There has been much hype about Raspberry Pi 5, before and after its launch in October 2023. When it comes to technology such as desktop, laptop, iPhone, android and play station, their new models and versions are launched almost after a year or two. Technology is an evolving field, with much innovation, research and development taking place every second. Therefore, we can presume that Raspberry Pi is also going through the same process. Raspberry Pi has launched 20 different versions prior to Raspberry Pi 5, from 2012 onwards. Raspberry Pi has amplified its hardware and features with every new version. Therefore, we can gather that Raspberry Pi 5 has something new and innovative to offer to its users.

Before moving on to Raspberry Pi 5 specs, we will give you an overview about the company’s background and basic features and uses of Raspberry Pi microcomputer. This blog will provide insights about Raspberry Pi 5 specs, features, and what makes it different from its older versions.

About Raspberry Pi Foundation

Raspberry Pi is a charitable organization, founded in 2009 by David Braben, Jack Lang, Robert Mullins, Eben Upton and Alan Mycroft. The purpose of Raspberry Pi is to provide access to computers to children and people residing in third world countries, at a low price. The founders came across the fact that many students lack computer skills and hence the number of computer science applicants at University of Cambridge in 2006 was decreasing. They realized that computer should be accessible to everyone. Therefore, they launched a mini/microcomputer, a single-sized mother board known as Raspberry Pi, so that people of all age groups, including students can learn computing, languages and coding at an affordable price.

Raspberry Pi: Features, specifications and how to use it?

Raspberry Pi is a microcomputer with a debit card-sized mother board which can be connected to any desktop/pc, laptop and television set. Its components are similar to a computer’s motherboard, enabling it to function just like a computer. Therefore, it can be connected to wired and wireless peripheral devices which includes key board, mouse, speakers, printers and Ethernet, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to perform all the functions of a computer and enhance user experience. The operating system of Raspberry Pi is Linux.

We will now discuss the features, specifications and the task performed by each component of Raspberry Pi, which will reflect their importance for functioning of Raspberry Pi.

CPU:

Central Processing unit (CPU) is the main component of any computer including Raspberry Pi. Raspberry Pi has a CPU in its motherboard, which follows the instructions of the computer and processes input data into output.

RAM:

Random Access Memory or (RAM) is a memory of Raspberry Pi computer that stores all the data and allows you to access them when needed. The data remains stored even if you turn off your Raspberry Pi, until you delete it. The first model of Raspberry Pi, known as Raspberry Pi Model B had a 256MB RAM which increased to 8GB in Raspberry Pi 4 Model B launched in 2019.

Ethernet:

Raspberry Pi has an Ethernet port to connect cable for an internet connection. It adds ease for the user to access internet if wireless internet or Wi-Fi is not available. Raspberry Pi’s user can use and learn computing and access every information they want through internet.

HDMI Port:

Raspberry Pi needs to be connected to a device for use and display. Hence, High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port will enable the user to connect Raspberry Pi to the screen of their laptop, desktop or television and use it according to their need. Raspberry Pi made advancement in their HDMI port, allowing screen to be shared on two separate devices in Raspberry Pi 4 model. Raspberry Pi 1, 2 and 3 had standard HDMI port allowing access to any one screen.

GPU:

Raspberry Pi has a display resolution for its screen which is enabled through Graphic Processing Unit or GPU. Display resolution is directly proportional to GPU for any device screen, including Raspberry Pi. The earlier version of Raspberry Pi, known as Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ had a 400MHz GPU. Raspberry Pi increased its GPU  and launched Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with a 4k display resolution.

SD Card Slot:

Raspberry Pi has a Secure Digital/SD Card slot, allowing the user to store more data in the computer. Unlike regular computer devices, Raspberry Pi does not have a built-in SD card, hence the user will have to get Raspberry Pi SD card for the version he/she is using.

GPIO Pins:

Raspberry Pi initially had 26 GPIO (General Processing Input/ Output) pins but the latest versions have 40. These pins catch signals from other devices and interact with circuits to perform functions as per the instructions of the user.

