Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) Cooler Comparison

Comparing 2 cooling configurations for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4). SoC: Broadcom BCM2711.

Best Overall$4.60
EDATEC ED-CM4COOLERPassive cooling
-21.0°C
55°C peak · no throttling

Thermal Analysis

We tested 2 cooling configurations on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4), built around the Broadcom BCM2711, each with an identical 60 minute sustained CPU stress workload. With no cooling fitted, the board idles at 36°C and peaks at 76°C under load and completes the full test without thermal throttling.

The strongest result came from the EDATEC ED-CM4COOLER (passive cooling), which cut the peak load temperature by 21.0°C to 55°C at a price of $4.60.

Across all configurations, peak temperatures ranged from 55°C to 76°C, a spread of 21°C. 1 of 1 aftermarket cooler completed the test without any thermal throttling. The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) can run without extra cooling, but even a basic heatsink lowers operating temperatures and helps long term reliability.

Peak Temperatures at a Glance

Below 65°C 65-79°C 80°C+ or throttled Stock baseline peak

Temperature Comparison

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) (No Cooling)EDATEC ED-CM4COOLERAdd more from the table below
Baseline
Load
Cooldown
Stock/Baseline

Cooling Solutions

2/5 on chart
No Cooling
NoneBaseline
No Throttle
Peak76°C
Idle36°C
EDATEC ED-CM4COOLER
PassiveBest PassiveBest Value
No Throttle
Peak55°C
Idle31°C
Improvement-21.0°C
Price$4.60
Value$0.22