Raspberry Pi 5 8GB model
Specifications
Last updated
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Specifications
Last updated
Was this helpful?
CPU
2.4 GHz Broadcom BCM2712 chip, featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 (ARM v8) 64-bit System on a Chip (SoC), with 512KB L2 caches and a 2MB shared L3 cache.
GPU
VideoCore VII GPU
SDRAM
LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM (4GB and 8GB variants available at launch)
WiFi
2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.0/Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
SD slot
Micro SD card slot, with support for high-speed SDR104 mode
HDMI ports
Dual HDMI ports that can provide 4Kp60 video output simultaneously
USB ports
2 × USB 3.0 ports, supporting simultaneous 5Gbps operation & 2 x USB 2.0 ports
Ethernet
Gigabit Ethernet, with PoE+ support (requires a new Pi 5 PoE+ HAT)
Camera/Display Ports
2 × 4 lane MIPI camera/display transceivers
Power
5V/5A DC power (PD enabled) (USB-C)
GPIO Pins
Raspberry Pi standard 40-pin header
RTC
Real-Time Clock (RTC) and RTC battery connector
PCIe
Single lane PCIe 2.0
Power Button
Finally!
This is the main processor of the Raspberry Pi, which integrates the CPU, GPU, and other components on a single chip.
In a Raspberry Pi, the processor, also known as the System on a Chip (SoC), is the central component that performs the majority of the computational tasks.
The Broadcom BCM2712 is the SoC used in the Raspberry Pi 5.
The processor integrates several key components onto a single chip, including the CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and other functionalities.
Here's a breakdown of what the processor does:
The CPU is the brain of the Raspberry Pi. It fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and executes them to perform various tasks.
It handles general-purpose computing, such as running the operating system, executing programs, and processing data.
The GPU is responsible for handling graphics-related tasks and offloading them from the CPU.
It specialises in parallel processing and is optimised for rendering graphics, video decoding, and other multimedia tasks.
The VideoCore VII GPU in the BCM2712 SoC provides advanced graphics capabilities, supporting APIs like OpenGL ES and Vulkan.
The processor includes a memory management unit (MMU) that handles the allocation and deallocation of memory for various processes.
It translates virtual memory addresses used by software into physical memory addresses used by hardware.
The MMU ensures efficient utilisation of available memory resources.
The processor manages the communication between the Raspberry Pi and external devices through various interfaces, such as USB, Ethernet, HDMI, and GPIO pins.
It controls the flow of data between the Raspberry Pi and connected peripherals.
The processor includes power management features to optimise power consumption and prevent overheating.
It can dynamically adjust the clock speed and voltage based on the workload and system requirements.
The processor may include security features like secure boot, hardware-based encryption, and trusted execution environments.
These features help protect the Raspberry Pi from unauthorized access and ensure the integrity of the system.
By integrating multiple components onto a single chip, the Broadcom BCM2712 SoC provides a compact and efficient solution for the Raspberry Pi 5.
The presence of a 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU in the Broadcom BCM2712 chipset offers several significant advantages and implications for the performance and capabilities of the device it powers, such as a Raspberry Pi:
Enhanced Performance: The Cortex-A76 architecture provides a considerable performance uplift compared to its predecessors. This means faster processing speeds, which can lead to improved performance in a wide range of applications, from general computing to more demanding tasks like media processing or even light server workloads.
Larger Memory Addressing: A 64-bit processor can theoretically address up to 18 exabytes of memory, far surpassing the 4GB limit of 32-bit processors. This allows systems to utilise more RAM, improving performance in memory-intensive applications and multitasking.
Efficiency and Speed: The 512KB per-core L2 cache and the 2MB shared L3 cache can significantly speed up data access times for the CPU cores, reducing latency and increasing overall system efficiency.
Cryptography Extensions: The inclusion of cryptography extensions means that the CPU can handle encryption and decryption tasks more efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for secure communications, data protection, and secure computing environments, enhancing the performance of cryptographic algorithms without heavily burdening the processor.
