All About the Raspberry Pi 5, Including the New Pi 5 2GB Model

All About the Raspberry Pi 5, Including the New Pi 5 2GB Model

Introduction

The Raspberry Pi 5 was announced on September 28, 2023, marking the next major leap in the evolution of this iconic single-board computer. Initially expected to be available at the end of October 2023, the Raspberry Pi 5 has seen varied availability, with many retailers quickly selling out their first deliveries. As of October 23, 2023, some speculate that the "sold out" status on store websites may simply indicate that the product is not currently in stock, reflecting the high demand for this powerful new device.

Despite these challenges, the Raspberry Pi 5 has made a strong impression with its blend of advanced features and robust performance. Whether you're a hobbyist, educator, or industrial user, the Raspberry Pi 5 offers a compelling mix of power and accessibility, earning its title as "the everything computer."

Broadcom BCM2712 Processor

At the heart of the Raspberry Pi 5 is the Broadcom BCM2712 processor, a 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 CPU running at 2.4GHz. This powerful processor delivers a 2–3× increase in CPU performance compared to its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi 4, making it capable of handling more demanding tasks with ease. Whether you're running a full desktop environment, developing software, or managing IoT devices, the Raspberry Pi 5 ensures a smooth and responsive experience.

800MHz VideoCore VII GPU

Complementing the CPU is the 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU, which provides a substantial uplift in graphics performance. This GPU supports modern graphics standards such as OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, enabling advanced graphical applications and games to run efficiently on the Raspberry Pi 5. With dual 4Kp60 HDMI display outputs, users can enjoy high-definition content across multiple screens, making this device ideal for digital signage, media centers, and even light gaming setups.

RP1 Southbridge Chip

One of the most notable advancements in the Raspberry Pi 5 is its connectivity and peripheral support, thanks to the RP1 “southbridge.” This in-house designed silicon is responsible for the bulk of the I/O capabilities, offering a significant boost in performance and functionality. Aggregate USB bandwidth has more than doubled compared to previous models, allowing for faster data transfer speeds to external UAS drives and other high-speed peripherals.

A Pair of Four-Lane 1.5Gbps MIPI Transceivers

The Raspberry Pi 5 also introduces a pair of four-lane 1.5Gbps MIPI transceivers, replacing the earlier two-lane 1Gbps interfaces. This upgrade triples the total bandwidth, supporting any combination of up to two cameras or displays, and making it an excellent choice for projects involving high-resolution cameras or multi-display setups. Additionally, the platform now includes a single-lane PCI Express 2.0 interface, providing support for high-bandwidth peripherals, such as NVMe SSDs, which opens up new possibilities for storage and expansion.

4GB and 8GB Models

The Raspberry Pi 5 was launched with two memory configurations: 4GB and 8GB of LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM. These configurations cater to different user needs, with the 4GB model offering a balanced option for general-purpose computing and the 8GB model providing the extra memory needed for more demanding applications, such as virtualization or complex software development.

Priced Higher Than Raspberry Pi 4 Models

It’s worth noting that the Raspberry Pi 5 is priced higher than its predecessor, with the 4GB model starting at $60 and the 8GB model at $80. By comparison, the Raspberry Pi 4 is priced at $55 for the 4GB model and $75 for the 8GB model. Despite the price increase, the performance and feature enhancements make the Raspberry Pi 5 a valuable investment for those seeking greater capabilities.

Faster Read and Write Speeds

For storage, the Raspberry Pi 5 supports microSD cards with SDR104 high-speed mode, doubling the peak performance compared to earlier models. This ensures faster read and write speeds, making it easier to manage large files or run applications directly from the microSD card. The addition of a PCIe interface also allows users to connect faster storage options, like NVMe SSDs, further enhancing the device's capabilities.

The Newest Member: Raspberry Pi 5 2GB

In August 2024, the Raspberry Pi Foundation introduced the latest addition to the Raspberry Pi 5 family: the Raspberry Pi 5 2GB model. This variant features the same powerful Broadcom BCM2712 processor and 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 CPU running at 2.4GHz, but with 2GB of RAM, making it a cost-effective option for users who need robust performance on a budget. 

The 2GB model also benefits from the D0 stepping of the BCM2712 processor, which optimizes the chip's efficiency by removing unnecessary features, further reducing the cost. 

Priced at just $50, the Raspberry Pi 5 2GB is designed to make high-performance computing accessible to a wider audience, from educators to hobbyists.

Conclusion

With its powerful processor, advanced graphics capabilities, and cutting-edge connectivity, the Raspberry Pi 5 truly lives up to its title as "the everything computer." Whether you're building a sophisticated IoT solution, setting up a media center, or simply exploring the possibilities of a full-featured desktop computer at an affordable price, the Raspberry Pi 5 has something to offer.

Its combination of performance, flexibility, and long-term support makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from hobbyist projects to industrial deployments. The Raspberry Pi 5 is more than just a single-board computer—it's a gateway to innovation, creativity, and the future of computing.

Source:  Raspberry Pi - Raspberry Pi 5

Image:  Raspberry Pi