Get Ready for Raspberry Pi 5 - The Newest Model launches in October 2023

Have you been eagerly waiting for the newest model of Raspberry Pi? The wait is almost over as Raspberry Pi 5 is set to launch at the end of October (2023). With its impressive features and continued focus on affordability, many home automation enthusiasts and technology enthusiasts alike are excited to see what it's capable of.

In this blog post, we'll cover the specs and features that make Raspberry Pi 5 a must-have for anyone interested in DIY projects and home automation.

Upgraded performance

Raspberry Pi 5 promises to be a powerhouse, featuring a 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU and VideoCore VII GPU for graphical performance. This means that it will be faster and more efficient than the previous models. The dual 4Kp60 HDMI display output is another exciting feature that allows for dual monitors and a display resolution of up to 4K.

Better connectivity

In addition to these impressive features, the Raspberry Pi 5 comes with dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet with PoE+ support, so you can connect to your internet and other devices effortlessly. These features make this model convenient and versatile enough for use in any automation or DIY project.

The RP1 I/O controller

RP1 is the I/O controller that has been under development since 2016 and provides two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 interfaces, a Gigabit Ethernet controller, and more. DA9091 is the power-management IC that integrates eight switch-mode power supplies to generate various voltages required by the board along with an RTC and a PC-style power button. These features simplify the setup process and make Raspberry Pi 5 more beginner-friendly.

Active cooling opportunities for extra performance

First up, let's talk about the aesthetics of the new Raspberry Pi 5. It is visually similar to its predecessor, but don't let that fool you. The new model is packed with multiple usability and thermal-management features, such as an integrated fan. This fan will ensure that the device stays cool, even under heavy load. Additionally, for those who use the Raspberry Pi for overclocking or other power-intensive tasks, an Active Cooler can be added to provide extra cooling.

Raspberry Pi OS is now the sole-supported OS

The Raspberry Pi 5 will launch with a new version of Raspberry Pi OS based on Debian Bookworm. This will be the sole supported first-party operating system for Raspberry Pi 5. As always, there will be plenty of third-party operating systems and software options available for those who want to explore further.

Many, many new accessories

The updated Raspberry Pi offers a higher power supply, with a 27W USB-C power supply that operates at 5V/5A (25W). This provides extra power for downstream USB devices and 5W of extra on-board power budget. This means that the device will be more stable and reliable, even under heavy usage. For those who require a camera or display connection, FPC cables are available to convert from the higher-density mini to the lower-density standard format.

M.2 HATs

Additionally, the new Raspberry Pi 5 will offer a PoE+ HAT with an L-shaped form factor and M.2 HATs in early 2024. These new features will allow for more connectivity options and use cases. For those who are new to Raspberry Pi, a new edition of the Raspberry Pi Beginner's Guide is available for purchase, which includes all the information you need to get started with your new device.

RTC Battery

One thing that many Raspberry Pi users have been asking for is a real-time clock (RTC) battery. Thankfully, Raspberry Pi 5 will offer just that, with a $5 RTC battery that can be used to power the real-time clock when disconnected from the main supply. This is a useful addition for those who require time-keeping accuracy.

Conclusion

Raspberry Pi 5 is going to be an excellent addition to any home automation enthusiast's toolkit with its impressive features and specs. With the release of an enhanced version of Raspberry Pi OS, it will be fully supported with optimized performance.