The Raspberry Pi Foundation has unveiled a more affordable option in its latest single-board computer lineup. The new 2GB variant of the Raspberry Pi 5 aims to make the powerful microcomputer accessible to a wider audience at a $50 price point.
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| Introducing the budget-friendly Raspberry Pi 5 2GB variant at $50 |
Cost-Optimized Without Compromise
This budget-friendly model maintains the core capabilities of its higher-memory siblings:
- Quad-core 2.4GHz ARM Cortex-A76 CPU
- VideoCore VII GPU supporting OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2
- Dual 4K60 HDMI output
- Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0
- PCIe 2.0 x1 interface
The cost savings come from two key optimizations:
- Reduced RAM: 2GB LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM (down from 4GB/8GB)
- New D0 stepping of the BCM2712 processor, removing unused silicon
Performance Considerations
While the 2GB model is functionally identical to its predecessors, users should consider their use case:
- Basic tasks, web browsing, and general computing work well with 2GB
- RAM-intensive applications like AI, 4K video editing, or running multiple displays may benefit from 4GB/8GB models
Pricing and Availability
The Raspberry Pi 5 lineup now offers:
- 2GB model: $50
- 4GB model: $60
- 8GB model: $80
The new 2GB version is available immediately through authorized resellers.
Looking Ahead
Eagle-eyed observers have noted resistor pads for a potential 1GB variant on the Pi 5 board. However, the Raspberry Pi Foundation is currently prioritizing the development of the Compute Module 5.
This new entry-level option demonstrates the Foundation's commitment to balancing performance with affordability, ensuring the Raspberry Pi platform remains accessible for hobbyists, educators, and developers alike.