, board-level incarnation of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ designed for custom hardware integration. The bottom line: this module is for developers and embedded designers who need the full BCM2837 SoC and 1GB RAM in a small DDR2 SODIMM form factor, plus a reliable onboard 32GB eMMC for system storage. It delivers Pi-compatible compute without the baggage of a full single-board computer, making it a practical choice when space, connectorized I\/O, and direct flash access matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact form:\u003c\/strong\u003e The module is a small 67.6mm x 31mm board that fits a standard DDR2 SODIMM connector, simplifying integration into custom carrier boards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePi 3 B+ core:\u003c\/strong\u003e It carries the Broadcom BCM2837 ARMv8 64-bit SoC at 1.2GHz and 1GB RAM, providing the same processing baseline as a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ for familiarity and software support.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt-in storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e The included 32GB eMMC flash replaces the need for an SD card and is connected directly to the processor for a more robust storage option in embedded systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull processor interfaces:\u003c\/strong\u003e Most processor I\/O lines are exposed through the 200-pin SODIMM connector so a custom carrier can access additional GPIOs and interfaces not available on standard Pi boards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign simplicity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Because the tricky analog and power circuitry are on the module, integrating the BCM2837 into a product is more straightforward for hardware teams.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Compute Module 3+\/32GB is aimed at hardware developers, industrial designers, and embedded systems engineers who want the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ compute block in a connectorized, compact package to build custom carrier boards or small-footprint products. It is well suited to projects that need onboard eMMC storage and direct processor interfaces rather than a consumer-ready single-board computer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not intended for casual Pi hobbyists who prefer a ready-made board with headers and connectors, or for users who need the latest Pi 4 performance; those people should consider full single-board Pi models instead.\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\u003eCompact SODIMM form factor makes it easy to mount into custom carrier boards or sockets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnboard 32GB eMMC provides stable, soldered storage that is more robust than removable SD cards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExposes more processor I\/O than a standard Pi, enabling advanced custom hardware configurations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses the familiar BCM2837 processor and 1GB RAM, allowing broad OS and software compatibility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRequires a custom carrier or adapter to access interfaces, so it is less plug-and-play than a complete single-board computer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot the newest generation of Pi performance; users needing higher CPU or newer interfaces should look to later models.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProcessor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBroadcom BCM2837 ARMv8 64-bit SoC @ 1.2GHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMemory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1GB RAM\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStorage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32GB eMMC Flash (onboard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200-pin DDR2 SODIMM connector with hard gold plating\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBoard size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e67.6mm x 31mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoftware compatible with Pi 3 Model B+ OS images; supports more OS options than CM1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe waveshare Compute Module 3+\/32GB is a practical and cost-effective way to deploy Raspberry Pi 3 B+ compute into custom hardware. It is particularly good value for developers who need onboard eMMC and extensive I\/O access without the connectors of a full board. Choose this module when integration flexibility and reliable flash storage are priorities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this module include onboard storage?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. It includes a 32GB eMMC Flash device soldered to the module as the primary system storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I run standard Pi operating systems?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The module contains the same BCM2837 core and supports the OS images normally used with Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ devices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I access GPIO and other interfaces?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost processor interfaces are available via the 200-pin SODIMM connector and require a carrier board or adapter to route pins to user connectors.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"waveshare","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48197591138523,"sku":"B07PJQSNX6","price":62.89,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71tx3tM8NML._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1770313653","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/waveshare-compute-module-3-32gb-compute-module-flexible-pi-core","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}