Raspberry Pi Launches the $30 Compute Module 3

The Raspberry Pi has launched a new version of its Compute Module. Compared to the original model, which debuted nearly three years ago, the CM3 is based on Raspberry Pi hardware but packs twice the RAM and roughly 10x the CPU performance.

For even greater flexibility, Raspberry Pi is releasing two CM3 variants. The first is the ‘standard’ CM3 which features a BCM2837 processor at up to 1.2GHz with 1GB RAM and 4GB of on-module eMMC flash. The second is what the team is calling ‘CM3 Lite,’ which still has the same BCM2837 and 1GB RAM, but brings the SD card interface to the Module pins so you can integrate your own choice of eMMC or SD card socket. Just like the Pi 3, the CM3 is able to run Windows 10 IoT Core.

But that’s not all! Another update comes in the form of the Compute Module IO Board V3 (CMIO3) — a breakout board that offers power to the module, the ability to program the module’s flash memory or use an SD card, access to the processor interfaces in a slightly more user-friendly fashion, and includes all the necessary HDMI and USB connectors.

Want one of your own? The CM3 and CM3 Lite are priced at $30 and $25, respectively. You can read more about the announcement here.