Raspberry Pi 500+: A Detailed Look at the New Upgrade

 

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has introduced the Raspberry Pi 500+, the latest addition to its “computer-in-a-keyboard” lineup. Building on the design of the Raspberry Pi 500, this version brings several hardware improvements aimed at better usability and performance.

This article explores the main changes, performance updates, and what this means for developers, educators, and hobbyists using Raspberry Pi systems.

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Overview of the Raspberry Pi 500+

The Raspberry Pi 500+ continues the idea of integrating a Raspberry Pi board inside a compact keyboard case. It provides an all-in-one form factor that only requires a display and power supply to function as a desktop computer.

The main goal behind this release is to make the Raspberry Pi more convenient as a daily-use computing device while retaining the familiar open-source flexibility that users appreciate.

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Key Hardware Upgrades

Compared to the standard Pi 500, the Raspberry Pi 500+ includes several noticeable improvements:

• Increased Memory: The system now features 16 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, doubling the capacity of its predecessor. This makes multitasking and memory-intensive applications smoother.

• NVMe SSD Support: The Pi 500+ comes with a 256 GB built-in NVMe SSD, providing significantly faster storage performance than microSD cards.

• Mechanical Keyboard: A new low-profile mechanical keyboard replaces the earlier membrane version. It offers a more tactile typing experience and includes adjustable RGB lighting.

• Customizable Keycaps: The keycaps are removable and can be swapped out, which allows for personalization or maintenance.

• Core Processing Unit: The device still uses the same 2.4 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 CPU as the Raspberry Pi 5 and Pi 500.

• Connectivity: It includes dual micro HDMI ports, multiple USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Gigabit Ethernet.

• Boot Options: It supports booting from microSD, USB, or the internal SSD.

• Physical Build: Due to the addition of new hardware, it is heavier than the original Pi 500.

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Performance Overview

The upgrades in memory and storage directly impact the system’s performance. NVMe storage provides faster data access, improving application launch times and system responsiveness. The increase to 16 GB of RAM allows more demanding software, browser tabs, or multitasking workloads to run without slowdowns.

While the processor remains the same as in the Pi 500, the enhanced I/O performance and storage options make the 500+ feel noticeably faster in daily use. Thermal performance is similar to previous models, with adequate cooling for most tasks.

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Use Cases

The Raspberry Pi 500+ serves multiple types of users, depending on their needs:

1. Education and Learning:
   The integrated form factor makes it suitable for classroom environments where simplicity and space-saving design are priorities. It can be used for programming lessons, Linux education, and general computing practice.

2. Lightweight Desktop Computing:
   For tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media playback, the 500+ offers a straightforward setup with minimal peripherals required.

3. Software Development:
   The improved RAM and SSD make it capable of handling small to medium development workloads, especially in languages like Python, C, or web-based environments.

4. Retro Gaming and Emulation:
   The all-in-one layout and solid performance make it a good platform for retro gaming using emulators available on Raspberry Pi OS.

5. Experimental and Embedded Projects:
   While GPIO access is more limited due to the integrated keyboard design, the device can still be used for prototyping and software experimentation.

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Limitations and Considerations

Despite its improvements, the Raspberry Pi 500+ has certain trade-offs:

• Reduced GPIO Accessibility: The GPIO pins are hidden under the casing, making it less convenient for physical computing and electronics projects.

• No Major CPU Upgrade: The same processor as the Pi 5 and Pi 500 means raw compute performance remains unchanged.

• Cost Factor: The additional hardware raises the price compared to previous models, which may not appeal to users focused on affordability.

• Limited Expansion: Although the SSD can be replaced, other components such as keyboard switches and form factor are fixed.