Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB) Review: Huge Performance Leap!

Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB) Review

The Raspberry Pi has always been about squeezing as much power as possible into a tiny, affordable board, and with the release of the Raspberry Pi 5, the project has taken its biggest leap forward yet. For years, the Pi has been the go-to choice for tinkerers, hobbyists, educators, and even professionals looking for a low-cost computing solution. The Raspberry Pi 5, especially in its 8GB variant, makes a compelling case as more than just a hobbyist’s toy – it edges into being a genuinely capable everyday computer.

From the moment you set it up, the Pi 5 feels markedly faster than its predecessor. Powered by a quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A76 CPU running at 2.4GHz, the performance jump over the Pi 4 is immediately noticeable. Applications open more swiftly, web browsing is smoother, and multitasking doesn’t feel like a compromise. Paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, it handles memory-hungry tasks like running multiple browser tabs, lightweight coding environments, and even a bit of photo editing without breaking a sweat.

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of a PCIe 2.0 interface. While it requires an adapter to make full use of it, this addition opens up an entirely new world of possibilities for enthusiasts who want faster storage options or even niche add-ons like networking cards. For many, this will be a game-changer, as it breaks the limitations of relying solely on USB and microSD for expansion.

Speaking of storage, the Pi 5 still boots from a microSD card by default, but USB 3.0 booting is now far more stable, and when paired with a decent SSD, the performance difference is huge. If you’re using it as a daily desktop, this is almost a must, as it eliminates the occasional lag and sluggishness that microSD cards can introduce.

Graphics performance has also had a significant upgrade. The Raspberry Pi 5 uses a VideoCore VII GPU, supporting dual 4K displays at 60Hz. For such a small board, that’s impressive. In practical use, it means you can comfortably run a dual-monitor setup without feeling cramped, which is something the Pi 4 struggled with under heavier loads. It also makes the Pi 5 more appealing for media centre projects, light gaming, or even retro emulation. While it won’t rival a dedicated gaming PC, it handles titles like Minecraft and retro console emulators with ease.

Another big improvement is connectivity. The Pi 5 retains gigabit Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi, but Bluetooth 5.0 makes wireless peripherals more reliable. The inclusion of two USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports offers a good balance, and the dual HDMI outputs are now full-size, which makes setup much less fiddly than with the Pi 4’s micro HDMI connectors.

That said, the Pi 5 does run hotter than its predecessor. While the Pi 4 could usually get by with passive cooling in casual use, the Pi 5 benefits greatly from a heatsink or the official active cooler. Under heavier workloads, temperatures rise quickly, and thermal throttling will kick in without adequate cooling. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it does mean anyone planning to push the board should budget for cooling accessories.

In terms of value, the Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB) does sit at a higher price point than earlier models, but considering the performance leap, it feels justified. It’s still much cheaper than a conventional desktop or laptop, and for what it offers, it remains excellent value.

Ultimately, the Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB) strikes a balance between being a fun experimental platform and a surprisingly competent everyday computer. It’s perfect for learning to code, building DIY projects, setting up servers, or even just having a small, low-power PC around the house. With its improved power, connectivity, and expandability, the Pi 5 feels like the most versatile and exciting Raspberry Pi yet.

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