Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe correct carrier board is determined first by the module’s generation and connector, not by the board’s brand or apparent feature list. Match those physical interfaces, then verify the I/O your project must expose, power input and peripheral limits, storage variant, enclosure size, and whether you are prototyping or building a production device.
For Raspberry Pi modules, the official choices are generally CM4IO for Compute Module 4 and CM5IO for Compute Module 5. Raspberry Pi documents limited, reduced-functionality cross-generation operation, so a CM4IO/CM5 or CM5IO/CM4 combination should be treated as a compatibility case to verify—not as a full-featured substitute. BPI-CM7 belongs to a separate Banana Pi module family; its documented companion is BPI-CM7IO. A matching connector count does not establish interchangeability.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Start with the exact module, not the carrier
Write down the complete module designation before comparing boards. “Compute Module” covers several mechanically different generations, and a board that accepts one generation may not accept another even when both carry a Raspberry Pi logo.
Recommended Free Tools
| Module family | Module-side connector | Carrier guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Compute Module 4 (CM4) | Two 100-pin high-density board-to-board connectors | CM4IO is the purpose-built official development carrier. |
| Compute Module 5 (CM5) | Two 100-pin high-density board-to-board connectors | CM5IO is the purpose-built official development carrier. |
| Compute Module 1 (CM1) | DDR2 SODIMM form factor | CMIO version 1 is listed for CM1. |
| Compute Module 3 and 3+ | DDR2 SODIMM form factor | CMIO3 is the listed carrier family. |
| Compute Module 4S (CM4S) | SODIMM form factor | CMIO3 is the listed carrier family. |
| BPI-CM7 | Two 100-pin board-to-board connectors | Banana Pi documents BPI-CM7IO as designed for BPI-CM7; do not assume Raspberry Pi board compatibility. |
CM4 and CM5 share a two-connector arrangement, while CM1, CM3, CM3+ and CM4S use a SODIMM-style module. A carrier with the wrong mechanical interface cannot be made compatible by changing software, boot media or cables.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Turn the project into an interface checklist
Before looking at product names, list what the finished system must connect. Count every external port and internal connection that the carrier must expose.
- Display: number of HDMI outputs and any MIPI DSI display flex connections.
- Cameras: number and type of CSI-2 camera flex connections.
- USB: required USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, plus any upstream or alternate USB connection.
- Networking: Gigabit Ethernet, Power over Ethernet (PoE), wireless-module access and antenna constraints.
- Expansion: 40-pin GPIO/HAT compatibility, selectable GPIO voltage, fan control, real-time-clock battery and configuration jumpers.
- High-speed storage or expansion: PCIe generation, M.2 key and supported drive lengths.
- Boot storage: microSD requirements versus a module fitted with eMMC.
Mark each item as required, useful or unneeded. This prevents a large development board’s connector count from hiding a missing interface that matters to your product.
Official Raspberry Pi carriers: CM4IO and CM5IO
CM4IO for Compute Module 4
CM4IO is Raspberry Pi’s general-purpose I/O board for development, testing and prototyping around CM4. Its documented interfaces include:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- Two HDMI ports.
- Two USB 2.0 connectors and a micro-USB upstream port.
- Gigabit Ethernet with PoE support.
- PCIe Gen 2.
- A microSD slot for CM4 Lite modules (the versions without eMMC).
- A 40-pin GPIO/HAT footprint.
- A PoE header.
- Two MIPI DSI display FFC connectors.
- Two CSI-2 camera FFC connectors.
- An RTC battery socket and configuration jumpers.
Power can enter through the GPIO header at 5 V or through the 12 V barrel input. Raspberry Pi’s documentation allows up to 26 V only when PCIe is unused; that is a conditional limit, not a general-purpose 26 V input rating for every configuration.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Raspberry Pi lists CM4IO as compatible with CM5 with reduced functionality. If your design depends on a CM5-specific interface or behavior, use CM5IO instead and verify the exact requirement against the detailed hardware documentation.
CM5IO for Compute Module 5
CM5IO is the official development carrier for CM5. It provides:
- Two HDMI ports.
- Two combined MIPI DSI/CSI-2 camera/display FFC connectors.
- Two USB 3.0 Type-A ports.
- One USB 2.0 Type-C port.
- Gigabit Ethernet with PoE support.
- An M.2 M-key PCIe socket supporting the listed 2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280 form factors.
- A microSD slot for CM5 Lite modules (the versions without eMMC).
- A GPIO/HAT footprint.
- A PoE header.
- An RTC battery socket.
