Introduction
The Raspberry Pi 5 launched in October 2023, bringing major improvements over the Pi 4. But is it worth upgrading? This guide compares both boards to help you decide.
Quick Verdict
- Choose Pi 5: If you need max performance, PCIe, or real-time clock
- Choose Pi 4: If you're on a budget or have existing Pi 4 accessories
Full Specification Comparison
| Specification | Raspberry Pi 5 | Raspberry Pi 4 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Cortex-A76 @ 2.4GHz | Cortex-A72 @ 1.8GHz |
| GPU | VideoCore VII | VideoCore VI |
| RAM Options | 4GB / 8GB | 1GB / 2GB / 4GB / 8GB |
| PCIe | PCIe 2.0 x1 | None |
| USB 3.0 | 2x USB 3.0 (5Gbps) | 2x USB 3.0 (via USB hub) |
| Display | 2x 4Kp60 HDMI | 2x 4Kp30 HDMI |
| RTC | Built-in (needs battery) | None |
| Power | 5V/5A (USB-C PD) | 5V/3A (USB-C) |
| Price (4GB) | $60 | $55 |
Raspberry Pi 4
Released in June 2019, the Pi 4 was a major upgrade from Pi 3, introducing USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and dual 4K displays.
Pi 4 Advantages
- Lower price point
- More RAM options (1/2/4/8GB)
- Huge ecosystem of cases and accessories
- Lower power consumption
- Proven, well-tested platform
Pi 4 Limitations
- Slower CPU (Cortex-A72)
- No native PCIe
- No real-time clock
- USB 3.0 bandwidth shared
Raspberry Pi 5
The Pi 5 is a ground-up redesign with a new custom silicon approach, delivering 2-3x the performance of Pi 4.
Pi 5 Advantages
- 2-3x faster CPU performance
- PCIe 2.0 x1 for NVMe SSDs
- Built-in RTC with battery connector
- Dedicated USB controller (no bandwidth sharing)
- 4Kp60 dual display support
- New RP1 I/O controller chip
Pi 5 Considerations
- Requires new power supply (5V/5A)
- Runs hotter (active cooling recommended)
- New case required (different form factor)
- Some HATs need adapter
GPIO and Connectivity
Same GPIO!
Both boards use the same 40-pin GPIO header. Most HATs and accessories are compatible with both (though Pi 5 may need a GPIO stacking header for some cases).
Performance Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Pi 5 | Pi 4 | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 5 (single) | ~850 | ~350 | +143% |
| Geekbench 5 (multi) | ~1600 | ~900 | +78% |
| Compile time (kernel) | ~30 min | ~70 min | 2.3x faster |
| NVMe SSD speed | ~450 MB/s | N/A | Pi 5 only |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Raspberry Pi 5 For...
- Desktop replacement
- NVMe SSD projects
- Emulation (PS2, GameCube)
- Machine learning/AI
- Home Assistant server
- 4K media center
Choose Raspberry Pi 4 For...
- Learning and education
- GPIO/HAT projects
- Light home automation
- Camera projects
- Budget-conscious builds
- Battery-powered projects
Shop Raspberry Pi
Browse our Raspberry Pi collection for boards, accessories, and kits.
Need cameras? See our Arducam Raspberry Pi Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Raspberry Pi 5 backward compatible with Pi 4 accessories?
Partially. The Pi 5 uses the same form factor and GPIO pinout, so cases and HATs are compatible. However, it requires a new 5V/5A power supply (27W USB-C PD). The camera and display connectors have also changed, requiring new cables or adapters.
How much faster is Raspberry Pi 5 compared to Pi 4?
The Pi 5 delivers 2-3x performance improvement in most workloads. Single-threaded tasks see ~2x improvement, while multi-threaded tasks can achieve 3-3.5x speedup. Graphics performance improved even more dramatically, with support for dual 4K@60Hz displays.
Can I use the same SD card from Pi 4 in Pi 5?
Yes, but a fresh installation is recommended. While the same SD card will physically work, the Pi 5 benefits from updated firmware and drivers. For best performance, start with a fresh Raspberry Pi OS installation optimized for Pi 5.
Does Raspberry Pi 5 require active cooling?
Not always, but it's highly recommended for sustained workloads. The Pi 5 generates more heat than Pi 4 and will thermal throttle under heavy continuous load without cooling. For maximum performance and longevity, use the official Active Cooler or equivalent.
What is the PCIe interface on Pi 5 used for?
The PCIe 2.0 x1 interface (via FFC connector) enables NVMe SSD storage, AI accelerators like Google Coral, high-speed network cards, and other expansion options. This is a major upgrade over Pi 4, which had no native PCIe support.