Introducing Raspberry Pi 5: The Everything Computer, Redefined
The Raspberry Pi has long been a favorite among hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike, offering an affordable yet powerful platform for computing projects. With the release of the Raspberry Pi 5, the team at Raspberry Pi has once again raised the bar, delivering a device that’s faster, smoother, and more versatile than ever before. Available now, including a new 16GB RAM variant priced at $120, the Raspberry Pi 5 is poised to redefine what users can expect from this iconic single-board computer.
A Leap in Performance
At the heart of the Raspberry Pi 5 is the Broadcom BCM2712, a 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 processor. With cryptography extensions, 512KB per-core L2 caches, and a 2MB shared L3 cache, this CPU delivers up to 2–3 times the speed of its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi 4. Paired with the VideoCore VII GPU—supporting OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2—the Raspberry Pi 5 offers a significant boost in graphical performance. Whether you’re running intensive applications or enjoying dual 4Kp60 HDMI output with HDR support, this board handles it all with ease.
RAM options range from 2GB to 16GB of LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM, with the 16GB model catering to power users and professional applications. This makes the Raspberry Pi 5 the smoothest and most powerful Raspberry Pi experience yet, perfect for everything from desktop computing to embedded systems.
In-House Innovation: The RP1 I/O Controller
One of the standout features of the Raspberry Pi 5 is the RP1, an in-house designed I/O controller. This custom silicon enhances the board’s capabilities, enabling features like USB 3.0 ports with 5Gbps transfer speeds—offering significantly more bandwidth than previous models. The RP1 also powers interchangeable camera and DSI display connectors, giving users flexibility to connect one of each or two of the same, depending on their needs.
PCI Express: A Game-Changer
For the first time, Raspberry Pi 5 introduces a PCIe 2.0 x1 interface, allowing users to connect high-speed peripherals like M.2 SSDs (via a separate M.2 HAT or adapter). This addition unlocks faster data transfer rates and lightning-quick boot times, making the Raspberry Pi 5 a viable option for more demanding projects.
Raspberry Pi OS: Optimized for Peak Performance
To complement the hardware, the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS, codenamed "Bookworm," has been tailored specifically for the Raspberry Pi 5. This update delivers exceptional desktop performance, making it an ideal choice for work, leisure, or enterprise use. Note that older versions of Raspberry Pi OS won’t be compatible, so upgrading to Bookworm is essential to unlock the full potential of this new board.
Thoughtful Additions
The Raspberry Pi 5 isn’t just about raw power—it’s packed with practical features:
- Power Button: A long-requested addition for easy on/off control.
- Dual 4Kp60 HDMI Output: Perfect for multi-monitor setups.
- Real-Time Clock (RTC): Powered by an external battery for timekeeping.
- UART Debug Port: A boon for developers and troubleshooters.
Accessories Designed to Enhance
To get the most out of your Raspberry Pi 5, a range of official accessories is available:
- Raspberry Pi Case for Raspberry Pi 5 ($10): A clip-together case with a built-in fan, full GPIO access, and stackable design.
- Raspberry Pi 27W USB-C Power Supply ($12): A robust 5V/5A supply to keep your board running at peak performance.
- Raspberry Pi Active Cooler ($5): Ideal for caseless setups under heavy loads, ensuring optimal performance.
Specifications at a Glance
- CPU: Broadcom BCM2712 2.4GHz quad-core Arm Cortex-A76
- GPU: VideoCore VII
- RAM: 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB LPDDR4X-4267
- Connectivity: Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0/BLE, Gigabit Ethernet
- Ports: 2× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0, 2× 4-lane MIPI transceivers, microSD slot
- Power: 5V/5A via USB-C with Power Delivery support
- Expansion: 40-pin GPIO header, PCIe 2.0 x1
Your Questions Answered
- Will Raspberry Pi 4 cases work? No, but the new Raspberry Pi 5 case is designed specifically for this model.
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- Where can I buy it? The Raspberry Pi 5 16GB model is available now for $120 at raspberrypi.com.
Built to Last
Raspberry Pi 5 has undergone extensive compliance testing and is guaranteed to remain in production until at least January 2036, ensuring long-term availability for your projects.
Final Thoughts
The Raspberry Pi 5 is more than just an upgrade—it’s a redefinition of what this platform can achieve. Whether you’re a hobbyist building a retro gaming console, a professional developing IoT solutions, or a student learning to code, the Raspberry Pi 5 offers unmatched performance and flexibility. With its powerful hardware, thoughtful design, and optimized software, it truly is "the everything computer." Ready to experience it for yourself? Head to the official Raspberry Pi website and grab yours today.