Modified on 8 October 2024
The Raspberry Pi is a series of tiny, affordable single-board computers developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based non-profit organization. These credit-card sized computers pack a surprising amount of processing power and are constructed with various components including a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), RAM, and various input/output (I/O) ports.
The Raspberry Pi’s creation stemmed from a desire to promote the teaching of basic computer science in schools and developing countries. By offering a low-cost, easy-to-use platform, the Raspberry Pi Foundation aimed to empower people of all ages to learn programming, explore electronics, and build creative projects.
Raspberry Pi 5 Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Broadcom BCM2712 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU, with cryptography extensions, 512KB per-core L2 caches and a 2MB shared L3 cache |
| GPU | VideoCore VII @ 800 MHz , supporting OpenGL ES 3.1, Vulkan 1.2 |
| RAM | 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | microSD card slot, with support for high-speed SDR104 mode |
| Video Output | Dual HDMI 2.0 ports with HDR support (4Kp60 HEVC decoder) |
| USB | 2 × USB 3.0 ports, supporting simultaneous 5Gbps operation 2 × USB 2.0 ports |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet, with PoE+ support (requires separate PoE+ HAT) Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 Bluetooth 5.0 (Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) |
| Other | PCIe 2.0 x1 interface for fast peripherals (requires separate M.2 HAT or other adapter) 5V/5A DC power via USB-C, with Power Delivery support Raspberry Pi standard 40-pin header Real-time clock (RTC), powered from external battery Power button |
5 Real-World Raspberry Pi Uses
- Retro Gaming: One of the most popular uses for Raspberry Pi is as a retro gaming console. By installing RetroPie, a free emulation software suite, you can transform your Raspberry Pi into a machine capable of playing classic video games from various consoles like the Atari 2600, Sega Genesis, and even early PlayStation titles.
- Media Center: Looking for a budget-friendly way to stream movies, TV shows, and music? The Raspberry Pi makes a fantastic media center. With Kodi, a free and open-source media player software, you can access your local media library, streaming services like Netflix and YouTube (with add-ons), and even internet radio.
- Robotics and Automation: The Raspberry Pi’s programmability and compact size make it ideal for robotics projects. You can connect the Pi to various sensors and motors to build robots that can navigate their environment, respond to stimuli, and even learn over time.
- Home Automation: Raspberry Pi can be the brains behind your smart home. By connecting it to temperature sensors, smart lights, and other internet-of-things (IoT) devices, you can create custom automations and control your home environment remotely.
- Learning to Code: The Raspberry Pi is a fantastic platform for beginners to learn how to code. With its affordable price point, vast online tutorials, and beginner-friendly operating systems like Raspberry Pi OS, it’s a low-risk environment to experiment and build your programming skills.
The Raspberry Pi 5 continues the tradition of offering powerful computing in a tiny package. With its impressive specs and ever-growing community, the possibilities for this tiny computer are truly endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will older versions of Raspberry Pi OS work with Raspberry Pi 5?
You will need the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS, Bookworm, for your Raspberry Pi 5.
Will my Raspberry Pi 4 power supply work with Raspberry Pi 5?
Raspberry Pi 5 is a higher-performance computer than Raspberry Pi 4, and you may have problems using an under-powered supply. We recommend a high-quality 5V 5A USB-C power supply, such as the new Raspberry Pi 27W USB-C Power Supply.
Will my Raspberry Pi 5 fit my Raspberry Pi 4 case?
Raspberry Pi 5 won’t fit the Raspberry Pi 4 Case. We recommend the Raspberry Pi Case for Raspberry Pi 5, designed to help you get the most out of our newest computer.
Does Raspberry Pi 5 need active cooling?
Raspberry Pi 5 is faster and more powerful than prior-generation Raspberry Pis, and like most general-purpose computers, it will perform best with active cooling. The Raspberry Pi Case for Raspberry Pi 5, with its integrated fan, is one way to provide this.
Where to buy
To find a Raspberry Foundation approved reseller in your region, head over to their approved reseller page and filter for your country.
