Raspberry Pi 5
Raspberry Pi 5
Powerful quad-core CPU, PCIe NVMe support, and dual 4K outputs impress, but cooling is essential.
The Raspberry Pi 5 is a compact powerhouse designed for makers craving desktop-class versatility without the bulk. Armed with a Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core CPU, PCIe NVMe support, and dazzling dual 4Kp60 HDMI outputs, it tackles everything from retro gaming to media servers with flair. Experts applaud its innovative RP1 I/O controller and memory options up to 16GB, though users warn that heat demands serious cooling chops. The slightly steeper price tags pays off in performance gains but nudges buyers toward investing in accessories. This blend of raw muscle and savvy engineering fuels its broad appeal—powerful yet practical enough to earn high marks across the board.
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Benefits
Trade-Offs
BCM2712 CPU and VideoCore VII GPU deliver responsive desktop use, lowering cognitive friction.
BCM2712's performance increases thermal load, requiring active cooling to avoid sustained throttling.
Much better perf-per-watt than many x86 mini‑PCs for light tasks, thanks to ARM design.
Port and electrical changes break older HATs, creating potential hardware waste and retrofit needs.
PCIe and SSD boot enable local servers and data control, reducing cloud privacy exposure.
Removal of 3.5mm jack forces USB or HDMI audio, reducing simple accessibility for some.
Accessible GPIO, RP1 I/O, and community support promote practical skills and ethical tech literacy.
Higher idle and peak power than Pi4, meaning more energy consumption and cooling needs.
Upgradeable connectivity (PCIe) and active cooling extend usable lifespan, reducing replacement frequency.
Benefits
BCM2712 CPU and VideoCore VII GPU deliver responsive desktop use, lowering cognitive friction.
Much better perf-per-watt than many x86 mini‑PCs for light tasks, thanks to ARM design.
PCIe and SSD boot enable local servers and data control, reducing cloud privacy exposure.
Accessible GPIO, RP1 I/O, and community support promote practical skills and ethical tech literacy.
Upgradeable connectivity (PCIe) and active cooling extend usable lifespan, reducing replacement frequency.
Trade-Offs
BCM2712's performance increases thermal load, requiring active cooling to avoid sustained throttling.
Port and electrical changes break older HATs, creating potential hardware waste and retrofit needs.
Removal of 3.5mm jack forces USB or HDMI audio, reducing simple accessibility for some.
Higher idle and peak power than Pi4, meaning more energy consumption and cooling needs.
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Publications
5 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Avram Piltch and Les Pounder from Tom’s Hardware highlight the Raspberry Pi 5 as a significant leap forward, delivering two to three times the processing power of its predecessor at a similar price point. They enthusiastically praise its faster CPU and GPU, improved USB and storage speeds, dual camera/display support, and the long-awaited addition of a power button and real-time clock. The review emphasizes the Pi 5’s potential as a low-power alternative to Intel/AMD mini PCs, especially when paired with active cooling, which is essential due to the board’s higher thermal output. However, the authors candidly address early software compatibility issues with many existing HATs, noting that updates are underway but some older add-ons may lag behind. Video streaming performance still shows room for improvement, and the slight price increase and need for new cases due to port changes are minor drawbacks. Overall, the review conveys measured excitement, positioning the Raspberry Pi 5 as a powerful, versatile upgrade that will satisfy makers willing to invest in cooling and updated accessories.
Michael Justin Allen Sexton from PCMag highlights the Raspberry Pi 5 as a significant and exciting upgrade over its predecessor, praising its vastly improved processing power, graphics capabilities, and expanded storage options. He emphasizes the new Broadcom BCM2712 SoC with faster ARM Cortex-A76 cores and a powerful 12-core VideoCore VII GPU, which together deliver a much smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and emulation. The review notes the innovative addition of the RP1 chip for enhanced I/O performance and the introduction of PCIe 2.0 support for SSDs. While acknowledging a slight price increase, Sexton considers it justified given the performance gains. Testing reveals impressive benchmark results and real-world improvements, though some minor technical issues with certain benchmarks are mentioned. Overall, the review conveys strong enthusiasm and confidence, awarding the Raspberry Pi 5 a rare five-star rating and Editors’ Choice, calling it a must-have for DIY enthusiasts and a no-brainer upgrade.