- Selectable GPIO voltage.
- A four-pin PWM fan connector.
Its USB-C power input is specified in two operating modes: 5 V at 5 A (25 W), or 5 V at 3 A (15 W) with a 600 mA peripheral limit. Choose the supply and USB peripherals together. A 3 A source may be adequate for a lightly loaded setup, but it is not equivalent to the 5 A mode when attached devices can draw more current.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchCM5IO is also listed for CM4 with reduced functionality. A CM4 installed on CM5IO should therefore be checked against the particular ports, storage path and expansion features your application needs rather than assumed to behave like a native CM5 installation.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Understand storage before choosing a slot
The microSD connector on each official board is tied to the corresponding Lite module variant:
- CM4IO’s microSD slot is for CM4 Lite, the CM4 version without eMMC.
- CM5IO’s microSD slot is for CM5 Lite, the CM5 version without eMMC.
If the module has eMMC, inserting a card into the carrier does not turn that card into the active boot device. Confirm the module’s storage option on the order line and plan provisioning, recovery and updates around eMMC or removable media accordingly.
Power matching is a board-selection task
Power specifications are not interchangeable between carriers. Record the intended supply, the module load, USB accessories, storage and any powered expansion before selecting an input method.
| Carrier | Documented input options | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| CM4IO | 5 V through GPIO, or 12 V through the barrel jack | Up to 26 V is documented only when PCIe is unused. |
| CM5IO | USB-C at 5 V, 5 A (25 W), or 5 V, 3 A (15 W) | The 3 A mode carries a 600 mA peripheral limit. |
Do not select a supply solely from the module’s nominal voltage. Include the carrier’s regulators, USB loads, PCIe or M.2 device, Ethernet/PoE path, fan and any GPIO-powered accessories. If a design uses PCIe on CM4IO, stay within the documented input conditions rather than applying the conditional 26 V statement.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Where BPI-CM7 fits—and where it does not
BPI-CM7 is an Allwinner H618 module with LPDDR4, eMMC, K019 Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 and two 100-pin board-to-board connectors. Banana Pi describes BPI-CM7IO as a carrier designed for BPI-CM7.
The shared phrase “two 100-pin connectors” is not proof that BPI-CM7 can be plugged into CM4IO or CM5IO. Pin assignments, power rails, signal mapping, mechanical keying, firmware expectations and permitted peripherals can all differ. Treat Raspberry Pi Compute Modules and BPI-CM7 as separate ecosystems unless a manufacturer explicitly documents a particular cross-compatible module-and-carrier combination.
Detailed BPI-CM7IO interface lists, power figures, dimensions and current availability are not established here. Obtain the current Banana Pi board documentation before committing to enclosure dimensions, supply design, connector wiring or a purchase quantity. Do not fill those gaps by copying CM4IO or CM5IO specifications.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Development carrier or production carrier?
Use an official I/O board for evaluation
A general-purpose I/O board is appropriate when you need to boot the module, exercise interfaces, attach standard peripherals and bring up software. The broad connector set of CM4IO or CM5IO makes it practical to test displays, cameras, Ethernet, USB, GPIO, PCIe and storage before the product hardware is fixed.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Move to a custom carrier for a finished device
Raspberry Pi states that for production use you might design a smaller custom carrier containing only the connectors required by your use case. A custom board can reduce unused connectors, fit a defined enclosure, place mounting holes and cables where the product needs them, and control the exact power and protection circuits. It also transfers responsibility for schematic review, signal integrity, thermal behavior, manufacturing tests, regulatory work and long-term component supply to your project.
A sensible transition is to prove the module and software on the official board, freeze the interfaces that were actually used, then design the custom carrier around those requirements. Do not remove a connector until you have confirmed that factory programming, service, recovery and field diagnostics still have a supported path.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A repeatable selection procedure
- Record the module’s exact generation and storage. Note CM4, CM5, CM4S, another SODIMM module, or BPI-CM7, and record Lite versus eMMC where applicable.
- Confirm the mechanical interface. Match two 100-pin high-density connectors only with a carrier documented for that module family; match SODIMM modules to the appropriate CMIO3 or CMIO generation.
- Build the required-I/O list. Write down HDMI, USB versions and count, Ethernet/PoE, camera and display FFCs, GPIO, PCIe or M.2, RTC, fan and service connections.
- Compare the documented connector list. Cross out a board as soon as a required interface is absent or available only through a reduced-functionality cross-generation mode.
