Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is the latest iteration in the Raspberry Pi series, offering significant upgrades in performance, connectivity, and multimedia capabilities. Here are some key details:
- Dimensions: It retains the same form factor as previous Raspberry Pi B models, measuring 85.6mm x 56.5mm x 17mm.
- Processor: The Model B features a Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A72 processor, clocked at 1.5GHz (or 1.8GHz for the 8GB variant). This represents a substantial leap in processing power over previous generations.
- Memory: It comes with options for 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of LPDDR4 SDRAM, providing a range of memory options to suit different needs and budgets.
- Wireless Connectivity:
- Dual-band 802.11ac Wireless LAN (WLAN), supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
- Bluetooth 5.0 with BLE, offering improved power management and range compared to previous versions.
- I/O Interfaces:
- 40 GPIO pins for hardware interfacing and expansion.
- Two micro HDMI ports, supporting dual monitor output at up to 4Kp60 resolution.
- Two USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports, providing high-speed data transfer for compatible peripherals.
- Gigabit Ethernet with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capability (with an optional PoE HAT).
- A microSD card slot for storage, now with better support for larger capacity cards.
- A CSI camera connector and a DSI display connector.
- A USB-C port for power input, supporting up to 3A for improved power management.
- An audio jack for sound output and a 3.5mm jack for composite video output.
- Storage: Uses a microSD card for the operating system and data storage.
- Power: Requires a 5V/3A power supply, with the USB-C port providing a more stable power connection.
- Price: The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B comes at various price points, depending on the memory size, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Usage:
- Education: With its powerful performance, it’s ideal for teaching advanced computing, AI, machine learning, and other complex topics.
- DIY Projects: Suitable for sophisticated projects including media centers, gaming consoles, home automation, IoT devices, and more.
- Embedded Systems: Its enhanced capabilities make it suitable for embedded applications requiring high performance and connectivity.
- Development: A popular choice for developers due to its increased performance, making it ideal for software and hardware prototyping, especially in fields like robotics, IoT, and multimedia.
Advantages
- Performance: The Cortex-A72 processor provides a significant performance boost, making it capable of running more demanding applications.
- Memory Options: Multiple memory options allow users to choose the model that best fits their project’s requirements.
- Improved Connectivity: Faster USB, dual HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet offer versatile connectivity options.
- 4K Video Support: Capable of dual 4K output, making it suitable for multimedia applications.
- USB-C Power: The USB-C power input provides a more reliable and stable power connection.
Limitations
- Heat: The increased performance can generate more heat, necessitating adequate cooling for intensive use.
- Cost: While still affordable, the higher-end models with more memory are more expensive than previous Raspberry Pi models.
- Power Consumption: The Raspberry Pi 4 requires more power, which might be a consideration for battery-powered projects.
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B represents a significant evolution in the Raspberry Pi lineup, bringing it closer to the capabilities of a full-fledged computer. Its enhancements in processing power, memory options, and connectivity make it an excellent platform for a wide range of applications, from educational to professional, and it continues to be a cornerstone in the maker and tech community.
Get started
Check out our step-by-step guide:
How to set up your Raspberry Pi 4 for the first time
You will need
- A 15W USB-C power supply – we recommend the official Raspberry Pi USB-C Power Supply
- Micro SD card with Raspberry Pi OS installed (buy a pre-loaded SD card along with your Raspberry Pi, or install Raspberry Pi OS using Raspberry Pi imager)
- A keyboard and mouse
- Cables to connect to one or two displays via Raspberry Pi 4’s micro HDMI ports
Take it further
- Learn how to configure, update, and navigate your Raspberry Pi once it’s set up
- Discover a whole range of projects for your Raspberry Pi
- Read more detailed documentation on configuring your Raspberry Pi
- Find out about accessing your Raspberry Pi remotely