Walnut Pi CM2: A $49 Compute Module With 8 Cores, Wi-Fi 6
The Walnut Pi CM2 is an Allwinner T527 compute module with 8 cores, a 2 TOPS NPU and Wi-Fi 6, from $28, a lower-cost alternative to Pi CM5 designs.
The Walnut Pi CM2 is a new compute module built around the Allwinner T527 octa-core processor, and CNX Software reported on it on September 29, 2026. It is designed as a cheaper alternative to the Raspberry Pi CM5, with prices starting at $28.
- The T527 pairs eight Cortex-A55 cores (four at 1.8GHz, four at 1.42GHz) with a RISC-V core, a Mali-G57 GPU and a 2 TOPS NPU.
- Memory options are 1GB, 2GB or 4GB of LPDDR4, with optional eMMC from 16GB to 128GB.
- Connectivity on the module includes gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
- CNX lists prices from $28 to $49 on AliExpress; the 2GB, 16GB, wireless version is $49.
What is the Walnut Pi CM2?
It is a 55 x 40mm system-on-module that weighs 9.6 grams and runs from 5V/2A. It brings out HDMI up to 4K60, four-lane MIPI DSI and CSI, USB 3.0, three USB 2.0 ports and PCIe Gen2 x1. Software support listed by the maker covers a Debian 12-based Walnut Pi OS, Ubuntu, Android and Home Assistant.
How does the Walnut Pi CM2 compare with the Pi CM5?
CNX puts the equivalent CM5 configuration at about $97.50, against $49 here. The trade-off is performance: the T527's A55 cores are slower than the Cortex-A76 cores in the CM5, and CNX notes the CM2 is only partially electrically compatible with CM5 carrier boards. For a look at what CM5 designs offer, see the Raspberry Pi smart display module and the Geniatech XPI-3576-CM5.
Who should consider a low-cost compute module?
Projects that need Wi-Fi 6, a modest NPU and a compact footprint, such as signage, kiosks and small edge AI nodes, can benefit from this price class. Anyone who needs full CM5 carrier compatibility should check the pinout first. Explore more boards in our mini computer section.
Sources: CNX Software — September 29, 2026; Walnut Pi hardware documentation — vendor wiki.
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