Raspberry Pi Boards Compared

Updated 01 December 2023

The Raspberry Pi has revolutionized the world of single-board computers, offering a platform for learners, hobbyists, and professionals to explore, create, and innovate. From its inception, the Raspberry Pi series has been a beacon of technological advancement, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in a compact form factor.

A table displaying the connectivity options and peripherals available on Raspberry Pi boards as of November 2023

Discover the New Frontier: Raspberry Pi 5 - 8GB Model

Raspberry Pi 5

Embark on a journey with the Raspberry Pi 5 - 8GB model, the latest and most advanced addition to the Raspberry Pi family. This groundbreaking device is not just an iteration; it's a leap into the future of single-board computing. The Raspberry Pi 5, crafted by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, is a testament to what modern technology can achieve in a small package.

Key Features of the Raspberry Pi 5

  • Powerful Performance: Equipped with a 2.4GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 CPU, the Raspberry Pi 5 is up to three times faster than its predecessors. This makes it perfect for a wide range of applications, from IoT to home automation, and even complex Raspberry Pi Python programming.
  • Innovative Design: The introduction of the custom-designed RP1 "Southbridge" I/O controller marks a significant step forward in peripheral performance, enhancing the overall functionality of the board.
  • Enhanced Connectivity: With USB 3.0 ports, the Raspberry Pi 5 offers more than double the total USB bandwidth. The addition of a single-lane PCI Express 2.0 interface opens doors to connecting higher-bandwidth peripherals.
  • Advanced Graphics: The next-generation VideoCore V3D VII Graphics processor in the Raspberry Pi 5 delivers 2-2.5 times faster performance than the Raspberry Pi 4, supporting hardware 4Kp@60Hz HEVC decoding.
  • Scalable Memory Options: Available in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB LPDDR4x RAM options, the Raspberry Pi 5 caters to various user needs and project complexities.

Enhancements for Optimal Use

To fully leverage the Raspberry Pi 5's capabilities, consider adding a cooling solution, like the official Raspberry Pi active cooler, and use the official 5.1V USB-C Raspberry Pi power supply to avoid any compromise in performance.

Getting Started with Raspberry Pi 5

For beginners, Core Electronics offers a wealth of Raspberry Pi tutorials and a comprehensive Raspberry Pi workshop to kickstart your journey into the world of Raspberry Pi.

The Raspberry Pi 4 Series: Versatility at Its Best

Raspberry Pi 4

Transitioning to the Raspberry Pi 4 series, this range stands out for its versatility and robust performance. The Raspberry Pi 4 models serve as a bridge between the past and future, offering significant improvements over their predecessors while maintaining the classic Raspberry Pi ethos.

Raspberry Pi 4: A Comprehensive Overview

  • Enhanced Processing Power: The Raspberry Pi 4 comes with a more powerful processor compared to earlier models, ensuring smoother and faster operation for complex projects.
  • Increased Memory and Storage: With various RAM options and a high-speed MicroSD slot, the Raspberry Pi 4 caters to a broad spectrum of computing needs.
  • Diverse Applications: From beginner-friendly projects to advanced computing tasks, the Raspberry Pi 4 series is well-equipped to handle a wide array of applications.

Ideal Projects for Raspberry Pi 4

Given its capabilities, the Raspberry Pi 4 is an excellent choice for projects that require more processing power and connectivity options. Whether it's for educational purposes, home automation, or professional development, the Raspberry Pi 4 offers a solid platform for diverse applications.


Embracing the Legacy: Raspberry Pi 3 Series

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+

The Raspberry Pi 3 series, with its impressive legacy, has been a cornerstone in the Raspberry Pi evolution. Let's delve into what makes these models so special and how they differ from their successors.

Unpacking the Raspberry Pi 3

  • Reliable Performance: The Raspberry Pi 3 models are known for their reliable performance, suitable for a variety of moderate-intensity projects.
  • Connectivity Options: Offering a range of connectivity options, the Raspberry Pi 3 ensures that users can easily interface with various peripherals and networks.
  • Ideal for Intermediate Projects: The Raspberry Pi 3 strikes a balance between performance and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for intermediate-level projects and users.

Raspberry Pi 3 vs. Raspberry Pi 4

Comparing the Raspberry Pi 3 with the Raspberry Pi 4, the differences are noticeable in terms of processing power, memory capacity, and connectivity. While the Raspberry Pi 3 is a great starting point, the Raspberry Pi 4 takes things a notch higher, catering to more demanding applications.

