The Raspberry Pi 5 is set to launch in October, offering an upgraded version of the popular small computer that is widely used by hobbyists and makers. The new model will feature a faster processor and improved connectivity.
Raspberry Pi machines are known for their compact size, about the size of a credit card but thicker. They are also affordable, with a price tag of $60 for a model with 4GB of memory and $80 for 8GB. Unlike traditional laptops and smartphones, Raspberry Pi devices are intentionally sold as bare circuit boards with electronic components, which may seem daunting to some. However, this design choice caters to the do-it-yourself crowd who enjoy using Raspberry Pi machines for various projects, such as remote-controlled Lego cars, web programming tutorials, AI-powered mood lights, and cellular automaton simulators.
These machines are not for everyone, but they provide an inexpensive way to learn about computing technology, making them popular in STEM education programs aimed at encouraging students to explore hands-on projects.
The Raspberry Pi 5 will feature a quad-core Arm Broadcom processor that is two to three times faster than the previous Raspberry Pi 4 model. Despite the increased performance, the new model requires less power to run tasks. However, it can consume up to 12 watts of power compared to 8W for the Raspberry Pi 4, which is why the optional case for the Raspberry Pi 5 includes a cooling fan.
Additionally, the new model offers improved input-output (I/O) performance, thanks to a specially designed processor. For the first time, the Raspberry Pi team has developed its own processor, which includes a dedicated PCIe connector for fast NVMe storage devices.
The Raspberry Pi 5 also supports dual 4K displays running at a refresh rate of 60 frames per second, thanks to two HDMI ports. It also includes four USB data ports, although they are the older rectangular USB-A shape rather than the newer USB-C ports.
While Raspberry Pi devices can run Windows 11, the more commonly used operating system is Raspberry Pi OS, a version of Debian Linux.
Overall, the Raspberry Pi 5 offers an enhanced computing experience with improved performance, connectivity, and display capabilities, making it an attractive choice for hobbyists, makers, and those interested in learning about computing technology.