Avram Piltch and Les Pounder from Tom’s Hardware highlight the Raspberry Pi 5 as a significant leap forward, delivering two to three times the processing power of its predecessor at a similar price point. They enthusiastically praise its faster CPU and GPU, improved USB and storage speeds, dual camera/display support, and the long-awaited addition of a power button and real-time clock. The review emphasizes the Pi 5’s potential as a low-power alternative to Intel/AMD mini PCs, especially when paired with active cooling, which is essential due to the board’s higher thermal output. However, the authors candidly address early software compatibility issues with many existing HATs, noting that updates are underway but some older add-ons may lag behind. Video streaming performance still shows room for improvement, and the slight price increase and need for new cases due to port changes are minor drawbacks. Overall, the review conveys measured excitement, positioning the Raspberry Pi 5 as a powerful, versatile upgrade that will satisfy makers willing to invest in cooling and updated accessories.
Michael Justin Allen Sexton from PCMag highlights the Raspberry Pi 5 as a significant and exciting upgrade over its predecessor, praising its vastly improved processing power, graphics capabilities, and expanded storage options. He emphasizes the new Broadcom BCM2712 SoC with faster ARM Cortex-A76 cores and a powerful 12-core VideoCore VII GPU, which together deliver a much smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and emulation. The review notes the innovative addition of the RP1 chip for enhanced I/O performance and the introduction of PCIe 2.0 support for SSDs. While acknowledging a slight price increase, Sexton considers it justified given the performance gains. Testing reveals impressive benchmark results and real-world improvements, though some minor technical issues with certain benchmarks are mentioned. Overall, the review conveys strong enthusiasm and confidence, awarding the Raspberry Pi 5 a rare five-star rating and Editors’ Choice, calling it a must-have for DIY enthusiasts and a no-brainer upgrade.
Avram Piltch and Les Pounder from Tom’s Hardware highlight the Raspberry Pi 5 as a significant leap forward, delivering two to three times the processing power of its predecessor at a similar price point. They enthusiastically praise its faster CPU and GPU, improved USB and storage speeds, dual camera/display support, and the long-awaited addition of a power button and real-time clock. The review emphasizes the Pi 5’s potential as a low-power alternative to Intel/AMD mini PCs, especially when paired with active cooling, which is essential due to the board’s higher thermal output. However, the authors candidly address early software compatibility issues with many existing HATs, noting that updates are underway but some older add-ons may lag behind. Video streaming performance still shows room for improvement, and the slight price increase and need for new cases due to port changes are minor drawbacks. Overall, the review conveys measured excitement, positioning the Raspberry Pi 5 as a powerful, versatile upgrade that will satisfy makers willing to invest in cooling and updated accessories.
Michael Justin Allen Sexton from PCMag highlights the Raspberry Pi 5 as a significant and exciting upgrade over its predecessor, praising its vastly improved processing power, graphics capabilities, and expanded storage options. He emphasizes the new Broadcom BCM2712 SoC with faster ARM Cortex-A76 cores and a powerful 12-core VideoCore VII GPU, which together deliver a much smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and emulation. The review notes the innovative addition of the RP1 chip for enhanced I/O performance and the introduction of PCIe 2.0 support for SSDs. While acknowledging a slight price increase, Sexton considers it justified given the performance gains. Testing reveals impressive benchmark results and real-world improvements, though some minor technical issues with certain benchmarks are mentioned. Overall, the review conveys strong enthusiasm and confidence, awarding the Raspberry Pi 5 a rare five-star rating and Editors’ Choice, calling it a must-have for DIY enthusiasts and a no-brainer upgrade.
YouTube
8 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Jeff GeerlingJeff Geerling praises the Raspberry Pi 5 for its significant performance boost—2.5× faster CPU, improved GPU, and enhanced I/O with the new RP1 chip and PCIe support. He highlights efficient power management, upgraded cooling options, and versatile connectivity, while noting some early PCIe driver quirks and missing analog audio. Overall, he views it as a strong, competitively priced upgrade that revitalizes the Pi lineup.
ETA PRIMEETA Prime praises the Raspberry Pi 5 as a powerful, energy-efficient desktop alternative for everyday tasks like web browsing, media playback, and document editing, especially when paired with Ubuntu 23.10 and USB 3.0 storage. While not suited for heavy gaming or workstation use, its overclocked CPU/GPU and official cooler deliver impressive performance and versatility.
Jeff GeerlingJeff Geerling praises the Raspberry Pi 5 for its significant performance boost—2.5× faster CPU, improved GPU, and enhanced I/O with the new RP1 chip and PCIe support. He highlights efficient power management, upgraded cooling options, and versatile connectivity, while noting some early PCIe driver quirks and missing analog audio. Overall, he views it as a strong, competitively priced upgrade that revitalizes the Pi lineup.
