The Raspberry Pi foundation has launched two versions of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 (CM3).

The standard version is based on Raspberry Pi 3 hardware. It runs on a CM2837 processor (up to 1.2GHz) and comes with 1GB of RAM, plus 4GB of on-board eMMC flash storage.

A Lite version of CM3 (CM3L) comes with the same processor and same amount of RAM, but instead of on-board storage, it comes with an SD card interface to the Module pins so a user can wire this up to an eMMC or SD card of their choice.

The foundation has also launched an updated version of the Compute Module IO Board V3 (CMIO3), which offers an easy-to-use “base” into which you can plug your compute modules, program them using the HDMI and USB connectors, and then use them in various applications.

The Compute Module has already gone beyond the DIY and maker communities and has made its foray into the commercial space. NEC is using the compute module in their commercial displays for corporate customers.

CM3 and CM3L are priced at $30 and $25, respectively. The Foundation has also dropped the price of the original Compute Module to $25. One of the core goals of the foundation is longer shelf lives of their devices. As a result, CM3 is kind of backward compatible with the CM1 design, which means you can simply remove the older CM and replace it with CM3. The only caveat is that CM3 can run a bit hotter than the previous board, and it’s 1mm taller, so you do need a heatsink and take into consideration the 1mm of extra space.