Compatibility and Software Optimization: With a 64-bit CPU, the system can fully leverage 64-bit operating systems and applications, which are often optimized for better performance compared to their 32-bit counterparts. This also ensures better future-proofing and compatibility with modern software developments.
Enhanced Graphics and Computing Tasks: The Cortex-A76’s capabilities can contribute to better handling of graphics and compute-intensive tasks, beneficial for applications in gaming, media, and perhaps light machine learning tasks.
In summary, the inclusion of a 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU in the Broadcom BCM2712 chipset marks a significant step up in computational power, efficiency, and future compatibility for devices utilizing this chipset, aligning them with modern computing requirements and applications.
In the context of the Raspberry Pi 5, a "core" refers to an individual processing unit within the CPU (Central Processing Unit).
The BCM2712 SoC in the Raspberry Pi 5 features a quad-core CPU, meaning it has four separate processing units, or cores, integrated into a single chip.
Each core is capable of executing instructions independently and simultaneously, allowing for parallel processing. This means that the CPU can work on multiple tasks or threads concurrently, improving overall performance and efficiency.
Here's what having four cores in the Raspberry Pi 5 enables:
With four cores, the CPU can execute four different instructions or tasks simultaneously.
Each core can handle a separate thread of execution, allowing for true parallel processing.
The quad-core architecture allows for improved performance in multi-threaded applications.
Applications that are designed to take advantage of multiple cores can distribute their workload across the available cores, resulting in faster execution and better responsiveness.
Having multiple cores allows for more efficient power management.
The CPU can dynamically adjust the clock speed and power consumption of individual cores based on the workload.
When a core is not being utilized, it can enter a low-power state, reducing overall power consumption.
With four cores, the Raspberry Pi 5 can handle multiple tasks simultaneously without causing significant delays or freezes.
This leads to a more responsive and smoother user experience, especially when running multiple applications or performing intensive tasks.
The quad-core architecture, along with other hardware enhancements in the Raspberry Pi 5, contributes to its position as a powerful and versatile single-board computer capable of handling a wide range of applications and workloads.
The VideoCore VII is the graphics processing unit (GPU) integrated into the Broadcom BCM2712 SoC used in the Raspberry Pi 5.
It is a dedicated hardware component designed to handle graphics-related tasks and offload them from the CPU, allowing for improved performance and efficiency in multimedia processing.
Here are some key aspects and capabilities of the VideoCore VII GPU:
The VideoCore VII GPU is responsible for rendering 2D and 3D graphics.
It supports popular graphics APIs such as OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2.
These APIs allow developers to create visually rich and interactive applications, games, and user interfaces.
The GPU accelerates the rendering process by performing complex graphics calculations in parallel, resulting in smooth and high-quality visuals.
The GPU includes dedicated hardware video codecs for accelerated video decoding and encoding.
It supports popular video formats such as H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and VP9.
The hardware acceleration enables smooth playback of high-resolution video content, including 4K video at 60 frames per second (4Kp60).
The GPU can also handle video encoding tasks, allowing for efficient compression and streaming of video content.
The VideoCore VII GPU includes an Image Signal Processor (ISP) that enhances camera support and image processing capabilities.
It can handle tasks such as image stabilisation, noise reduction, and colour correction in real-time.
The ISP enables high-quality image and video capture from connected cameras, making the Raspberry Pi 5 suitable for computer vision and multimedia applications.
The GPU has its own dedicated memory, separate from the system RAM.
It efficiently manages and allocates memory resources for graphics-related tasks.
The GPU can quickly access and manipulate large amounts of data required for rendering and processing, reducing the load on the system memory and CPU.
The VideoCore VII GPU in the Raspberry Pi 5 enhances the overall multimedia capabilities of the single-board computer. It enables the Raspberry Pi to handle demanding graphics tasks, such as gaming, video playback, and computer vision applications, with improved performance and visual quality.
