The Raspberry Pi Foundation set out to create a cheap computer for everyone to use, with the latest version of that being the Raspberry Pi Model 3B+ ($37.89 at Amazon) . But there was also a need to cater to makers and enterprise users who want a board for use in their own products. That's where the Raspberry Pi Compute Module comes in, and it just received an upgrade.

You may remember back in March last year the Model 3B+ launched, offering improved performance, a heat spreader, and power optimizations for better temperature control. Those improvements have been applied to the new Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3+ (CM3+). It uses the same Broadcom BCM2837B0 processor, which is a quad-core ARM chip. The only difference being it runs at a maximum 1.2GHz rather than 1.4GHz on the Pi 3B+ due to power supply limitations.

Where the CM3+ differs from the 3B+ is in storage. The main Pi boards rely on SD cards for storage, but the Foundation uses more reliable Flash memory on the Compute Modules. Both the CM1 and CM3 ship with 4GB of eMMC Flash memory, but responding to calls for more flexibility, the CM3+ will be offered as four different products with varying amounts of storage and therefore price.

The choice includes:

CM3+/Lite $25

CM3+/8GB $30

CM3+/16GB $35

CM3+/32GB $40

The new Compute Module produces as much heat as the older CM3, but it has better thermal behavior under load. Sustained performance depends on the case design used and the cooling offered, but the greater thermal mass provides more room for design flexibility.

Those already using CM1 and CM3 solutions can continue to do so knowing that support won't end for them until 2023. However, new projects are encouraged to opt for the CM3+ which will be supported until 2026. It's also possible to buy a Development Kit for around $140. It includes "1 x Lite and 1 x 32GB CM3+ module, a Compute Module IO board, camera and display adapters, jumper wires, and a programming cable."

This forms the end of the line for Raspberry Pi products based on a 40nm process. Whatever comes next, be that for the main Raspberry Pi board or the next Compute Module, it will be something quite different and "with more design flexibility" according to James Adams, COO of Raspberry Pi Trading.

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