The Compact Powerhouse: Raspberry Pi Zero Series

Raspberry Pi Zero

The Raspberry Pi Zero series redefines what it means to be compact yet powerful. These models are the epitome of efficiency and practicality, packed into a tiny form factor.

Exploring Raspberry Pi Zero's Capabilities

  • Ultra-Compact Design: The Raspberry Pi Zero's small size makes it ideal for projects where space is a premium.
  • Surprisingly Powerful: Despite its size, the Raspberry Pi Zero packs enough punch to handle a range of tasks, from simple computing to control applications.
  • Limitless Creativity: The Raspberry Pi Zero series encourages creativity, especially in projects where size and power consumption are critical factors.

Creative Uses of Raspberry Pi Zero

From wearable tech to smart home gadgets, the Raspberry Pi Zero is perfect for projects that require a minimal footprint without compromising on functionality. Certainly! I'll add two additional sections focusing on the Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless and Raspberry Pi Zero 2 Wireless boards, incorporating the provided images. Here's the content for these sections:

Adding wireless: Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless

Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless

The Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless (or Pi Zero W) stands as a remarkable innovation in the Raspberry Pi Zero series. It retains the compact size and efficiency of the original Pi Zero while adding wireless capabilities.

Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless Features

  • Wireless Connectivity: Equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the Pi Zero W allows for easy wireless networking and peripheral connectivity.
  • Compact and Efficient: The Pi Zero W is incredibly small, making it perfect for projects with space constraints.
  • Versatile Usage: Ideal for IoT applications, wearable technology, and smart home projects due to its wireless capabilities and compact form.

Why Choose Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless?

The Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless is an excellent choice for hobbyists and professionals who require a small, cost-effective, yet capable board with wireless connectivity for their projects.

Introducing the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 Wireless

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 Wireless

The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 Wireless takes the compact and efficient design of the original Zero W and elevates it with enhanced processing power and capabilities.

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 Wireless Advancements

  • Upgraded Processing Power: With a faster CPU, the Pi Zero 2 W delivers improved performance for more demanding applications.
  • Maintained Compactness: Despite the upgraded internals, it maintains the small form factor of the original Zero W.
  • Enhanced Wireless Capabilities: Improved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity ensure smoother wireless communication and peripheral integration.

Ideal Projects for Raspberry Pi Zero 2 Wireless

The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is perfect for advanced IoT projects, smart devices, and applications where enhanced processing power in a small footprint is essential.


Advanced Applications: Raspberry Pi Compute Modules

Raspberry Pi Compute Module

The Raspberry Pi Compute Modules represent the pinnacle of Raspberry Pi's innovation, designed for industrial and professional applications.

Dive into the Compute Modules

  • Designed for Professionals: These modules are tailored for professional use, providing the reliability and performance required in industrial applications.
  • Customizability and Versatility: The Compute Modules offer unparalleled customizability, allowing users to integrate them into complex systems with ease.
  • Industrial Applications: From automation to digital signage, the Compute Modules bring the power of Raspberry Pi to the industrial domain.

Compute Modules vs. Traditional Raspberry Pi Boards

While maintaining the Raspberry Pi ethos, the Compute Modules offer enhanced capabilities suited for professional and industrial use, differentiating them from the standard Raspberry Pi models.


Memory Options Across Raspberry Pi Models

Model Raspberry Pi 5 Raspberry Pi 4 Raspberry Pi 3 Raspberry Pi Zero Raspberry Pi Zero W Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
RAM Options 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB 1GB 512MB 512MB 512MB

Updated CPU Speeds Comparison

Model Raspberry Pi 5 Raspberry Pi 4 Raspberry Pi 3 Raspberry Pi Zero Raspberry Pi Zero W Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
CPU Speed 2.4GHz 1.5GHz 1.2GHz 1GHz 1GHz 1GHz

Connectivity and Peripherals Comparison

Feature Raspberry Pi 5 Raspberry Pi 4 Raspberry Pi 3 Raspberry Pi Zero Raspberry Pi Zero W Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
USB Ports 2 × USB 3.0, 2 × USB 2.0 2 × USB 3.0, 2 × USB 2.0 4 × USB 2.0 1 × Micro USB 1 × Micro USB 1 × Micro USB
Networking Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Wi-Fi, Bluetooth - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
GPIO Pins 40 40 40 40 40 40
Video Output HDMI, MIPI DSI 2 × micro-HDMI HDMI Mini-HDMI Mini-HDMI Mini-HDMI
PCIe Interface Yes No No No No No

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