The GPU works in tandem with the CPU, offloading graphics-related tasks and allowing the CPU to focus on other computations. This division of labor leads to better overall system performance and responsiveness.
With its advanced graphics rendering capabilities, hardware-accelerated video codecs, image processing features, and parallel processing power, the VideoCore VII GPU positions the Raspberry Pi 5 as a capable platform for multimedia-rich applications and projects.
The Raspberry Pi uses a microSD card as its primary storage device for the operating system, programs, and data.
The Raspberry Pi, a compact and versatile computing device, relies on a microSD card for its primary storage.
This design choice aligns with the Pi's small form factor and cost-effectiveness.
Operating System: The microSD card holds the Raspberry Pi's operating system.
Users typically download an OS image, like Raspberry Pi OS, and write it to the microSD card using software that can create a bootable card.
Programs: All installed software and applications reside on the microSD card. This includes system utilities, user applications, and programming environments.
Data: User data, configuration files, logs, and other data generated or used by applications are stored on this card.
Imaging the Card: Users first download an OS image and use a tool (such as Raspberry Pi Imager or balenaEtcher) to flash this image onto the microSD card. This process formats the card and installs the necessary boot and system files.
Insertion: Once the card is imaged, it's inserted into the microSD card slot on the Raspberry Pi's underside.
Boot-up: When the Raspberry Pi is powered on, it reads the boot instructions from the microSD card, initiating the OS boot process.
Size and Cost: microSD cards are small and relatively inexpensive, aligning with the Raspberry Pi's design ethos of compactness and affordability.
Flexibility: Users can switch between different operating systems or configurations by simply swapping out microSD cards.
Portability: A microSD card can be easily moved, backed up, or cloned, offering flexible storage management.
Speed: The performance of the Raspberry Pi can be significantly influenced by the microSD card's speed class. Faster cards improve boot time and data access speeds.
Durability: microSD cards have limited write cycles. Frequent writing and rewriting can wear them out, so choosing a card with high durability is advisable for intensive applications.
While the microSD card is the primary boot medium, the Raspberry Pi can also support external storage like USB drives or network storage for additional capacity or as secondary storage options, especially for models with USB 3.0 support, which allows for faster data transfer rates.
In summary, the microSD card is a central component of the Raspberry Pi's architecture, providing a compact, affordable, and flexible storage solution that aligns with the device's design and usage goals.
This Raspberry Pi model comes with 8GB of RAM (Random Access Memory), which is used for temporary storage of data and instructions during program execution.
In the context of the Raspberry Pi 5, RAM (Random Access Memory) refers to the temporary storage space available for the processor to quickly access data and instructions during program execution.
Here's a detailed explanation of what RAM does in the Raspberry Pi:
RAM acts as a temporary storage area for data and instructions that the processor needs to access quickly.
When a program is executed, its instructions and related data are loaded from the storage (e.g., microSD card) into the RAM.
The processor can then quickly read and write data to the RAM as needed during program execution.
RAM is designed to provide fast access to data compared to other storage media like hard drives or microSD cards.
The processor can access data stored in RAM much faster than it can from storage devices.
This fast access enables the processor to execute instructions and manipulate data efficiently, leading to better system performance.
RAM is volatile, meaning that it only retains data when power is supplied to the device.
When the Raspberry Pi is powered off or restarted, the contents of the RAM are lost.
This is why it's important to save important data to non-volatile storage, such as a microSD card, before shutting down the device.
Program Execution
When a program is launched on the Raspberry Pi, its instructions and necessary data are loaded into the RAM.
The processor fetches the instructions from RAM, decodes them, and executes them to perform the desired tasks.
As the program runs, intermediate results, variables, and data structures are also stored in RAM for quick access and manipulation.
RAM plays a crucial role in multitasking and overall system performance.
When multiple programs or processes are running simultaneously, each program requires a portion of the RAM to store its instructions and data.
