Do-it-yourself microcomputers enthusiasts will be happy to know that the new Raspberry Pi 3 model is now available. What makes it more exciting are the new and exciting features it has compared to the previous version.
We compiled a short specs comparison, so you can make an informed decision on which device to spend your cash on.
Raspberry Pi launched the first microcomputer on Feb. 29, 2012. Four years after the original Raspberry Pi rolled out the company takes another swing at the microcomputer market and showcases the Raspberry Pi 3. The device comes at the same price as the Pi 2 variant, at $35.
Under its hood, we find:
• Processing power from a 1.2 GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU. This has approximately the power of 10 Raspberry Pi 1s.
• Bluetooth 4.1 and 802.11n wireless LAN, both of which are integrated.
• Total compatibility with Raspberry Pi 1 and 2.
As a reminder, the Raspberry 2 came with four USB ports, a full HDMI port, 40 GPIO pins, an ethernet port, camera interface, display interface, microSD card slot, VideoCore IV 3D graphics core and a 3.5 mm audio jack with composite video.
CPU Comparison
The Raspberry Pi 3's new Broadcom SoC, dubbed BCM2837, has the identical basic architecture as its previous models, BCM2835 and BCM2836. This means that tutorials and projects that need the exact details of the Raspberry Pi hardware will keep working.
Raspberry Pi 2 Model B sported a 32-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 CPU complex clocked at 900MHz. With its 33 percent upgrade in clock speed and architectural improvements, the Raspberry Pi 3 is 50 to 60 percent more powerful in 32-bit mode when compared to its predecessor.
Form Factor, Design And Connectivity
More than half a year was spent to help the new BCM2837 SoC play well with the BCM43438 wireless "combo" chip. The Raspberry 3 maintains almost the same form-factor as the Raspberry Pi 1 Model B+ and the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B. The single noticeable modification is the location of the LEDs, which were repositioned in the opposite side of the SD card socket so that the antenna could fit.
The built-in Bluetooth and wireless LAN will offer the customers of Raspberry Pi 3 with access to more USB ports.
Power
Every connector kept its place and functionality from the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B. What is more, the board still supports a 5V micro-USB power adapter. The company recommends using a 2.5A adapter, should you plan to connect your Raspberry Pi 3 to power-hungry USB gadgets.
Software
For Raspberry Pi 3 to work properly, a recent NOOBS or Raspbian image from its download page is required. An improved version of 32-bit Raspbian will be delivered soon, and the company says that it looks into delivering a 64-bit variant, as well.
History
The initial Raspberry Pi Model B was a 256 MB microcomputer, and it took the world by surprise with its features. Its configuration convinced more than 5 million customers to purchase it. When the company launched the Raspberry Pi 2, another 3 million units sold like hot cakes. This literally makes Raspberry Pi the most sold computer from the UK.
The specs shed light on the leaked pictures and info that we presented earlier in its coverage.
