Oct 16, 2023 By Team YoungWonks *
What is the Raspberry Pi 5?
The Raspberry Pi 5 is a single-board computer of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based charity focused on advancing education in computing and related subjects for people of all ages. The Foundation's goal is to make computing and digital making accessible to everyone. The Raspberry Pi 5, a testament to this mission, carries on the legacy of offering affordable, high-performance computing to learners, hobbyists, and professionals alike.
The Linux operating system, due to its open-source nature and versatility, has been a strong companion of the Raspberry Pi series. The Raspberry Pi 5 continues this trend, supporting a range of Linux distributions, including Raspberry Pi OS (the Foundation's in-house developed OS), Ubuntu, and others. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi 5 has shown compatibility with Android systems, expanding its application base.
Raspberry Pi 5 specs
Eben Upton, the founder of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, unveiled the much-anticipated Raspberry Pi 5. The following specifications of the new Raspberry Pi 5 make it a fantastic single-board computer to buy.
Broadcom BCM2712 2.4GHz Quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU
Anchoring the Raspberry Pi 5 is a powerful 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU, a major upgrade that promises to deliver superior speed and performance.
On the performance front, the Raspberry Pi 5 is set to introduce a new level of capability. Benchmarks indicate a substantial increase in processing power, putting it on par with some Apple devices.
VideoCore VII GPU Supporting OpenGL ES 3.1, Vulkan 1.2
With the new VideoCore VII GPU supporting OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, the Raspberry Pi 5 promises impressive graphics capabilities. Expect smooth, enhanced visuals whether you're gaming or streaming media.
Dual 4Kp60 micro-HDMI Display Output, 4Kp60 HEVC Decoder and HDR support
The Raspberry Pi 5 supports dual 4Kp60 micro-HDMI display output, enabling users to power two 4K screens simultaneously. The onboard 4Kp60 HEVC decoder and HDR support ensures high-quality video playback.
Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 / Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Featuring dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0/BLE, the Raspberry Pi 5 ensures seamless connectivity, providing high-speed internet access and efficient communication with Bluetooth-enabled devices.
High-speed MicroSD Card Interface with SDR104 Mode Support
The Raspberry Pi 5 comes with a high-speed microSD card interface that supports SDR104 mode, ensuring swift data transfer and ample storage for all your projects.
Enhanced Peripheral Support: 2 x USB 3.0 Ports, 2 x USB 2.0 Ports
The Raspberry Pi 5 includes two USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports. These USB ports are all designed to support simultaneous 5 Gbps operation and accommodate high bandwidth peripheral devices.
USB-C Connector for Power Delivery
The Raspberry Pi 5 has introduced USB-C for power delivery, replacing the earlier Micro-USB power source. This shift towards USB-C is a significant upgrade in terms of power management and device compatibility. The use of USB-C allows the Raspberry Pi 5 to receive a more consistent and efficient power supply, supporting the device's enhanced performance capabilities. Additionally, USB-C is quickly becoming the industry standard for data transfer and charging, offering greater compatibility with modern devices and power adapters. It's important to note that the Raspberry Pi 5 requires a USB-C power supply rated at 5.1V/3A. Always ensure you're using a suitable power supply to avoid any potential performance issues or damage to the device.
High-Speed Internet: Gigabit Ethernet with PoE+ Support
Enjoy high-speed internet connectivity with the Gigabit Ethernet feature. PoE+ support is also included, requiring a separate PoE+ HAT that's coming soon.
2 x 4-lane MIPI Camera/Display Transceivers, PCIe 2.0 x1 Interface
With two 4-lane MIPI transceivers for cameras and displays, and a single-lane PCI Express 2.0 x1 interface for fast peripherals, the Raspberry Pi 5 offers versatile connectivity options.
Raspberry Pi Standard 40-pin GPIO Header
The standard 40-pin GPIO header allows users to expand the Raspberry Pi 5's functionalities, supporting a range of add-on boards and custom projects.
Real-time Clock (RTC) and Power Button
The new case of the Raspberry Pi 5 also features a real-time clock (RTC) and a power button, adding convenience and enhancing user experience.
Active Cooling for Raspberry Pi 5
The Raspberry Pi 5, with its robust processing power and advanced features, is a remarkable piece of technology. However, with increased performance comes the generation of more heat. To maintain optimal performance and prevent overheating, active cooling solutions are essential. Typically, an active cooler consists of a heatsink and a fan. The heatsink absorbs the heat generated by the CPU and the fan dissipates it away from the hardware.
Prolonged usage, overclocking, or running processor-intensive applications on your Raspberry Pi 5 can substantially increase the temperature. Therefore, an active cooler can be a crucial addition to ensure the longevity and reliable operation of your device. Remember, the best active cooler for your Raspberry Pi 5 will depend on your specific use case – whether it's gaming, coding, or multimedia use. Always do your research to find the cooling solution that best suits your needs.
