CmRat Barebone: Essential Components For Your Custom Setup

Our customers’ top choice when purchasing a CmRat configuration is the barebone setup. A barebone configuration, particularly in the context of I/O boards or carrier boards, represents a minimalistic setup. This approach typically includes essential hardware components—like the I/O board (also called: carrier board), and basic connectivity—leaving users the flexibility to select their own compute module (CPU+RAM), storage, OS, and any additional features.

So why so many users prefer this option? It’s not just the most affordable but also allows maximum flexibility in selecting components. Many users may already have, around at home, a spare NVMe drive, microSD card, or unused compute module, and they can even 3D-print a custom case in their preferred color or material. This approach provides unparalleled freedom and customization.

In this guide, we’ll cover what you’ll need to complete your CmRat barebone configuration, our most budget-friendly option for this flagship product.

CmRat Barebone Configurations: Focused on Flexibility

On the CmRat, the carrier board (I/O board) serves as the core of the system, acting as a hub for various modular components. Users can slot in a Compute Module, such as the Raspberry Pi CM4, Radxa CM3, Radxa CM5, Radxa CM5 Lite or similar, and build out their setup based on their needs. Here’s what stands out in CmRat’s barebone configurations:

1. Modularity: CmRat I/O boards support a range of Compute Modules, providing compatibility with different levels of processing power and features. For example, Radxa CM5 is viewed as a high-end option due to its robust performance.
2. Customizable I/O: Unlike Intel NUCs, CmRat configurations let users add or swap components based on their needs. I/O boards often come with multiple ports for USB, HDMI, Ethernet, and expansion slots, allowing users to add specific storage options, network modules, and even custom I/O.
3. Customization of Storage: CmRat barebone configurations allow users to choose between eMMC, NVMe SSDs, or even microSD cards for storage.
4. Upgradeability: CmRat’s open configuration means users can upgrade individual components, such as Compute Modules.

Compute Module

This should be your top priority when choosing a CmRat. In simple terms, the compute module acts as the CPU and RAM—it determines what software you can install on the device. As a general rule, if you want more flexibility and the ability to install a wider range of OS images, you’ll want to choose a compute module that’s widely supported, like the Raspberry Pi CM4. It supports various operating systems such as CasaOS, Start9, or even source available sw like Umbrel and many others.

That said, Nirvati—a true FOSS home media server with integrated Bitcoin node capabilities—is currently in development and will soon be available for Radxa compute modules. I highly recommend the Radxa CM3 or CM5 due to their excellent performance and affordability, which exceed that of the Raspberry Pi. If you plan to run a general Linux distribution like Debian or Ubuntu (rather than specific images), the Radxa is your best bet. The Radxa team consistently provides and maintains dedicated images, making it an ideal choice for these setups.

NVMe

The NVMe drive is the main storage component for your CmRat, offering fast read and write speeds. NVMe drives are crucial for ensuring smooth performance when running intensive applications, like Bitcoin nodes or media servers, which require frequent data access. It’s advisable to choose an NVMe M.2 PCIe 2280 that fits within the storage needs of your specific use case. With the right capacity and speed, the NVMe will significantly improve the overall responsiveness of your system.

MicroSD Card

While NVMe storage is ideal for performance, an SD card is typically used as the boot drive in many CmRat setups. The SD card holds the bootloader and the OS image initially loaded onto the system. However, SD cards can be slower and have limited read/write cycles compared to NVMe drives. It’s recommended to use a high-quality, high-endurance micro SD card with good speed ratings for better reliability, especially if you plan to run your CmRat in a production environment for extended periods.

Heatsink/Cooling

Cooling is a vital consideration for the longevity and performance of your CmRat, especially if you’re running it for long hours under load. Compute modules like the Raspberry Pi CM4 and Radxa CM3/CM5 can generate considerable heat, which may throttle performance or damage the hardware if not properly cooled. Installing a heatsink and, if possible, a fan, will help maintain optimal operating temperatures. Passive cooling with a heatsink is sufficient for light tasks, but active cooling (using a fan) is recommended for high-performance setups. You can find more infos about the CmRat Cooling setup here.

Case

The case is essential for protecting your CmRat from physical damage and dust, while also allowing for adequate airflow to keep the system cool. For added convenience, the case can be 3D printed using freely available STL files, which are a great option for those who prefer custom or DIY solutions. Alternatively, you can opt to purchase a pre-made metal case directly from DTV, offering additional durability and often better heat dissipation. Whether you 3D print or buy, ensure that the case suits your specific compute module and provides proper space for cooling and expansion.

Power

The CmRat also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows both power and data to be transmitted through a single Ethernet cable, simplifying the setup. However, to use PoE, you must ensure that your network switch supports it. If you’re planning to go the PoE route, make sure to invest in a PoE-compatible switch to provide reliable power to your CmRat without the need for separate power cables. This setup is particularly useful for networked or remote deployments, as it reduces cable clutter and increases flexibility in your setup.

Bottom Line

By following this guide, you’ll be able to easily complete and set up your CmRat Barebone, unlocking its full potential for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re building a media server, running a Bitcoin node, or exploring custom Linux setups, the CmRat provides the flexibility and performance you need. With the right components and a bit of setup, you’ll have a powerful and versatile system ready to go.

Our approach is to provide a barebone system at the lowest price possible, without compromising on quality or reliability. This gives you the freedom to build your own media server exactly the way you want it, using the components you need and prefer. Whether you’re looking for performance, flexibility, or customizability, we’ve designed the CmRat Barebone to be the perfect starting point for your ideal setup.

Get the latest CmRat Barebone system in our shop for a special price.