LED lights:

Raspberry Pi has LED lights of different colors, each indicating a different function. Following are the LED lights of Raspberry Pi computer board and what each of them indicates.

PWR (Red): this light goes on only when the system is on. If the system is turned-off or disconnected, then it will go off.

LNK (ORANGE): this light will turn on only when the user has connected an Ethernet cable for internet connection. If the internet is not connected, this orange light will not turn on.

100 (orange): Once the internet is connected through ethernet cable and reaches the speed of 100mbps, then this orange light will turn.

FDX (Orange): when the internet connection is capable of sending and receiving information simultaneously on network, this light is turned on.

ACT (Green): when the user inserts SD card in SD card’s slot and starts using it, this light will turn on.

How to use Raspberry Pi?

As stated above, the basic functions of this microcomputer are similar to a regular computer, therefore, it only needs to be connected to a device such as desktop or high resolution television, along with a key board and a mouse. The user will have to insert an SD card to store data as it is not built-in like regular computers. After setting up the screen and SD card, it’s up to the user’s preference to connect other peripheral devices such as printers, speakers, ethernet or Wi-Fi to the Raspberry Pi board.

Raspberry Pi 5 specs, features and what’s new in it?

Raspberry Pi 5 is advanced than most of its earlier versions. It is efficient and user-friendly and offers many advanced and high-end features. The price of Raspberry Pi 5 is $60 and $80 for 4GB and 8GB RAM respectively. Although the price may seem a little high to some, but its outstanding features and specs will encourage people to buy it, overlooking its price. Since this is the most awaited part of this blog, we are finally moving ahead with detailed insights about Raspberry Pi 5 specs and features.

Processor:

Raspberry Pi 5 comes with a 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex A-76, which is a high speed processor allowing the user to access and share information in less time. Moreover, the users can download or access intense applications or software and do multi-tasking without any hindrance that occurred in its earlier versions due to low speed processor.

RAM:

8GB RAM included in Raspberry Pi 5 makes it easier for users to store data without stressing upon memory and space in the microcomputer. Raspberry Pi’s first version had 256 GB RAM and some of the following versions had less than 1100GB RAM. Raspberry Pi 5 allows users to access multiple applications, software, website and download data without any hindrance in speed.

USB ports:

Raspberry Pi 5 have two USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.0 ports. The reason why this feature is considered an escalation in technology and Raspberry Pi computer boards is because USB 3.0 ports enables data to transfer at a speed of 4.8 Gbps as compared to USB 2.0 port with 480 mbps speed. Model 3 either had a single USB port or did not have a 3.0 USB port. Therefore, Raspberry Pi 5 stands out in terms of offering a high speed data transfer to its fullest.

Bluetooth 5.0:

Since Raspberry Pi 5 is not left behind in offering advanced and enhanced specs. It has Bluetooth 5.0 which enables the data to be transferred at a speed of 2 Mbps and allows the user to connect headphones, speakers and other peripherals with low energy and high coverage range. Hence you can listen to music or any audio with a wireless hands free and high-speed internet connected through Bluetooth, at a distance of 800 feet.

Display resolution:

We all want a high-definition display so that the visuals are clear and sharp. Raspberry Pi 5 have come with a 4k display resolution which will allow you to watch movies or play video games with a crisp graphics than ever. The pixels of 4k resolution sum up to 8 million which is quadruple of 1080p resolution with only 2 million pixels.

Conclusion

The purpose of this article is to give you insights about Raspberry Pi in details and how the latest version Raspberry Pi 5 is different from the previous ones. Raspberry Pi 5 specs and features mentioned above are so effective that they seem to enhance user experience more than ever. Since Raspberry Pi aims to provide comprehensive education and learning of computers to developing nations, they have excelled in their aim by providing high-end features with innovation in Raspberry Pi in a way that upon using it does not seems any lesser than a regular high-end computer.