The more RAM available, the more programs can be run concurrently without causing performance degradation.
With 8GB of RAM, the Raspberry Pi 5 can handle multiple demanding applications, larger datasets, and more complex workloads compared to models with less RAM.
RAM is also used for caching and buffering purposes.
Frequently accessed data or instructions can be stored in RAM to reduce the need for repeated retrieval from slower storage devices.
This caching mechanism improves system performance by minimizing the time required to access data.
The operating system on the Raspberry Pi is responsible for managing and allocating RAM to different programs and processes.
It ensures that each program has sufficient RAM to execute properly and prevents conflicts or overwriting of data between different programs.
When RAM becomes scarce, the operating system may employ techniques like memory swapping or paging to temporarily move less frequently used data to storage, freeing up RAM for active programs.
In summary, the 8GB of RAM in the Raspberry Pi 5 provides ample temporary storage space for executing programs, storing data, and enabling efficient multitasking. It contributes to the overall performance and capabilities of the device, allowing it to handle more demanding workloads and run multiple applications smoothly.
The board has four USB ports in total: two USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.0 ports. These ports allow you to connect various peripherals like keyboards, mice, external storage devices, and more.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports are standardised interface connectors that enable communication and power delivery between computers and peripheral devices.
They allow you to easily connect and disconnect external devices to your computer.
Here are some common devices that use USB ports:
Keyboards and mice: USB ports are the standard way to connect wired keyboards and mice to a computer.
External storage devices: USB flash drives, external hard drives, and SSDs use USB ports to transfer data to and from a computer.
Printers and scanners: Many printers and scanners connect to computers via USB ports.
Smartphones and tablets: USB ports are often used to charge and sync data with smartphones and tablets.
Cameras and camcorders: Digital cameras and video cameras can transfer photos and videos to a computer using USB ports.
Headsets and microphones: USB headsets and microphones are commonly used for audio input and output, especially for online calls, recording, and gaming.
Game controllers: Wired game controllers for PC gaming typically use USB ports to connect to the computer.
Card readers: USB card readers allow you to access data from various memory card formats, such as SD cards.
USB hubs: These devices allow you to expand the number of available USB ports on your computer.
The two main types of USB ports mentioned in your example are:
USB 2.0
Supports data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps. It's suitable for most peripherals that don't require high-speed data transfer.
USB 3.0
Offers faster data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps, which is particularly useful for external storage devices and high-resolution video cameras. USB 3.0 ports are backward-compatible with USB 2.0 devices.
Having a mix of USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports on a computer provides flexibility for connecting various devices while ensuring compatibility and offering high-speed connectivity when needed.
The Raspberry Pi 5 features a Gigabit Ethernet port, enabling fast wired network connectivity with speeds up to 1000Mbps.
Ethernet ports are interface connectors used to connect devices to a wired Ethernet network.
They allow computers, servers, and other network-enabled devices to communicate with each other and access the internet.
Here's a detailed explanation of Ethernet ports and some interesting facts:
Ethernet ports enable devices to send and receive data packets over an Ethernet network.
They use a standard called IEEE 802.3 to define the physical and data link layer specifications for Ethernet communication.
Ethernet ports support various data transfer rates, including 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet), and even higher speeds like 10 Gbps and 100 Gbps.
The most common Ethernet connector is the RJ45 connector, which has eight pins and resembles a larger version of a phone jack.
Older Ethernet standards used different connectors like the AUI (Attachment Unit Interface) and BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) connectors.
Ethernet ports typically use twisted pair cables, such as Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat7 cables.
These cables contain four pairs of wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference and crosstalk.
The cable type and length determine the maximum supported data transfer speed and distance.
Gigabit Ethernet, as mentioned in your example, refers to Ethernet connectivity with a data transfer rate of 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps).
It provides high-speed wired network connectivity, suitable for demanding applications like high-definition video streaming, large file transfers, and fast internet access.
