In this Hardware Guide:
- The "Linux vs. Microcontroller" distinction
- The Flagship: Raspberry Pi 5 (The Desktop Replacer)
- The Tiny Titan: Pi Zero 2 W (The Portable Choice)
- The Odd One Out: Pi Pico (The Arduino Killer)
- Verdict: The cheat sheet for your next project
In 2012, there was just "The Raspberry Pi." Today, the lineup is a confusing alphabet soup of numbers, Zeros, and Picos. If you buy the wrong one, you either waste money on power you don't need, or you end up with a board that can't run your software.
This guide categorizes the Raspberry Pi family into three distinct tiers to help you pick the perfect brain for your robot, server, or sensor.
1. The Flagship: Raspberry Pi 5
"The Desktop Replacer"
This is the big boy. Released to replace the Pi 4, the **Pi 5** is a true beast. It features a PCIe connector, meaning you can finally attach super-fast NVMe SSDs instead of slow SD cards.
The Pros
- Speed: 2-3x faster than the Pi 4. It runs a full Linux Desktop smoothly.
- PCIe Port: Native support for M.2 NVMe drives (with a HAT).
- Dual 4K: Can drive two monitors at 60Hz.
The Cons
- Heat: You must use an Active Cooler fan. It runs hot.
- Power: Requires a specialized 27W USB-C PD power supply.
- Cost: Starts at $60, but after accessories, it's closer to $100+.
Best Use Cases: Home Assistant Server (Proxmox), Frigate NVR, Media Center, Desktop PC, Minecraft Server.
2. The Compact: Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
"The Invisible Computer"
Imagine a computer the size of a stick of gum. The **Zero 2 W** packs nearly the same power as an older Pi 3 into a tiny footprint. It runs Linux, has Wi-Fi, and costs about $15.
The Pros
- Size: Fits inside game controllers, cameras, and tight 3D prints.
- Efficiency: Runs on a battery bank for hours.
The Cons
- Dongle Life: Uses Mini-HDMI and Micro-USB OTG. You need adapters for everything.
- RAM: Only 512MB. It struggles with heavy graphical desktops.
Best Use Cases: Portable Retro Gaming (Gameboy builds), Network Ad-Blocker (Pi-Hole), Hidden Security Cameras.
3. The Microcontroller: Raspberry Pi Pico W
"The Arduino Rival"
CRITICAL DISTINCTION
The Pico is NOT a computer. It does not run Linux. It does not have an HDMI port. It is a microcontroller (like an Arduino or ESP32) designed to run one script loop forever.
The **Pico W** costs $6 and includes Wi-Fi. It boots instantly and is perfect for hardware projects.
- Pros: $6 price tag, Real-time processing, Analog inputs (ADC).
- Cons: Cannot run a web browser or standard PC software.
Best Use Cases: Custom Keyboards, LED Controllers, Sensors, Robotics logic.
The Verdict: Cheat Sheet
| Model |
OS Support |
Price Range |
You should buy it if... |
| Pi 5 |
Linux / Windows (ARM) |
$60 - $80 |
You want a Server or Desktop. |
| Pi 4 |
Linux |
$35 - $55 |
You want a cheaper server and don't need NVMe speeds. |
| Zero 2 W |
Linux (Headless) |
$15 |
Space is tight and you need Wi-Fi. |
| Pico W |
MicroPython / C++ |
$6 |
You are blinking lights or reading sensors. |
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