Putting a stop to all the rumours, the Raspberry Pi Foundation is set to release the fifth and latest version of its micro-computers, the Raspberry Pi 5, powered by a 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor clocking at 2.5GHz.
The micro-computer will be offered in two variants: one with 4GB RAM priced at $60 and an 8GB version for $80. Raspberry Pi 5 can be bought at the end of October.
TechCrunch noted that while the entry price may appear higher, it’s important to note that the Raspberry Pi 4 remains available in various RAM configurations, ensuring that options are available for users with different budgetary constraints. In essence, for the same amount of RAM, the price difference between the Raspberry Pi 4 and the Raspberry Pi 5 is a mere $5.
The Raspberry Pi project started in 2012 with the sole aim of providing affordable and compact single-board computers. The computers have many features, such as USB ports, HDMI output, Ethernet connectivity, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
Raspberry Pi 5 supports WiFi 5(802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Gigabit Ethernet.
The micro-computer offers dual micro-HDMI ports through which the customers can enable two 4K displays with a 60Hz refresh rate plus HDR support. Raspberry Pi 5 has no dearth of USB ports, two USB 3.0 ports with 5Gbps transfer speed, and two USB 2.0 ports. Both the ports are full-size.
To power up the micro-computer, you’ll get a USB-C port. With Raspberry Pi 5, the foundation introduced a single-lane PCIe 2.0 interface for those who want to add PCI Express peripherals to the computer. However, you’ll need a separate adapter to use the interface.
This micro-computer also offers you support for power-over-Ethernet via a separate HAT. The company offers a usual 40-pin header and MIPI camera/display port, and high-performing microSD slot support.
The Raspberry Pi 5 employs a custom silicon called the RP1, a Southbridge chip. This chip takes various I/O functions, replacing components previously handled by third-party I/O controllers. This is a significant departure from its predecessors and represents a strategic move by the foundation towards greater control over the hardware components.
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 at 2.4GHz |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| HDMI Ports | Dual micro-HDMI ports (Supports dual 4K displays at 60Hz with HDR) |
| USB Ports | 2 x USB 3.0 (Full-size, 5Gbps) |
| 2 x USB 2.0 (Full-size) | |
| Power Port | USB-C |
| PCIe Interface | Single-lane PCIe 2.0 |
| GPIO Header | 40-pin |
| MIPI Camera/Display Ports | Upgraded to 2 × 4 lanes |
| microSD Card Slot | Improved performance |
| RAM Options | 4GB RAM ($60) and 8GB RAM ($80) |
| Custom Silicon | RP1 (Handles I/O functions, GPIO, Ethernet MAC, MIPI CSI/DSI, etc.) |
“It takes the ‘I/O controller’ socket, which in previous generations was occupied by parts from Microchip (LAN9512, LAN9514, LAN7515) or Via Labs (VL805). Strictly speaking, it also replaces most of the analogue components of the main SoC: GPIO and associated low-speed peripherals, Ethernet MAC, MIPI CSI/DSI, and analogue TV. This leaves HDMI, SDRAM and PCI Express (both to talk to RP1 and to external devices) on the main SoC,” Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton told TechCrunch.
Upton also told in an interview that the Raspberry Pi 5 will remain in production until 2035.
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