Introducing the 2GB Raspberry Pi 5: High Performance at an Even Lower Price
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to making powerful computing accessible to all by launching a new 2GB variant of the Raspberry Pi 5. Priced at just $50/£47, this new model continues to deliver on the promise of affordable, general-purpose desktop computing for a wide audience.
A Journey from Dream to Reality
When the Raspberry Pi 5 was launched just over ten months ago, it marked a significant milestone in the Raspberry Pi journey. For many, this was the device that finally realized the original Raspberry Pi dream: a desktop computer that, in many ways, could stand toe-to-toe with traditional PCs, yet remained affordable for everyone. With its impressive performance and versatile design, the Raspberry Pi 5 quickly became a favorite among hobbyists, developers, and even professionals.
In fact, the Raspberry Pi 5 is approximately 150 times more powerful than the original Raspberry Pi that was introduced back in 2012. This leap in performance is a result of advanced engineering, large-scale production efficiencies, and the relentless march of Moore’s Law. However, the pursuit of higher performance inevitably comes with an increase in cost. Until now, the most affordable option in the Raspberry Pi 5 family was the 4GB model, priced at $60/£57.
The New 2GB Raspberry Pi 5: Cost-Optimized, Yet Powerful
The introduction of the 2GB Raspberry Pi 5 brings a more budget-friendly option to the table. Built around a cost-optimized D0 stepping of the BCM2712 application processor, this new variant retains all the essential features that make the Raspberry Pi 5 so powerful, while trimming down the cost by $10.
The 4GB and 8GB variants of the Raspberry Pi 5 are built around the RP1 I/O controller, developed by Raspberry Pi, and the BCM2712C1 application processor from Broadcom. This processor is a high-performance, complex chip featuring a quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz and the latest VideoCore multimedia platform. However, it also includes additional functionality designed for other markets, which adds to its cost.
In the new 2GB variant, the BCM2712D0 processor strips away these unnecessary features, maintaining the core functionality needed for Raspberry Pi users while reducing manufacturing costs. This, combined with the halved memory capacity, enables the Raspberry Pi Foundation to offer this new variant at a lower price point without compromising on the essential performance.
Is 2GB Enough for Your Needs?
The new 2GB Raspberry Pi 5 is perfectly suited for a wide range of projects, particularly those that don’t require the extra memory. Thanks to the efficiency of Raspberry Pi OS, which has been optimized to run smoothly even on devices with far less memory and processing power, the 2GB variant can handle many tasks with ease. Whether you’re working on IoT projects, coding, retro gaming, or simple desktop applications, this new model offers plenty of power at a lower cost.
However, for more demanding tasks—such as driving dual 4Kp60 displays, managing extensive multitasking, or compiling complex software from source—the 4GB or 8GB models may still be the better choice. These variants provide the extra memory needed for resource-intensive applications and ensure a smoother user experience for power users.
Availability and Final Thoughts
The 2GB Raspberry Pi 5 is available now from authorized resellers worldwide, including Pishop.us in the United States, The Pi Hut in the UK, e2u in India, and Welectron in Germany. This new variant not only meets the needs of those who have been asking for a more affordable Raspberry Pi 5 but also challenges users to explore what they can achieve with this powerful, yet cost-effective, device.
Whether you’re a seasoned Raspberry Pi user or just getting started, the new 2GB Raspberry Pi 5 offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability, opening up new possibilities for projects and innovations.
