Banana Pi BPI-CM6 is a compute module with a SpacemiT K1 RISC-V processor

The Banana Pi BPI-CM6 is a computer-on-a-module that’s the same size and shape as a Raspberry Pi CM4 and even uses the same board-to-board connectors. But while Raspberry Pi’s compute module has an ARM-based processor, the BPI-CM6 is powered by a SpacemiT K1 octa-core RISC-V chip.

Basically it has the same capabilities as the Banana Pi BPI-F3 single-board computer that launched a year ago but stuffs them into a smaller package measuring just 55 x 40mm (2.2″ x 1.6″). You’ll need a carrier board if you want access to full-sized ports USB, video, power, or other functions though. Banana Pi first introduced the BPI-CM6 in April, and not it’s available for purchase, along with an optional carrier board.

The BPI-CM6 is available from the Banana Pi shop or AliExpress with the compute module itself selling for about $67, the CM6 IO carrier board going for $17, and a bundle with both running about $84.

Keep in mind that those prices don’t include shipping costs though – shipping to the US will run about $32 if you order from the Banana Pi shop or $50 from AliExpress. US tariffs are likely playing a role in those high shipping fees – Canadians can have the board shipped for about $16 CAD.

At the heart of BPI-CM6 is the SpacemiT K1 processor which features 8 RISC-V 64-bit CPU cores with the RVA22 profile, Imagination BXE-2-32 graphics, and an AI accelerator that delivers up to 2 TOPS of on-device AI processing performance.

It’s not exactly a speed demon, delivering performance similar to what you’d expect from an ARM Cortex-A55 processor. But Banana Pi has demonstrated that the system can run Ubuntu Linux and even handle some basic AI features.

The module features 8GB of LPDDR4 memory (although the company notes that the processor supports up o 16GB, suggesting a higher-RAM model could be offered eventually), 16GB of eMMC storage, and a wireless module for Bluetooth and WiFi.

There are two 100-pin connectors that let you attach the BPI-CM6 to a carrier board to leverage some of the module’s other features including:

• 1 x 5-lane PCIe 2.1 expansion support
• 1 x RTL8211F PHY Ethernet controller
• 1 x HDMI 1.4 interface
• 1 x USB 3.0 interface
• 2 x USB 2.0 interfaces
• 1 x MIPI-DSI display interface
• 3 x MIPI-CSI camera interfaces
• 1 x 10 x UART serial interfaces

Banana Pi’s BPI-CM6 IO carrier board, meanwhile, features M.2 M-Key connectors, two Ethernet jacks, HDMI, USB Type-A and Type-C ports, a power input, microSD card reader, MIPI-DSI and MIPI-CSI connectors, an RGB LED status light, 26-pin header, and a 12V/3A DC power input.

via LinuxGizmos and the Banana Pi Forum

This article was first published April 17, 2025 and most recently updated November 26, 2025 with pricing & availability information.