Radxa has launched the CM4 system-on-module, a budget-friendly compute module aimed at makers, embedded developers, and product teams who need solid performance without stretching the budget. Starting at $70, the CM4 slots neatly between Radxa’s CM3 and CM5 families, pairing an efficient octa-core ARM processor with modern graphics and broad I/O options.
At the heart of the CM4 is the Rockchip RK3576, featuring four Cortex-A72 cores for performance tasks and four Cortex-A53 cores for efficiency, alongside a Mali G52 MC3 GPU. It’s a practical alternative to the more powerful and pricier CM5 line built on the RK3588 platform, making the CM4 a smart pick for projects that prioritize cost, power efficiency, and reliable throughput.
Two configurations are available at launch: a $70 base model with 4 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage, and a higher-tier option with 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC priced at $115. The module works with Radxa’s CM4 I/O board to unlock a wide range of ports and is also compatible with many third-party carrier boards, including popular options from Raspberry Pi and WaveShare. That flexibility makes it easy to drop into existing designs or quickly prototype new ones.
Key capabilities include:
– CPU and GPU: Rockchip RK3576 with 4x Cortex-A72 + 4x Cortex-A53; Mali G52 MC3
– Memory and storage: 4 GB/32 GB or 8 GB/64 GB eMMC configurations
– Displays: HDMI up to 4K at 120 Hz, DisplayPort up to 4K at 120 Hz, 4-lane eDP, plus 4-lane MIPI DSI
– Cameras: 4-lane or dual 2-lane MIPI CSI inputs
– Expansion and storage: Dual SATA 3.1 and single-lane PCIe Gen2
– Networking: Gigabit Ethernet physical layer support
– Graphics APIs: OpenGL ES 1.1 to 3.2, Vulkan 1.2, OpenCL 2.1
– Connectors: Triple 100-pin board-to-board interface for carrier board integration
Where the CM5 targets heavier compute, AI, and GPU workloads, the CM4 balances capability and cost for edge gateways, media boxes, robotics controllers, compact NAS builds, and commercial embedded devices. With 4K120 display support, modern graphics APIs, and dual SATA, it also suits rich UI applications and storage-centric projects.
The Radxa CM4 is available now through retailers listed on Radxa’s website, giving developers an affordable, drop-in compute module with ample performance headroom and a strong upgrade path within the Radxa ecosystem.
