Are you a maker, DIY enthusiast, or just looking for a versatile and affordable single board computer? If so, you'll want to check out the most recent entry into the Raspberry Pi family, the Raspberry Pi 4.
Released in June 2019, the Raspberry Pi 4 is the latest and most powerful version of the popular single board computer. But what makes it so special, and how does it compare to previous versions of the Raspberry Pi? Let's take a closer look.
First and foremost, the Raspberry Pi 4 boasts a significant upgrade in processing power. With a quad-core Cortex-A72 processor running at 1.5 GHz (Up to 1.8 GHz), it's capable of running multiple applications simultaneously and handling more complex tasks than ever before. This makes it ideal for projects that require a lot of computing power, such as media centers, home automation systems, and even small scale game servers.
The Raspberry Pi 4 also comes with a host of other new features, including:
-
Up to 8GB of RAM: With up to 8x more memory than of its predecessor Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, the Raspberry Pi 4 is better equipped to handle multitasking and more resource-intensive applications.
-
Dual display support: The Raspberry Pi 4 can drive two displays simultaneously, making it perfect for projects that require a multi-screen setup.
-
Gigabit Ethernet: With faster networking capabilities, the Raspberry Pi 4 is better suited for projects that require a lot of data transfer, such as home media servers or file servers.
-
Improved USB performance: The Raspberry Pi 4 features two USB 3.0 ports, providing faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously.
-
USB Type-C Finally: A great improvement over its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi 4 now sports a USB-C connection for its power port. A much welcome feature as USB-C is reversible and widely available in 2022.
- Improved thermal management: The Raspberry Pi 4 features a new, more efficient heat sink design that helps to keep the board cool under heavy workloads.
Unfortunately, supply for the Raspberry Pi 4 since its release has been anemic as global supply chains have been strained due to the pandemic and conflict abroad. So if you come across a one of these little computer boards in a retail store, it is worth considering purchasing one as they are hard to find.
Overall, the Raspberry Pi 4 is a significant upgrade over previous versions of the popular single board computer. With its improved processing power, dual display support, gigabit Ethernet, and other new features, it's the ultimate DIY board for makers, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a versatile and affordable single board computer.