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The Raspberry Pi 3B+ can still be the right board for a modest project, especially if you already have compatible hardware and the project does not need more memory, faster ports, or extra processing power. But the claim that it beats newer models for “most projects” is too broad: Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi 5 offer clear capability upgrades. The practical question is: Is the Raspberry Pi 3B+ still good enough for my project, or should I buy a newer model?
What the Raspberry Pi 3B+ offers
The 3B+ is built around a 1.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A53 processor and 1GB of RAM. It has dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2/BLE, four USB 2.0 ports, a full-size HDMI port, a 40-pin GPIO header, and CSI camera and DSI display connectors. Its Ethernet connection is Gigabit Ethernet over USB 2.0, with a stated maximum throughput of 300Mbps—not full-speed Gigabit Ethernet. Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ specifications
Five reasons it may still suit a project
1. You can reuse a working setup
If a project already runs on a 3B+ and its case, GPIO wiring, peripherals, and software configuration work, keeping the board can avoid an unnecessary rebuild. That is a practical advantage of what you already own, not a universal compatibility guarantee. Before reusing parts, check connector placement, operating-system support, cooling needs, and the power supply.
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2. It has a full-size HDMI port
The 3B+ has one full-size HDMI connector. Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi 5 use two micro-HDMI ports. A standard HDMI cable may therefore connect directly to a 3B+ in an existing display setup; adapters can also bridge the connector difference on newer boards. Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ specifications · Raspberry Pi computer documentation
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
3. An existing micro-USB supply may fit
The 3B+ takes 5V/2.5A through micro-USB. Raspberry Pi 4 uses USB-C, while Raspberry Pi’s current recommendation for Pi 5 is a 5V/5A USB-C supply. If you already have an appropriate 3B+ supply, that may mean fewer parts to replace. Use a supply that meets the board’s requirements; connector type or a supply’s rating alone does not establish how much energy an entire project will use. Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ specifications · Raspberry Pi computer documentation · Raspberry Pi 5 product page
4. Its performance can be enough for a narrowly defined workload
A simple GPIO controller, lightweight network service, or basic kiosk may not benefit from the extra performance and memory in a newer board. That depends on the actual software and peripherals: the 3B+ has 1GB RAM, while Pi 4 offers more RAM variants and Pi 5 is listed with up to 16GB. Check your workload’s memory, operating-system, and peripheral requirements rather than treating suitability as guaranteed. Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ specifications · Raspberry Pi 5 product page
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
5. It can use Power over Ethernet with an add-on
The 3B+ supports Power over Ethernet when paired with a separate PoE HAT. That can suit a wired installation with compatible PoE network equipment, but the HAT and network hardware add cost and take up space. PoE is not a unique advantage over all newer Raspberry Pi boards. Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ specifications
Where newer models have the advantage
Raspberry Pi 4 brings faster processing, more RAM choices, USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and dual micro-HDMI. Pi 5 is a larger performance step and adds PCIe and two camera/display transceivers; its product page lists memory options up to 16GB. Those capabilities matter if a project needs higher throughput, more memory, newer camera or display connections, or expansion beyond the 3B+’s interfaces. Raspberry Pi computer documentation · Raspberry Pi 5 product page
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The 3B+’s Ethernet is also a constraint for network-heavy work: its stated maximum throughput is 300Mbps despite the Gigabit Ethernet connection. If you need faster wired networking or USB 3.0 storage, a newer board is the more capable option. Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ specifications
How to choose for your build
- List the workload requirements. Identify the software, expected memory use, processing needs, and attached peripherals. Choose a newer board if those requirements exceed what the 3B+ can handle.
- Check ports and network needs. Confirm the HDMI, USB, camera/display, GPIO, and Ethernet connections you need. Do not assume the 3B+’s Ethernet provides full Gigabit throughput.
- Check what you can reuse. Verify that your enclosure, cabling, GPIO connections, and power supply fit the specific board and its thermal and electrical needs.
- Consider the installation. If PoE is useful, account for a compatible HAT and network equipment, not just the board.
- Factor in product lifetime and availability. Raspberry Pi Ltd’s 2025 product brief states that 3B+ production is planned through at least January 2028; this is not a retail stock guarantee. Raspberry Pi’s current Pi 5 product page lists production through at least January 2036. Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ product brief · Raspberry Pi 5 product page
Power and setup details to check
Raspberry Pi’s 3B+ specifications call for a 5V/2.5A micro-USB input and identify a high-quality 2.5A micro-USB supply and a microSD card with Raspberry Pi OS in the getting-started guidance. The board also includes a 4-pole stereo/composite output. Follow model-specific supply guidance: published current measurements depend on their setup and do not provide a direct comparison of total project energy use. Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ specifications · Raspberry Pi computer documentation
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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