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Raspberry Pi announced the Raspberry Pi 5 on September 28, 2023, with boards planned to reach shelves at the end of October. The upgrade brought a faster processor, stronger graphics, improved I/O and new expansion options. The original launch models were $60 for 4GB and $80 for 8GB; Raspberry Pi later added a 2GB model for $50 in August 2024. These are Raspberry Pi’s stated prices, excluding local taxes.
When did Raspberry Pi 5 launch?
Raspberry Pi announced the board on September 28, 2023, and said it was coming at the end of October. In the announcement, Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton wrote: “Today, we’re delighted to announce the launch of Raspberry Pi 5, coming at the end of October.” The announcement described the platform as the result of a seven-year, $25 million engineering program.
What is new in Raspberry Pi 5?
Processor and graphics
Raspberry Pi 5 uses a 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 processor and VideoCore VII graphics. Raspberry Pi’s product brief describes CPU performance as 2–3× that of Raspberry Pi 4. That is the manufacturer’s comparison, not a guarantee that every application will run 2–3 times faster.
Display and video
The board supports dual 4Kp60 HDMI output and 4Kp60 HEVC video decoding, according to Raspberry Pi. These capabilities improve its potential for multi-display setups and video playback; actual results can depend on software and workload.
#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
Storage, ports and expansion
Raspberry Pi lists faster SDR104 microSD support, two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports and Gigabit Ethernet. Expansion includes PCIe 2.0 x1, dual MIPI camera/display transceivers and the familiar 40-pin GPIO header. The board also adds a real-time clock (RTC) and a power button.
Raspberry Pi 5 vs. Raspberry Pi 4
The clearest documented performance comparison is Raspberry Pi’s claim of 2–3× CPU performance over Raspberry Pi 4. Raspberry Pi 5 also brings the listed VideoCore VII graphics, dual 4Kp60 HDMI output, SDR104 microSD support and PCIe 2.0 x1 expansion. These are platform capabilities; the announcement does not provide a like-for-like benchmark for every workload or a complete comparison of wireless connectivity, cooling and accessory compatibility.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB 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
- CanaKit Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Whether it is worth upgrading depends on the project. Raspberry Pi 5 is a more compelling choice if you need the additional CPU performance, its display capabilities or PCIe expansion. If a Raspberry Pi 4 already handles your workload, the launch information alone does not establish that replacing it will improve every use case.
Raspberry Pi 5 models and launch prices
| Model | RAM | Price and timing |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 5 | 2GB | $50, announced by Raspberry Pi in August 2024 |
| Raspberry Pi 5 | 4GB | $60 at the October 2023 launch |
| Raspberry Pi 5 | 8GB | $80 at the October 2023 launch |
The 2023 launch prices were stated before local taxes. These are the prices Raspberry Pi announced at those dates, not a claim about current retail prices or availability.
Rank #3
- CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Essentials Starter Kit
Which RAM size should you buy?
- 2GB: The lowest-priced option in Raspberry Pi’s later lineup, suited to budget-conscious projects where memory demands are modest.
- 4GB: The original lower-cost model and a practical middle option for projects that need more headroom than the 2GB version.
- 8GB: The highest-memory model among these variants; consider it for heavier desktop use, multitasking or development workloads.
The processor and listed platform features are not presented as differing among these memory variants. Choose RAM for the applications you plan to run rather than assuming a larger model is automatically faster in every task.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What accessories do you need?
The Raspberry Pi 5 is a board, so a working setup needs supporting hardware. Exact requirements depend on how you intend to use it.
Rank #4
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 16GB with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (16GB 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
- Power: Use compatible USB-C power equipment. Check the board’s requirements and the accessories’ specifications before buying.
- Storage: A microSD card is one storage option; Raspberry Pi 5 supports the faster SDR104 microSD interface.
- Cooling: A compatible cooling solution may be useful for sustained or demanding workloads. Confirm fit and compatibility for the exact case and cooler combination.
- Case: Choose a Raspberry Pi 5-compatible case, rather than assuming a case for an earlier board will fit.
- Project-specific accessories: Add a display, keyboard, camera or other peripherals as needed. The board’s GPIO, MIPI and PCIe connections support different expansion paths, but each accessory must match the relevant interface.
The launch ecosystem included an official case and an updated PoE+ HAT was described as forthcoming. Check current availability and compatibility before purchasing, especially for accessories introduced around launch.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit 45W PD Power Supply for the Raspberry Pi 5
- Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K 60p)
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.