Raspberry Pi 5 as a NAS
The Raspberry Pi 5, with its enhanced processing power and higher data transfer rates through its USB 3.0 ports, positions itself as an affordable yet powerful solution for setting up a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system. A NAS system using a Raspberry Pi 5 could serve as a centralized storage and access point for your data within a home or small office network. Not only would it accommodate file hosting and sharing, but it could also handle more intensive tasks like media streaming, thanks to the improved hardware specifications. Pair this with the right software such as OpenMediaVault or FreeNAS, and you can create a robust, customizable, and power-efficient NAS system at a fraction of the cost of traditional NAS units. Always remember to back up your data regularly and use reliable storage drives to ensure the durability of your NAS setup.
What is the difference between the Raspberry Pi 4 and the Raspberry Pi 5?
While both the Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5 are powerful microcomputers, there are some key differences that set them apart. The following are some of the differences between Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5.
- The Raspberry Pi 5 boasts new features and a much more powerful CPU, which provides a significant upgrade in speed and performance over earlier models.
- RPi 5 GPU offers greater graphics capabilities with support for OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2.
- RPi 5 also supports dual 4Kp60 HDMI display output and has a 4Kp60 HEVC decoder for high-quality video playback.
- RPi 5’s connectivity features have been greatly enhanced with the addition of dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet with PoE+ support.
- The Raspberry Pi 5 also provides expansive storage options with a high-speed microSD card interface, and improved peripheral support with two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports.
- The inclusion of a real-time clock and power button in RPi 5 offer added convenience to users.
Therefore, the Raspberry Pi 5 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of compact computing.
How to get the Raspberry Pi 5?
Acquiring a Raspberry Pi 5 is quite straightforward as it can be purchased from a variety of retailers globally. The Raspberry Pi Foundation's own website is a reliable place to start. There, you can find trustworthy links to local and international resellers. Additionally, major online retailers including Amazon, eBay, and Newegg also often carry the Raspberry Pi 5. You could also consider checking with local electronics stores. When purchasing, remember to also consider the additional accessories you might need, such as a USB-C power supply, microSD card for storage, and active cooling solution. Be sure to verify that you're purchasing from a reputable source to avoid counterfeit products. Lastly, keep in mind that availability and pricing may vary due to factors such as location, shipping, and the ongoing global chip shortage.
Raspberry Pi Coding Classes
At YoungWonks, we understand the power and potential of the Raspberry Pi 5, which is why it's a key tool in our coding classes for kids. Our students work on a variety of exciting Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics projects using this versatile device, gaining firsthand experience in leveraging its advanced features to solve real-world problems. For those interested in exploring further, we also offer specialized Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and Game Development Coding Classes, where students deepen their knowledge and develop their expertise in these areas. Join us on this exciting journey of discovery and innovation!
Frequently asked questions related to Raspberry Pi
This section answers some of the frequently asked questions related to different types of Raspberry Pi.
Is Raspberry Pi 5 released?
Yes, the Raspberry Pi 5 is released and is coming at the end of October 2023. Just like when you pre-order a video game, you can do the same with the Raspberry Pi 5. This way, you can make sure you get your hands on it as soon as it's released!
How much does the Raspberry Pi 5 cost?
The Raspberry Pi 5 is priced at $60 for the 4GB variant and $80 for the 8GB variant. The taxes are not included and vary depending on your location.
Why are Raspberry Pi so expensive 2023?
In 2023, you might be wondering why Raspberry Pi prices have risen. The primary reason is the global chip shortage that has severely impacted the tech industry. Chip production has struggled to keep pace with demand, leading to increased costs. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi 5's enhanced features justify a higher price point. Not to mention, the rising costs of raw materials and logistics due to economic fluctuations have also contributed to the price increase. It's worth noting that despite the higher price, the Raspberry Pi 5 provides significant value with its advanced capabilities and versatility, making it a worthwhile investment for tech enthusiasts and creators.
Raspberry Pi 5 vs Raspberry Pi Zero
The two models significantly diverge in terms of their targeted user base, hardware capabilities, and use cases. The Raspberry Pi 5, with its enhanced processing power, increased data transfer rates (USB 3.0), and sophisticated features, is geared towards more advanced users. These users might need a compact, yet powerful computer for projects requiring high computational capabilities, such as a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system, a home media server, or even a desktop computer for daily tasks.
On the other hand, the Raspberry Pi Zero, while less powerful, is a much smaller and more affordable device. It's perfect for users with basic computing needs or those looking to dabble in IoT-based projects. Its small size and low power consumption make it an ideal choice for applications such as home automation, data logging, or as a controller for DIY projects.
To summarize the above content, we have added a YouTube video.
*Contributors: Written by Rohit Budania; Lead image by Shivendra Singh; YouTube video by Suchin Ravi
