Best Raspberry Pi Single Board Computers: 4 Models Compared

Quick picks

Our 4 picks

1 Best overall

Raspberry Pi 5 8GB Single Board Computer

Best for: developers needing high RAM and dual 4K displays

Processor

Quad-Core Arm Cortex-A76 2.4GHz

RAM Capacity

8GB

Video Resolution

Dual 4Kp60 HDMI

Dimensions

3.35 × 2.2 × 0.67 inches

View on Amazon: Raspberry Pi 5 8GB Single Board Computer Affiliate link

The Raspberry Pi 5 8GB (SC1112) is a compact single-board computer built for performance. It features a quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz and 8GB of RAM. Dual 4K micro HDMI ports allow for high-resolution displays. You can expand storage using PCIe via M.2 NVMe SSDs or standard microSD cards. This model suits developers and home lab users who need reliable processing power in a small form factor.

Pros

• Quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 processor at 2.4GHz
• 8GB RAM for multitasking
• Dual 4K micro HDMI output ports
• PCIe expansion support for NVMe SSDs

Cons

• Requires external power supply via USB-C
• No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth in this specific model
• Base storage is not included; requires microSD or NVMe drive

Good fit if

• You need a fast CPU for compiling code or running virtual machines
• You want to connect two 4K monitors simultaneously
• You plan to use fast NVMe storage for your operating system

Skip if

• You require integrated wireless connectivity without adding a dongle
• You are looking for a pre-assembled system with storage included
• You need a passive cooling solution without a fan

Verdict: Raspberry Pi 5 8GB SC1112 delivers strong processing power for developers who prioritize speed and display options over integrated wireless features.

2 Best budget

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 8GB RAM 16GB eMMC

Best for: Embedded projects needing 8GB RAM

Processor

BCM2712 quad-core Cortex-A76 2.4GHz

RAM Capacity

8GB

RAM Type

DDR4

Storage

16GB eMMC

Ethernet

Ethernet

Memory

8GB RAM

View on Amazon: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 8GB RAM 16GB eMMC Affiliate link

The Raspberry Pi CM5 offers an 8GB RAM configuration with 16GB eMMC storage. It uses a quad-core 2.4GHz Cortex-A76 processor for solid performance. This compact module measures 55mm by 40mm, fitting into tight embedded spaces. It supports a wide temperature range from -20°C to +85°C. You should choose this model if you need reliable processing in a small footprint without the cost of higher-capacity versions.

Pros

• 8GB DDR4 RAM for multitasking
• 16GB onboard eMMC storage
• Quad-core 2.4GHz Cortex-A76 processor
• Compact 55mm x 40mm footprint

Cons

• Lower storage capacity than the 64GB eMMC variant
• No wireless connectivity compared to the Wireless model
• Requires a carrier board for full functionality

Good fit if

• You need 8GB RAM for moderate workloads
• You are building a space-constrained embedded system
• You require operation in extreme temperatures

Skip if

• You need built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
• You require 64GB or more of onboard storage
• You want a ready-to-use desktop computer

Verdict: Raspberry Pi CM5 8GB Compute Module provides balanced specs for embedded projects. It suits developers who need reliable processing in a compact form factor without needing wireless features.

3 Best 16gb ram

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 16GB RAM 16GB eMMC

Best for: high-RAM embedded projects

Processor

Broadcom BCM2712

RAM Capacity

16GB

Storage

16GB eMMC

Wireless Connectivity

802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE

Video Resolution

Dual 4K at 60Hz

Memory

16GB RAM

View on Amazon: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 16GB RAM 16GB eMMC Affiliate link

This module features a Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core processor running at 2.4GHz. It includes 16GB of RAM and 16GB of eMMC storage. The design supports dual 4Kp60 HDMI outputs. It also provides dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. This unit suits embedded projects requiring significant memory. The compact form factor fits tight spaces. It is ideal for users needing robust data handling capabilities.

Pros

• 16GB LPDDR4 RAM capacity
• Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core processor
• Dual 4Kp60 HDMI display outputs
• Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0

Cons

• Limited to 16GB eMMC internal storage
• Requires external case for full integration
• No included power supply or cables

Good fit if

• You need high RAM for complex tasks
• You require dual 4K display support
• You are building an embedded system

Skip if

• You need more than 16GB of storage
• You want a ready-to-use desktop PC
• You require USB-C connectivity

Verdict: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 16GB offers strong processing power and ample memory for demanding embedded applications. It fits users who need dual 4K outputs and wireless connectivity in a small package.

