MX Linux announced its MX-23.1 Raspberry Pi OS Respin on December 30, 2023, bringing MX Tools and access to MX repositories to a Raspberry Pi-targeted image. Contemporaneous release coverage names the Raspberry Pi 4, Pi 400 and Pi 5 as supported models, and reports a minimum storage capacity of 16 GB. This is a historical release, not the current MX Linux version: the project’s blog index now labels MX-25.2 as current.
What the MX-23.1 Raspberry Pi Respin adds
The MX Linux team announced the release with the statement, “We are pleased to release our MX-23.1 Raspberry Pi OS Respin.” The project’s blog index dates the announcement to December 30, 2023. Its central distinction is the addition of MX Tools and access to MX repositories in an image intended for Raspberry Pi hardware. MX Linux blog index
The release number is easy to misread: MX-23.1 refers to this particular respin, not the project’s current release. The blog index records MX-23.2 as a later release and currently labels MX-25.2 as current. That information does not establish whether the Pi 23.1 image is still downloadable or maintained.
Which Raspberry Pi models were reported as compatible?
BetaNews’ contemporaneous release coverage names the Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 400 and Raspberry Pi 5 as the models for which the image was tested and optimized. A separate November 2023 hands-on report describes its author testing a pre-release image on a Pi 5. These reports do not establish compatibility with other Raspberry Pi models. BetaNews release coverage · 9to5Linux hands-on coverage
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#1 Best Overall
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
How the Pi image differs from MX Linux for x86 computers
BetaNews reports several changes from the x86 editions. They reflect this release’s Raspberry Pi image, rather than a current package check.
- Chromium is the default browser instead of Firefox.
- Initial user setup happens on first boot.
- The preinstalled application set is smaller than on the x86 editions.
- There is no live system, so tools that depend on the live environment, including Snapshot, are absent.
A pre-release hands-on article describes the image as based on Raspberry Pi OS and Debian 12 Bookworm, with the Xfce desktop. Its author also recounts configuring user and system options on first boot. These are historical details from the November 2023 report, not confirmation of today’s image contents. 9to5Linux’s November 2023 report
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Model B with 1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB RAM)
- Includes Pre-Loaded 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card (Class 10), USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Premium High-Gloss Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Integrated Fan Mount, CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- CanaKit 3.5A USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (US Plug) with Noise Filter, Set of Heat Sinks, Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K60p)
- CanaKit USB-C PiSwitch (On/Off Power Switch for Raspberry Pi 4)
Storage requirement and reported review setup
BetaNews reported a minimum of 16 GB on either a memory card or USB storage. It did not say that a microSD card was the only option. Linux Format’s April 2024 review excerpt describes flashing a microSD card and testing on a Raspberry Pi 5 with 8 GB of RAM. That is the reviewer’s setup, not a minimum RAM requirement or a benchmark of performance across models. Linux Format
Should you install MX-23.1 on a Raspberry Pi now?
First check whether the specific Pi image is currently available and what support, if any, remains. The project’s blog index identifies MX-25.2 as the current MX Linux release, but does not confirm the availability or maintenance status of the older Pi respin. Do not assume that the general current-release label answers either question.
Rank #3
- 【What you Get】You will get 1*Pi 5 8GB Single Board,1*RasTech Case,1*Active Cooler,1*Screwdriver,1*Installation instructions,12-month free warranty, lifetime service, 24-hour prompt and friendly response.
- 【More Connectors】There are two USB 3.0 ports(5Gbps simultaneously) and two USB 2.0 ports, which triple total bandwidth ,support any combination of up to two cameras or displays. Peak SD card performance is doubled through support for the SDR104 high-speed mode. It provides a smooth desktop experience for you. Offer Gigabit Ethernet and a PCIe interface, along with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0/BLE wireless capability. The RasTech Pi 5 Kit use the new 27W 5.1V 5A USB-C power connector.
- 【 Support Dual 4Kp60 Display 】Each of the two microHDMI sockets can control a 4K display at 60 Hertz, now support HDR, offering super HD video for media streaming projects. RPi 5 is the first RPi model that comes with a PCI Express port (PCIe 2.0 x1 with 500 MB/s) to attach SSDs (requires separate M.2 HAT).
