Modified on 13 March 2024
The Raspberry Pi has become synonymous with affordable, tinker-friendly computing. With the release of the Raspberry Pi 5, many enthusiasts are wondering how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Pi 4. This blog post dives deep into the key differences between these two generations, including variations with different RAM configurations, cost, and power usage.
Processing Power
The most significant upgrade in the Pi 5 lies in its central processing unit (CPU). The Pi 4 utilizes an ARM Cortex-A72 CPU, while the Pi 5 boasts a more powerful ARM Cortex-A76 CPU. This translates to a 2-3x performance boost for the Pi 5, making it ideal for demanding tasks like video editing and emulation.
RAM Options
Both the Pi 4 and Pi 5 come in various configurations with different RAM capacities. Here’s a table summarizing the available options:
| RAM Capacity | Raspberry Pi 4 | Raspberry Pi 5 |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | Yes | No |
| 2GB | Yes | Yes |
| 4GB | Yes | Yes |
| 8GB | Yes | Yes |
The Pi 5 retains the option for 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB RAM configurations, but ditches the 1GB option found in some Pi 4 models. Additionally, the Pi 5 utilizes faster DDR4X RAM compared to the DDR4 RAM in the Pi 4, offering improved performance with lower power consumption.
Graphics
The Pi 5 boasts a significant upgrade in graphics processing power with its VideoCore VII GPU. This new architecture delivers superior performance compared to the VideoCore VI GPU found in the Pi 4. The Pi 5 also benefits from a 300 MHz clock speed increase over the Pi 4’s GPU. Additionally, the Pi 5 supports Vulkan 1.2, an improvement over the Pi 4’s Vulkan 1.0 support, enabling better compatibility with modern graphics APIs.
Storage and Connectivity
The Pi 5 introduces a faster microSD card slot with support for high-speed SDR104 mode, resulting in nearly double the transfer speeds compared to the Pi 4. Another major addition is the inclusion of a single-lane Gen 2 PCIe slot in the Pi 5. This allows for the connection of NVMe or M.2 SSDs, offering significantly faster storage options compared to traditional microSD cards. Both the Pi 4 and Pi 5 retain the same Wi-Fi and Ethernet capabilities.
Other Changes
The Pi 5 introduces a few other noteworthy changes:
- RP1 I/O Controller: The Pi 5 features a custom-designed RP1 I/O controller chip, improving overall system performance and enabling faster USB peripherals.
- Display Output: Both generations offer dual HDMI outputs for 4K displays. However, the Pi 5 allows both displays to run at 4K 60Hz, while the Pi 4 limits one display to 4K 30Hz when using dual monitors.
- Power Consumption: While the Pi 5 offers significant performance improvements, it might require a slightly higher power supply for optimal operation compared to the Pi 4.
- Additional Features: The Pi 5 introduces a dedicated power button, a faster USB 3.0 port, a standalone UART connector, and an onboard real-time clock.
Cost
The Raspberry Pi Foundation hasn’t officially announced the pricing for the Pi 5. However, considering the performance upgrades, it’s safe to assume the Pi 5 might carry a slight premium compared to similarly configured Pi 4 models.
| Feature | Raspberry Pi 4 | Raspberry Pi 5 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | ARM Cortex-A72 | ARM Cortex-A76 |
| RAM options | 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB | 2GB, 4GB, 8GB |
| RAM type | DDR4 | DDR4X |
| GPU | VideoCore VI | VideoCore VII |
| Storage | microSD | microSD (with SDR104 support), PCIe slot |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, Gigabit Ethernet | Wi-Fi 5, Gigabit Ethernet |
| Display output | Dual HDMI (up to 4K 30Hz + 1080p 60Hz) | Dual HDMI (up to 4K 60Hz + 4K 60Hz) |
| Other features | – | RP1 I/O controller, dedicated power button, faster USB 3.0 port, standalone UART connector, real-time clock |
| Cost | Varies depending on RAM | Likely slightly higher than Pi 4 (unofficial) |
Conclusion
The Raspberry Pi 5 represents a significant leap forward in terms of processing power, graphics capabilities, and storage options compared to the Pi 4. The inclusion of a PCIe slot opens doors for further expansion possibilities. If you require a powerful and versatile single-board computer for demanding tasks, the Pi 5 is a compelling choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget and the Pi 4 meets your needs, it remains a very capable option.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