ETA PRIMEETA Prime praises the Raspberry Pi 5 as a powerful, energy-efficient desktop alternative for everyday tasks like web browsing, media playback, and document editing, especially when paired with Ubuntu 23.10 and USB 3.0 storage. While not suited for heavy gaming or workstation use, its overclocked CPU/GPU and official cooler deliver impressive performance and versatility.
Jeff GeerlingJeff Geerling praises the Raspberry Pi 5 for its significant performance boost—2.5× faster CPU, improved GPU, and enhanced I/O with the new RP1 chip and PCIe support. He highlights efficient power management, upgraded cooling options, and versatile connectivity, while noting some early PCIe driver quirks and missing analog audio. Overall, he views it as a strong, competitively priced upgrade that revitalizes the Pi lineup.
ETA PRIMEETA Prime praises the Raspberry Pi 5 as a powerful, energy-efficient desktop alternative for everyday tasks like web browsing, media playback, and document editing, especially when paired with Ubuntu 23.10 and USB 3.0 storage. While not suited for heavy gaming or workstation use, its overclocked CPU/GPU and official cooler deliver impressive performance and versatility.
Jeff GeerlingJeff Geerling praises the Raspberry Pi 5 for its significant performance boost—2.5× faster CPU, improved GPU, and enhanced I/O with the new RP1 chip and PCIe support. He highlights efficient power management, upgraded cooling options, and versatile connectivity, while noting some early PCIe driver quirks and missing analog audio. Overall, he views it as a strong, competitively priced upgrade that revitalizes the Pi lineup.
ETA PRIMEETA Prime praises the Raspberry Pi 5 as a powerful, energy-efficient desktop alternative for everyday tasks like web browsing, media playback, and document editing, especially when paired with Ubuntu 23.10 and USB 3.0 storage. While not suited for heavy gaming or workstation use, its overclocked CPU/GPU and official cooler deliver impressive performance and versatility.
Social
7 INFLUENCER REVIEWS
The DIY LifeThe DIY Life highlights the impressive speed and versatility of the Raspberry Pi 5 by showcasing a custom-built NAS setup using a 2.5G Ethernet adapter and solid-state storage. Their enthusiasm for the device’s performance shines through, emphasizing its suitability for advanced DIY electronics projects. Overall, The DIY Life strongly recommends the Raspberry Pi 5 for makers and tinkerers seeking a fast, reliable single board computer for network-attached storage and similar applications, praising its real-world capabilities without notable reservations.
blackdeviceblackdevice highlights the Raspberry Pi 5’s latest OS update based on Debian Trixie, praising its smoother performance, polished interface, and the new Control Center that centralizes system settings. They share a unique tip for installing the OS without a separate computer, adding practical value to the review. While the visual changes are subtle rather than radical, the overall impression is positive and appreciative of the refinements. Overall, blackdevice offers a measured but favorable view of the Raspberry Pi 5’s updated OS, emphasizing usability improvements and performance gains. They recommend the update for users seeking a cleaner, more streamlined experience, especially noting the handy installation trick, making it a worthwhile upgrade for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts.
The DIY LifeThe DIY Life highlights the impressive speed and versatility of the Raspberry Pi 5 by showcasing a custom-built NAS setup using a 2.5G Ethernet adapter and solid-state storage. Their enthusiasm for the device’s performance shines through, emphasizing its suitability for advanced DIY electronics projects. Overall, The DIY Life strongly recommends the Raspberry Pi 5 for makers and tinkerers seeking a fast, reliable single board computer for network-attached storage and similar applications, praising its real-world capabilities without notable reservations.
blackdeviceblackdevice highlights the Raspberry Pi 5’s latest OS update based on Debian Trixie, praising its smoother performance, polished interface, and the new Control Center that centralizes system settings. They share a unique tip for installing the OS without a separate computer, adding practical value to the review. While the visual changes are subtle rather than radical, the overall impression is positive and appreciative of the refinements. Overall, blackdevice offers a measured but favorable view of the Raspberry Pi 5’s updated OS, emphasizing usability improvements and performance gains. They recommend the update for users seeking a cleaner, more streamlined experience, especially noting the handy installation trick, making it a worthwhile upgrade for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts.