- Check power with peripherals attached. For CM4IO, choose GPIO 5 V or the barrel input within its stated conditions. For CM5IO, decide whether the 25 W USB-C mode or the 15 W mode with a 600 mA peripheral limit fits the complete load.
- Resolve boot storage. Use the carrier’s microSD slot only with the matching Lite module; plan eMMC provisioning when the module includes eMMC.
- Check physical constraints. Measure the board, connector clearance, cable bend radius, mounting pattern, heatsink or fan clearance and enclosure height. Do not infer dimensions for BPI-CM7IO without its current mechanical drawing.
- Choose the lifecycle path. Use an official board for development and prototype validation; evaluate a custom carrier when connector reduction, enclosure fit or production integration justifies the added engineering.
- Verify current documentation and supply. Check the exact module and carrier revision, availability and any errata immediately before ordering or freezing a design.
Decision matrix
| Your situation | Most defensible starting point | Why | Check before committing |
|---|---|---|---|
| CM4 development with HDMI, USB 2.0, Ethernet, GPIO and camera/display testing | CM4IO | It exposes the documented CM4 development interfaces in one board. | Power method, CM4 Lite versus eMMC, and PCIe use. |
| CM5 development with USB 3.0, M.2 storage and fan control | CM5IO | It provides the documented CM5-specific USB, M.2 and PWM-fan connections. | USB-C power mode, M.2 length, GPIO voltage and module storage. |
| CM4 on an existing CM5IO-based test setup | Possible only after feature-by-feature verification | Raspberry Pi lists CM5IO with CM4 but qualifies operation as reduced functionality. | Every required port, storage path and expansion signal. |
| CM5 on an existing CM4IO-based test setup | Possible only after feature-by-feature verification | Raspberry Pi lists CM4IO with CM5 but qualifies operation as reduced functionality. | Every required port, power condition and PCIe-dependent feature. |
| BPI-CM7 evaluation | BPI-CM7IO | Banana Pi documents it as designed for BPI-CM7. | Current interface, power, dimensions, revision and availability documentation. |
| Embedded product with a fixed enclosure and limited connectors | Custom carrier based on the validated module | It can include only the connectors and power functions the product needs. | Manufacturing, thermal, signal-integrity, recovery and lifecycle requirements. |
Common mistakes and recovery steps
Buying by processor family or brand alone
Symptom: the module does not seat, or the board powers but required signals are absent. Fix: return to the module-generation and connector table. A SODIMM carrier is not a substitute for a two-100-pin carrier, and a BPI-CM7 connector match does not establish Raspberry Pi pin compatibility.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Assuming cross-generation means full compatibility
Symptom: a CM4/CM5 combination boots but lacks a port or feature used in the design. Fix: treat the documented reduced-functionality qualification as a warning. Make a per-interface checklist and validate each required signal on the exact board revision.
Using a microSD card with an eMMC module
Symptom: the inserted card is ignored or the expected boot path is unavailable. Fix: verify whether the module is Lite or eMMC. The documented carrier slots are for the corresponding Lite variants; use the module’s eMMC provisioning and recovery process when eMMC is fitted.
Undersizing the power source
Symptom: resets, unstable USB devices or failures that appear only when peripherals start. Fix: total the carrier, module and peripheral load. On CM5IO, confirm whether the design requires the 5 V/5 A mode; the 5 V/3 A mode has a 600 mA peripheral limit. On CM4IO, stay within the input conditions associated with PCIe use.
Designing an enclosure from an assumed board size
Symptom: cables, M.2 devices, fan connectors or mounting hardware collide with the enclosure. Fix: use the current mechanical drawing for the exact carrier and module, including connector keep-outs and cable bend space. BPI-CM7IO dimensions should be taken from current Banana Pi documentation, not inferred from CM4IO or CM5IO.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Final checklist before purchase or schematic freeze
- The module model, generation and storage variant are written on the project bill of materials.
- The carrier’s connector and pinout documentation explicitly names that module family.
- Every required HDMI, USB, Ethernet, camera, display, GPIO, PCIe/M.2 and service interface is accounted for.
- The selected input voltage and current remain valid with all planned peripherals.
- Lite/eMMC boot behavior is understood and testable.
- Board dimensions, connector clearances, mounting and thermal hardware fit the enclosure.
- Any CM4/CM5 cross-generation use is accepted only after checking the exact reduced-functionality impact.
- BPI-CM7 designs use BPI-CM7IO or another carrier explicitly documented for BPI-CM7.
- Current revision, availability and lifecycle information have been checked for the exact module and carrier.
- The prototype board’s role is clear: evaluation only, or the reference for a custom production carrier.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
