Raspberry Pi 5 Gets a Major RAM Upgrade with 16GB Option for $120
When it comes to computing, one common question often arises: how much RAM do you really need? For most users, the answer isn’t always clear, especially when it comes to the Raspberry Pi, a low-cost, all-in-one system-on-a-chip widely used by hobbyists. Traditionally, the Raspberry Pi has made do with far less memory than your typical desktop PC, but the new 16GB version of the Raspberry Pi 5 is changing that.
At $120, the 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 more than doubles the price of the base 2GB model, and also sits at the top of the range compared to the 4GB ($60) and 8GB ($80) options. While the price may seem high for a Raspberry Pi that doesn’t include additional hardware, it’s actually quite reasonable considering the cost of the upgraded components. If you break it down, it seems that every 4GB of additional memory costs around $20, making the 16GB model an understandable jump in pricing.
So why the upgrade to 16GB of RAM? According to Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton, the extra memory is necessary to support heavier distributions, like Ubuntu, and more demanding applications, including computational fluid dynamics and large AI models. The 16GB version is also compatible with Arm-based versions of Windows, including the latest Windows 11, which, in Upton’s view, could make 16GB the new baseline for running the OS efficiently.
This new model is an exciting step for those looking to build a compact and budget-friendly Windows PC or just push the Raspberry Pi to its limits, especially for users working with memory-intensive tasks. However, at $120, it’s edging into mini PC territory, which comes with its own set of perks like onboard storage and pre-installed operating systems.
