If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly single-board computer (SBC) to power your DIY projects, Raspberry Pi has just made it easier with the introduction of the new 2GB RAM model of the Raspberry Pi 5. Since its inception in 2012, the Raspberry Pi brand has consistently evolved, offering enhanced processing power and functionality with each new iteration. Now, with the release of the 2GB Raspberry Pi 5, hobbyists and beginners can enjoy these advancements at an even lower price point.

In an exciting announcement today, Raspberry Pi CEO and Founder Eben Upton revealed the latest addition to the Raspberry Pi lineup: the 2GB RAM model, available for just $50. While it offers less memory than the existing 4GB and 8GB models, this new version is designed to deliver the essential features of the Raspberry Pi 5 at a reduced cost, making it an ideal choice for those looking to build a pocket computer on a budget.

Eben Upton expressed his enthusiasm for the new release, stating, “It’s been a little over ten months since we launched Raspberry Pi 5. In many ways, this is the product that finally delivered on the original Raspberry Pi dream: an affordable general-purpose desktop computer … and bundled with all the tools and collateral required for a beginner to go from ‘hello, world’ to a career in engineering.”

The 2GB Raspberry Pi 5 achieves its lower price by employing a rebuilt D0 stepping of the BCM2712 application processor. This streamlined version retains the essential components needed for efficient operation, such as the 2.4GHz quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 application processor and Raspberry Pi’s VideoCore multimedia platform. However, to cut costs, Raspberry Pi has removed some of the less critical features present in the 4GB and 8GB models, resulting in a “leaner and meaner” version of the Pi 5.

To further optimize the performance of this new model, Raspberry Pi has also reengineered its proprietary operating system to have a smaller resource footprint, ensuring smooth operation even with the reduced memory. While the 4GB or 8GB models may be better suited for more complex projects requiring greater processing power, the 2GB model offers a comparable level of performance for simpler tasks and learning experiences.

This latest release underscores Raspberry Pi’s commitment to making computing accessible and affordable for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or a beginner exploring the world of SBCs, the 2GB Raspberry Pi 5 offers a powerful and cost-effective solution for your next project.