The DIY LifeThe DIY Life highlights the impressive speed and versatility of the Raspberry Pi 5 by showcasing a custom-built NAS setup using a 2.5G Ethernet adapter and solid-state storage. Their enthusiasm for the device’s performance shines through, emphasizing its suitability for advanced DIY electronics projects. Overall, The DIY Life strongly recommends the Raspberry Pi 5 for makers and tinkerers seeking a fast, reliable single board computer for network-attached storage and similar applications, praising its real-world capabilities without notable reservations.
blackdeviceblackdevice highlights the Raspberry Pi 5’s latest OS update based on Debian Trixie, praising its smoother performance, polished interface, and the new Control Center that centralizes system settings. They share a unique tip for installing the OS without a separate computer, adding practical value to the review. While the visual changes are subtle rather than radical, the overall impression is positive and appreciative of the refinements. Overall, blackdevice offers a measured but favorable view of the Raspberry Pi 5’s updated OS, emphasizing usability improvements and performance gains. They recommend the update for users seeking a cleaner, more streamlined experience, especially noting the handy installation trick, making it a worthwhile upgrade for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts.
The DIY LifeThe DIY Life highlights the impressive speed and versatility of the Raspberry Pi 5 by showcasing a custom-built NAS setup using a 2.5G Ethernet adapter and solid-state storage. Their enthusiasm for the device’s performance shines through, emphasizing its suitability for advanced DIY electronics projects. Overall, The DIY Life strongly recommends the Raspberry Pi 5 for makers and tinkerers seeking a fast, reliable single board computer for network-attached storage and similar applications, praising its real-world capabilities without notable reservations.
blackdeviceblackdevice highlights the Raspberry Pi 5’s latest OS update based on Debian Trixie, praising its smoother performance, polished interface, and the new Control Center that centralizes system settings. They share a unique tip for installing the OS without a separate computer, adding practical value to the review. While the visual changes are subtle rather than radical, the overall impression is positive and appreciative of the refinements. Overall, blackdevice offers a measured but favorable view of the Raspberry Pi 5’s updated OS, emphasizing usability improvements and performance gains. They recommend the update for users seeking a cleaner, more streamlined experience, especially noting the handy installation trick, making it a worthwhile upgrade for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts.
Store Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 STORE
Amazon reviewers praise the Raspberry Pi 5 for its impressive power and versatility, highlighting its ability to handle tasks ranging from retro gaming to desktop-level computing. Many users emphasize the 16GB model’s capability to rival traditional PCs, especially when paired with NVMe SSDs and advanced cooling solutions, making it suitable for activities like 4K browsing, media serving, and even audio engineering experiments. Enthusiasts appreciate the device’s speed and smooth performance, noting that Linux installations run quickly and the system operates more fluidly than many laptops. While some caution about the delicate hardware and recommend careful setup, others point out the broad support and reliability for DIY projects and development work. A few reviewers mention the packaging could be sturdier, and opinions on value vary—some find it a great deal for the features offered, whereas others consider it pricey, especially when adding accessories. Unique insights include the Pi 5’s ability to drive dual ultra-wide monitors and its potential as a portable video editing platform, reflecting the expanding scope of this compact computer’s capabilities.
4.8 Stars / Many verified reviews
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Reddit users generally view the Raspberry Pi 5 as a capable and versatile device, particularly praising its improved performance and suitability for specific tasks like home servers and lightweight computing. However, there is notable criticism regarding its limited hardware media codec support, higher power consumption compared to previous models, and thermal management challenges. Some users express frustration with supply delays and inconsistent fan behavior. While new shoppers appreciate its potential for learning and tinkering, experienced users often highlight that for more demanding or daily desktop use, alternative mini PCs or refurbished desktops offer better value and performance. Overall, the sentiment is cautiously optimistic but tempered by practical limitations.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •CPU upliftMarketed as 2–3× CPU boost
- •PCIe NVMe supportAdvertised to enable NVMe booting
- •High‑bandwidth I/ODesigned to double USB/SD throughput
- •Dual 4K videoPromoted as dual 4Kp60 outputs
- •Generous memory optionsAvailable in up to 16GB RAM
- •Mature ecosystemCompany highlights broad software and accessories
Considerations
- •Thermal limitsRuns hot under sustained load
- •Power sensitivityRequires 5V/5A PD; adapter issues possible
- •Legacy HAT software gapsSome libraries need updates for RP1
- •Connector changesNew MIPI/PCIe connectors require cables
- •Initial availabilityLaunch shortages and restock delays reported
- •4K browser playbackOccasional dropped frames in some scenarios
With a reputation for accessible, compact computing, this latest iteration steps up with a Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU clocked at 2.4GHz, promising up to three times the processing power of its predecessor. Designed for makers, educators, and hobbyists alike, it handles everything from DIY projects to media centers with ease. Its standout features include an innovative RP1 I/O controller that doubles USB bandwidth and introduces a PCIe 2.0 interface for speedy NVMe SSD support—opening doors to faster storage options uncommon in this category. The device also boasts impressive dual 4Kp60 HDMI outputs powered by an upgraded VideoCore VII GPU and supports memory configurations up to 16GB LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM, catering well to multitasking demands. While offering solid build quality within a familiar form factor, managing heat remains essential under load due to increased performance capabilities. Whether you’re gaming retro classics or running servers at home, understanding these key strengths will help decide if this pint-sized powerhouse fits your tech ambitions perfectly.