Gigabit Ethernet requires Cat5e or higher-rated cables and network switches that support this speed.
Power over Ethernet (PoE): Some Ethernet ports support PoE, which allows power to be delivered to devices over the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a separate power supply. This is particularly useful for devices like IP cameras and VoIP phones.
Auto-negotiation: Ethernet ports support auto-negotiation, meaning they can automatically detect and adjust to the highest common speed supported by both devices on the network.
Full-duplex communication: Modern Ethernet ports support full-duplex communication, allowing devices to send and receive data simultaneously, effectively doubling the data transfer rate compared to half-duplex communication.
Backward compatibility: Ethernet standards are designed to be backward-compatible, meaning that newer Ethernet devices can communicate with older devices at the lower supported speed.
The Gigabit Ethernet port on the Raspberry Pi 5 enables fast and reliable wired network connectivity, making it suitable for applications that require high-speed data transfer and low-latency communication.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a widely used interface for transmitting high-quality digital video and audio from a source device to a display, such as a monitor or TV.
The Raspberry Pi 5 board supports HDMI output, which means you can connect it to an HDMI-compatible display to get visual output.
Key points about HDMI ports:
Video and audio: HDMI can carry both high-resolution video and multi-channel audio in a single cable.
Resolution support: HDMI supports various resolutions, including 720p, 1080p, 4K, and even 8K, depending on the HDMI version and the capabilities of the connected devices.
HDCP: HDMI supports High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), a form of digital copy protection to prevent unauthorised content duplication.
CEC: HDMI includes Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), which allows users to control multiple HDMI-connected devices with a single remote.
Connector types: There are different types of HDMI connectors, including Type A (standard), Type C (mini), and Type D (micro). The Raspberry Pi 5 likely uses a Type A or Type D connector.
With HDMI output support, you can use your Raspberry Pi 5 for various applications that require a visual display, such as:
Media centres and home theatre systems
Digital signage and information displays
Desktop computing and productivity
Educational projects and presentations
The specific resolutions and HDMI features supported by the Raspberry Pi 5 will depend on the board's hardware specifications and the version of the HDMI standard implemented.
The board supports HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output, allowing you to connect it to a monitor or TV for visual display.
The Raspberry Pi has a 40-pin GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) header, which provides a way to interface with external sensors, actuators, and other electronic components.
The 40-pin GPIO header on the Raspberry Pi provides a way to connect and interact with various sensors, actuators, and other peripherals.
To understand the GPIO functionality properly, consider the following points:
Pin layout: The 40-pin GPIO header has a specific layout, with pins dedicated to various functions such as power supply, ground, and digital input/output. Some pins also support special functions like I2C, SPI, and UART communication protocols.
Digital input/output: Most of the GPIO pins can be configured as either digital inputs or outputs. As inputs, they can read the state of a connected device (e.g., a button or switch). As outputs, they can control the state of a connected device (e.g., turning an LED on or off).
Voltage levels: The GPIO pins operate at 3.3V logic levels. It's essential to ensure that the connected devices are compatible with this voltage level to avoid damaging the Raspberry Pi or the external components.
Current limits: Each GPIO pin can source or sink a limited amount of current, typically around 10-20mA. If you need to control devices that require more current, you should use external circuitry like transistors or relays.
Programming: To control the GPIO pins, you can use various programming languages and libraries, such as Python with the RPi.GPIO library, or C/C++ with the WiringPi library. These libraries provide functions to configure the pin modes, read input values, and set output states.
Pinout diagram: It's crucial to refer to the Raspberry Pi's pinout diagram when connecting external devices to the GPIO pins. The diagram shows the function and location of each pin, helping you to make the correct connections.
