Raspberry Pi Expands Its Backwards-Compatible Compute Module 4S Family, Adds More RAM
The original 1GB computer-on-module model is joined by new 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB variants, available only in boxes of 200.
Raspberry Pi has announced new variants of the Compute Module 4S, designed for backwards compatibility with carrier boards for the earlier Compute Module 3/3+ — offering up to eight times the RAM of the original models.
"Since 2014, we have provided the power of Raspberry Pi in a flexible form factor designed specifically for industrial and embedded applications, and we've been surprised and delighted to see the incredible variety of ways in which our customers use Raspberry Pi Compute Modules," Raspberry Pi's Dave Lee writes.
"Compute Module 4S is based on the Raspberry Pi 4 architecture. We designed it for industrial customers who are migrating from Compute Module 3 or Compute Module 3+, and who are looking to retain the same form factor but would like greater computing power and more memory."
Previously, the Compute Module 4S — which uses the SODIMM computer-on-module form factor of the earlier Compute Module 3/3+, rather than the mezzanine board layout of the mainstream Compute Module 4 family — was available with only 1GB of RAM, meaning those upgrading from earlier modules would receive improved CPU performance but no more memory. Now, three new variants have been announced — matching the memory capacities available in the main Compute Module 4 and Raspberry Pi 4 Model B families: 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB.
"We will keep Compute Module 4S in production until at least January 2034," Lee promises, "and we have produced a transition document specially to help users migrate to it from Compute Module 1, Compute Module 3, or Compute Module 3+. Compute Module 4S boards are in stock and available now from our Approved Resellers for industry, with a maximum lead time of six weeks. These modules are supplied only in bulk 200-unit boxes, with prices per unit starting from $25 US."
Those interested in picking up a couple of hundred modules, in either the eMMC-equipped 4S or eMMC-free 4S Lite flavors, are advised to get in touch with a Raspberry Pi Approved Reseller through the company's website.