I/O Throughput (PCIe, USB, SD)
The I/O game has stepped up with the custom-designed RP1 southbridge chip, doubling USB bandwidth and introducing a single-lane PCIe 2.0 interface that unlocks NVMe SSD support via HATs—game-changing for storage speed and expandability. The microSD slot now supports SDR104 mode for blazing fast card access too. Real-world tests show markedly improved data transfer rates compared to predecessors; it's not just about ports but how they’re managed under the hood that sets this board apart from many peers in its class.
GPU & Video Output
Graphics get a substantial uplift thanks to the new VideoCore VII GPU clocked at 800MHz, capable of smooth dual-display output at crisp 4K60 resolution with HDR support—perfect for multimedia enthusiasts or digital signage projects requiring vivid visuals. However, some experts note occasional hiccups in browser-based video playback at ultra-high resolutions which may improve as software matures; still this GPU represents one of the most robust offerings within compact SBC platforms today.
CPU Performance
When it comes to raw power, the Raspberry Pi 5 flexes its Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU running at a zippy 2.4GHz, delivering a 2–3× performance boost over previous models. This means smoother multitasking and faster processing for complex tasks like server hosting or media streaming. Experts confirm this upgrade transforms everyday usability, making it feel more like a mini desktop powerhouse than just an SBC. While not competing with full-fledged PCs, this CPU is a giant leap in efficiency and speed — truly the heart of its enhanced capabilities.
Thermal Management
With great power comes heat: without active cooling, users report temperatures hitting throttling thresholds around 82°C during heavy workloads on the Raspberry Pi 5’s efficient yet hot-running SoC. Thankfully, official solutions include an elegant active cooler combining heatsink plus fan, along with smart thermal management features built into both hardware and OS layers that keep temps stable while maintaining peak performance quietly—a necessity rather than luxury for serious users pushing limits.
Conclusion
Bold strides in CPU performance and a deftly engineered RP1 I/O controller redefine what a single-board computer can handle, especially with the leap to PCIe NVMe support boosting storage speeds beyond expectations. The refreshed VideoCore VII GPU and crisp dual 4Kp60 video output cater well to multimedia tasks, though sustained power pushes call for thoughtful thermal management, as heat whispers its limits under load. Memory options up to an impressive 16GB expand multitasking horizons without compromising speed or stability. Solid craftsmanship shines through in the refined build and ergonomic port layout, even if legacy compatibility demands some adaptation. This blend of raw muscle and nuanced engineering makes it ideal for makers craving desktop-class versatility but less suited for those wanting effortless plug-and-play simplicity or ultra-quiet operation out of the box. Its measured advancements carve a niche that balances ambition with pragmatism—delivering potent capabilities wrapped in familiar form factors that invite exploration rather than overwhelm.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
CPU Performance
5/5
GPU Performance
4/5
Memory Capacity
5/5
Thermal Management
4/5
I/O Throughput
5/5
Durability
4/5
Value
Price
4/5
Availability
4/5
Long-term Software Support
4/5
Bundled Accessories
TBD
Design
Form Factor Versatility
4/5
Build Quality
4/5
Cooling Options
4/5
Port Layout Ergonomics
4/5
Health
Material Safety Compliance
TBD
Surface Temperature
4/5
Noise Emissions
4/5
Safety
Electrical Protection
4/5
ESD Protection
TBD
Regulatory Certifications
TBD
Power Supply Safety
4/5
Sustainability
Energy Efficiency
4/5
Repairability
3/5
Recyclability
TBD
Experience Style
Out of the Box Ease of Use
4/5
Customizability
5/5
Community Documentation
5/5
Peripheral Ecosystem
5/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
9 Questions
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