- 【 Excellent Chips And Applications】Pi 5 is a full-size Pi computer using silicon built in-house at Pi. The RP1 “southbridge” provides the bulk of the I/O capabilities for Pi 5. Pi 5 is more friendly and convenient in the development of Internet of Things, Web development, machine identification, automatic control and other electronic equipment applications and network.
- 【 Faster CPU, Better GPU 】 Pi 5 features a Broadcom BCM2712 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz, it delivers a 2–3× increase in CPU performance relative to RaspberryPi 4. The 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU is compatible to OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, substantial uplift in graphics performance. Pi 5 Offers lightning-fast CPU speed, a PCI Express interface, a Real Time Clock (RTC) and a power button and runs significantly cooler than Pi 4.
- Confirm the image and support status. Check the MX Linux blog index and the project’s current download information for a Raspberry Pi image, its release date and any maintenance notes.
- Check your board. The cited release coverage identifies the Pi 4, Pi 400 and Pi 5; it does not confirm other models.
- Prepare storage. The reported floor was 16 GB on a memory card or USB device. Use the image-writing instructions supplied with the currently available image rather than relying on an old guide.
- Plan for first boot. The release coverage reports that you configure a user on first boot, and that the Pi edition has a smaller default application set than the x86 edition.
How it compares with Raspberry Pi OS
The verified distinction in these reports is that MX-23.1 brings MX Tools and MX repository access to a Pi image, while also making the browser and preinstalled applications different from MX’s x86 editions. The pre-release hands-on coverage identifies Debian 12 Bookworm and Xfce. The available reports do not provide a controlled comparison with Raspberry Pi OS, a numerical speed result or evidence that one system is faster. Choose based on whether the MX environment and tools suit your needs, and confirm the image’s present availability before planning an installation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Not including the Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB), the Crowpi advanced version comes with the Raspberry Pi 5
- ELECROW Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5, CrowPi is equipped with a 9-inch HD touchscreen along with a camera; All the regular components used in DIY electronics are packed into the CrowPi development board, such as LCD, LED matrix, buzzer, light sensor, PIR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, IR sensor, etc
- Raspberry Pi Sensors: The Crowpi raspberry pi 5 programming kit is jam-packed with lots of buttons such as 19 different sensors in a tidy easy to use package; You don't have to wait and wire things
- Build Quality: Solid ABS shell and well made components in one place make it strong and convenient to travel
- Programming Lessons: This raspberry pi 5 learning kit ships with step by step instructions and provides 21 lessons to take you through identifying components reading code and running it in the terminal
Rank #4
- All-in-One Complete Kit: This SANOOV RPi 5 bundle comes with Raspberry Pi 5 4GB RAM single board, active cooler, durable ABS case and screwdriver. No extra parts needed, ready to use right out of the box for beginners and hobbyists
- Powerful Single Board Computer: Equipped with 4GB RAM and high-performance processor, delivers fast running speed for 4K playback, AI projects, programming and daily computing tasks. SANOOV for raspberry pi 5 4GB is equipped with broadcom 64 quad-core Arm Cortex A76 processor with gigabit ethernet and upgraded with IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 dual-band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz and Power Over Ethernet (POE). Upgrading delivers 2-3 x speed vs Pi 4, redefining the experience
- Efficient Active Cooler: Effectively lowers operating temperature and prevents performance throttling. Runs quietly even under long-time heavy load, ensures stable operation all day long. SANOOV RPi 5 4GB kit offer an active cooler, which combines an aluminium heatsink with a high-performance PWM fan. Active cooler is fully compatible with the Pi OS, which can effectively reduce the temperature of RPi5 and ensure its good performance during long-term high load operation
- Sturdy ABS Protective Case: Well-fitted for Raspberry Pi 5 board, can be secured with 4 screws to effectively protect the Pi 5 motherboard from damage, reserves full access to all ports and buttons. SANOOV uses ABS material to produce the case, which has a softer texture and feel. Meanwhile, SANOOV case adopts a layered design for easy disassembly and installation. (Tip: The Case cannot install M.2 HAT Add on Board and Solid State Drive!)
- Wide Application & Full Compatibility: Seamlessly compatible with official OS and mainstream peripheral accessories for Raspberry Pi 5. Whether you are a beginner, student, electronics hobbyist or professional developer, this all-in-one kit meets your diverse needs. It excels in IoT projects, robotics design, retro gaming devices, home media servers and other DIY creations. Backed by a large global community, you can easily find guides, technical support and shared projects online
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