Electrical safety: When working with the GPIO pins, it's important to follow proper electrical safety practices. This includes using appropriate resistors for current limiting, avoiding short circuits, and protecting the Raspberry Pi from electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Some common applications of the GPIO pins include:
Reading data from sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, light)
Controlling actuators (e.g., motors, servos, relays)
Interfacing with other electronic modules (e.g., displays, keypads, GPS)
Creating custom hardware projects and prototypes
By understanding the GPIO functionality and its usage, you can leverage the Raspberry Pi's capabilities to interact with the physical world and create innovative projects.
The board supports various display interfaces, including HDMI and DSI (Display Serial Interface) for connecting displays.
The board supports connecting a camera module through the CSI (Camera Serial Interface) port.
The Raspberry Pi 5 has built-in dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) supporting the 802.11ac standard, enabling wireless network connectivity.
The dual-band Wi-Fi support means the device can connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks, offering flexibility and improved performance.
Here's how Wi-Fi connectivity works on the Raspberry Pi 5:
2.4GHz Band: This band provides wider coverage but is often more crowded, as it's used by many devices including older Wi-Fi networks, microwaves, and Bluetooth devices. The 2.4GHz band is more prone to interference but is better at penetrating solid objects like walls.
5GHz Band: The 5GHz band offers less coverage but is typically faster and less congested than the 2.4GHz band. It's ideal for high-bandwidth activities like streaming video or gaming but has a shorter range due to its higher frequency, which has more difficulty penetrating solid objects.
The Raspberry Pi 5's support for the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, also known as Wi-Fi 5, provides several benefits:
Speed: 802.11ac offers significantly higher data rates compared to its predecessor, 802.11n, resulting in faster data transfers and improved network performance.
Efficiency: It utilizes advanced technology like beamforming (which directs the Wi-Fi signal directly to the device rather than broadcasting in all directions) and wider channel bandwidth, enhancing connection stability and efficiency.
Capacity: The standard can support more simultaneous connections, beneficial in environments with many Wi-Fi devices.
OS Interface: Within the Raspberry Pi's operating system, you can connect to a Wi-Fi network using the graphical user interface (GUI) or command line. The GUI provides a straightforward method to select and connect to available networks, enter passwords, and manage network settings.
Command Line: For those who prefer or require terminal access, especially in headless setups (without a display), Wi-Fi settings can be configured by editing network configuration files or using networking commands.
With Wi-Fi connectivity, the Raspberry Pi 5 can access the internet, connect to remote servers, perform software updates, and participate in networked projects without a wired connection.
It also enables the Raspberry Pi to serve as a wireless access point, host web services, or support IoT (Internet of Things) applications where wireless connectivity is essential.
In summary, the Raspberry Pi 5's Wi-Fi capability enhances its versatility, allowing it to operate in various network environments efficiently, whether it's connected to the internet, accessing local network resources, or being part of a more extensive networked system.
The Raspberry Pi 5 comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, including support for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), enhancing its wireless communication capabilities.
This feature opens up a plethora of connectivity options, allowing the Raspberry Pi to interact with a wide range of devices and sensors.
Extended Range: Bluetooth 5.0 offers a significant increase in transmission range compared to its predecessors, enabling devices to communicate over greater distances.
Improved Data Transfer Speed: This version of Bluetooth allows for faster data transmission, which is beneficial for applications requiring quick exchanges of information.
Increased Bandwidth: With higher bandwidth, Bluetooth 5.0 supports richer, more complex communications, enabling more data to be transmitted efficiently.
Energy Efficiency: BLE is designed for devices that need to communicate small amounts of data periodically, reducing power consumption and extending the lifespan of battery-powered devices.
IoT Friendly: BLE is ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) applications where many devices need to connect and communicate efficiently, often in scenarios where conserving energy is crucial.
The Raspberry Pi 5 can be powered through a 5V/5A DC power input. It also supports USB Power Delivery (PD) for more flexible power options.
The board supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), allowing it to receive power through the Ethernet cable when used with a compatible PoE HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) or injector.
These components work together to provide a powerful and versatile single-board computer that can be used for a wide range of applications, from embedded systems and IoT projects to desktop computing and media centres.
