Wait a minute, you say, that’s less than the previously announced versions. But this model is the cheap and cheerful version, costing $50, compared to $60 for the 4GB and $80 for the 8GB siblings.
Eben Upton explains that the latest 2GB model is based on a new version of the BCM2712 application processor. It uses a cost-optimized D0 stepping (not C1).
Essentially, the BCM2712’s D0 stepping removes unused functionality from the BCM2712C1 – there is no functional difference between C1 and D0.
“The new D0 stepping removes all unnecessary features and leaves only the parts we need. From a Raspberry Pi user’s perspective, it’s functionally identical to its predecessor: the same fast quad-core processor, the same multimedia capabilities, and the same PCI Express bus that proved to be one of the most exciting features of the Raspberry Pi 5 platform. However, it’s cheaper to manufacture and therefore available at a slightly lower cost to us. And this, combined with the savings from halving the storage capacity, has allowed us to shave $10 off the cost of the finished product.”
However, you can rest assured that the Pi’s operating system, the Linux-based Raspberry Pi OS, will continue to run smoothly on this model.
You can buy it online from approved resellers: Cool Components, CPC, Pimoroni, The Pi Hut.
You can also read our technology editor’s news report on this release.
Eben summarizes the introduction of the Raspberry Pi 5 in the following video:
See also: Raspberry Pi’s M.2 HAT+ hits the market