4 Best premium

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 8GB RAM 64GB eMMC

Best for: Embedded projects needing 64GB storage

Processor

Broadcom BCM2712

RAM Capacity

8GB

RAM Type

LPDDR4

Storage

64GB eMMC

Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet

Wireless Connectivity

802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE

View on Amazon: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 8GB RAM 64GB eMMC Affiliate link

This is the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 with 8GB LPDDR4 RAM and 64GB eMMC storage. It uses a Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core processor running at 2.4GHz. The module includes dual HDMI 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 5. It is designed for embedded applications where compact size and reliable onboard storage matter. You get a versatile I/O interface for custom builds.

Pros

• 64GB eMMC onboard storage
• 8GB LPDDR4 RAM
• Broadcom BCM2712 2.4GHz processor
• Dual HDMI 2.0 outputs
• Gigabit Ethernet support

Cons

• Wi-Fi 5 only (no Wi-Fi 6)
• No integrated display or peripherals
• Requires carrier board for full functionality

Good fit if

• You need large onboard storage for headless devices
• You are building a compact embedded system
• You require dual display outputs via HDMI

Skip if

• You need Wi-Fi 6 or 6E connectivity
• You want a ready-to-use desktop computer
• You require integrated graphics performance for gaming

Verdict: Raspberry Pi CM5 8GB 64GB eMMC offers ample storage and memory for industrial projects. It is ideal for developers who need a compact, powerful module with dual HDMI support.

Specifications side by side

Raspberry Pi Options Compared

The Raspberry Pi 5 8GB offers a 3.35-inch board for developers needing dual 4K displays. It provides strong processing power in a compact form. The Compute Module 5 variants suit embedded projects. The 8GB RAM model with 16GB eMMC fits budget-conscious builders. The 16GB RAM version handles high-RAM tasks efficiently. The 64GB eMMC option gives ample storage for industrial use. You choose based on memory and storage needs. The Pi 5 suits display-heavy work. The modules fit tight spaces. Each model targets specific development requirements. You select the size and specs that match your project. The listed dimensions help you plan your case. Memory and storage vary across the lineup. You find the right balance for your build.

Where Raspberry Pi Fits

Raspberry Pi suits developers and embedded engineers. The range spans from the 3.35-inch Pi 5 board to compact Compute Modules under 2.2 inches wide. You can choose between 8GB and 16GB RAM options. Storage varies from 16GB to 64GB eMMC. The lineup lacks standard wireless connectivity on most models. You must add external adapters for Wi-Fi. These boards focus on raw processing and I/O. They fit projects needing dual 4K displays or industrial reliability. They are not plug-and-play desktop replacements. You need to build the surrounding hardware.

How to choose the right one

1. Check memory needs

   You must match RAM to your workload. The Raspberry Pi 5 8GB supports high-performance development tasks. It handles dual 4K displays with ease. For embedded projects, 8GB is often sufficient. The Compute Module 5 8GB offers a balanced option. If your application is memory-intensive, consider the 16GB variant. More RAM allows smoother multitasking and larger datasets. Review your software requirements before deciding. Insufficient memory causes system lag. Adequate RAM ensures stable operation during complex computations.

2. Evaluate storage capacity

   Storage type and size affect data retention. The Compute Module 5 8GB includes 16GB eMMC. This is adequate for basic operating system files. If you need more space, the 64GB eMMC model is better. eMMC provides faster read and write speeds than SD cards. This improves system responsiveness. Consider how many files you will store. Industrial projects often require larger storage for logs. Check the specific model attributes. Ensure the storage meets your long-term data needs.

3. Assess form factor

   Size determines where you can place the device. The standard Raspberry Pi 5 is 3.35 inches long. It suits desktop setups or open cases. The Compute Modules are significantly smaller. The 8GB model is 2.17 inches long. The 16GB variant is only 0.19 inches high. Compact modules fit into tight enclosures. They are ideal for embedded integration. Measure your available space carefully. The form factor must align with your hardware design. Smaller size does not mean less power.

4. Verify connectivity options

   Connectivity varies between board types. The standard Pi 5 may lack integrated wireless features. You might need external adapters for Wi-Fi. Some Compute Modules include Bluetooth 5.0. This allows for wireless peripheral connections. Check the attributes for each model. Dual HDMI support is available on most models. This enables multi-display setups. Ensure your project requirements match the available ports. Missing connectivity can complicate your setup. Verify specifications before purchasing.

5. Match architecture to software

   The ARM architecture runs specific operating systems. Raspberry Pi devices use ARM-based processors. You must use compatible Linux distributions. Windows on ARM is also an option. Ensure your software is built for this architecture. The Compute Module 5 uses ARM technology. This provides efficient performance for embedded tasks. Check software compatibility lists. Not all applications run on ARM. Verify that your development tools support the architecture. This prevents compatibility issues later.

Frequently asked questions

See also

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