Cover image for Waveshare CM5-IO-Base-B

Waveshare CM5-IO-Base-B

Overall, if you're looking for a low cost, fully featured Compute Module in the Raspberry Pi 5 form-factor then is a solid choice.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

6 April 2025 by Kevin McAleer


Overall, if you’re looking for a low cost, fully featured Compute Module in the Raspberry Pi 5 form-factor then is a solid choice.



Compute Module 5 Boards Review

Waveshare have released a number of affordable Compute Module 5 boards. These boards are compatible with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 modules including the eMMC, WiFi enabled as well as Lite versions.

Features & Functionality

  • 40 pin GPIO Header
  • 2x USB A
  • 1x HDMI
  • Ethernet socket
  • USB C Power / flash firmware
  • 2x MiPi Display/Camera
  • SD Card slot
  • RTC Battery socket
  • Fan connector
  • NVMe Socket
  • Power & Boot buttons
  • Raspberry Pi 5 form factor

The full-size HDMI port is a great addition to the board, allowing for easy connection to displays though its in on a different side of the board and does take up the space where the regular 2x USB ports are located on the Raspberry Pi. I think the trade off of a single, full size HDMI Port, instead of two micro-HDMI ports is fair.

The PCIe slot is also a great feature, allowing for expansion options.


The CM5-IO_BASE_B is priced at $23.99 1, making it an affordable option for those looking to use the Compute Module 5 in a compact design.

Whats in the box

In the box is the CM5-IO-BASE-B board. There are some additinoal stand-off screws and a screw for the optional NVMe card.


User instructions & Documentation

The instructions for the board are available on the Waveshare Wiki. The documentation is clear and easy to follow, though I did get a little confused about how to flash the eMMC so that the Raspberry Pi can boot from the internal storage.


Ease of use

The boards could not be simpler to use, just plug in the CM5 module and you’re away.


Availability

Available world wide; check out the list of resellers on Waveshares website https://www.waveshare.com.


Asthetics

The boards looks similar to a Raspberry Pi 5, and is straightforward and functional. The ports are thoughfully laid out, though there are changes from the standard Raspberry Pi, such as the single, full-size HDMI port.


Build Quality

The PCBs and components have a solid connection and the overall board seems pretty robust.


Packaging

The packaging was simple and functional. The boards were well protected in the box and there was no damage to the boards during shipping.

For extra points the plastic bubble wrap could be replaced with shredded cardboard or paper.


Environmental

The packaging could be made a little more environmentally friendly by using shredded cardboard or paper instead of plastic bubble wrap.


Summary

Overall, if you’re looking for a low cost, fully featured Compute Module in the Raspberry Pi 5 form-factor then is a solid choice.

Scoring

Below is the Kevs Robots review framework. First, each product is scored out of 5 for each of the 9 areas. The total score is then calculated by adding the scores for each area and dividing by 9. The total score is then rounded to the nearest whole number.

Scoring area 1 2 3 4 5
Price Very Expensive, verging on not worth it Expensive, but worth it for the value add Affordable, similar in price to competitors Cheap / great value for the parts and features Free / Very low cost
Ease of use Hard to use, complex operations requiring multipe steps Many steps, some of which as complex. Some steps to construct or operate, some of which are complex Few steps, simple to do Very easy to use / use is obvious and clear
Functionality Very little innovation or usefulness Does less then you’d expect, but still useful Practice, does what you expect but no more Quite a few innovative functions, does more than you’d expect Amazing features & innovation, industry leading
Availability Very difficult to get hold of any variation or version Little available; some variations or versions are available Available in some countries and stocks mostly available Available in most countries & mostly in stock, short wait for stock replenishment All versions and variations widely available in all countries & in stock
Aesthetics Design is not pleasing to the eye; poor colour choice, parts do not fit together, no cohesive design Design is acceptable, some elements do not work together well Design is functional, no overall cohesion Design is functional with some flair, most elements work together well Very pleasing to the eye, complimentary colour choices, great fit and finish, with an overall cohesive design
Build Quality Poor construction, with gaps or overlapping parts. Poor quality materials used Functional construction, cheap materials Functional construction, acceptable materials used Durable design, some parts are high quality, most are acceptable Solid construction, parts fit together as intended with no unexpected gaps or overlapping parts. High quality materials and parts used
Documentation Single language instructions, no diagrams, basic features only Basic instructions, technical specifications in a few languages, little no diagrams, no example code Basic instructions, technical specifications in a few languages, diagrams for use. Some example code Documentation available in multiple languages, with all features covered and diagrams for use. Some example code Documentation available in multiple languages, with all features covered and simple diagrams for use. Mechanical and circuit diagrams also included. Example code. Advanced topics covered too
Packaging Little to no thought given to environment. Wasteful use of space leading to higher shipping costs. Excess layers of packaging Some thought given to environmental packaging & recycling. A few layers of packaging Some thought given to environmental packaging materials & recycling. Single layer of packaging Environmentally friendly, packaging designed for recycling with some effort. Packaging is has mostly efficient use of space to cut down on shipping costs Environmentally friendly, packaging designed for easy recycling. Packaging is small with efficient use of space to cut down on shipping costs
Environmental No consideration given to sourcing, production, supply, delivery or disposal of product, with toxic chemicals used in production No consideration given to sourcing, production, supply, delivery or disposal of product Product is efficient to operate, but may have poor environmental production or disposal impacts Most of the product is sourced from recycled materials, no toxic chemicals used in production, some thought given to production and delivery energy used Product is sourced from 100% recycled materials, with no toxic chemicals used in production. produced with clean energy, packaging designed to lower delivery costs and disposal of product is taken care of

total is 4.4


See the transparency notes for details.


  1. Price excludes shipping and local taxes 

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