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A Raspberry Pi is a family of compact computing products—not just one board. Its standard single-board computers run Linux and can serve as small desktops, servers, or project computers; the family also includes low-power Zero computers, keyboard-integrated computers, embedded Compute Modules, and Pico microcontroller boards. Pico is for embedded control rather than running Linux.
Which Raspberry Pi fits depends on the job: choose a general-purpose computer for desktop or server tasks, a Zero when size and power use matter, a keyboard computer for an integrated setup, a Compute Module for an embedded design, or Pico for lightweight control tasks.
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What does “Raspberry Pi” mean?
Raspberry Pi is the name of a product family. The best-known members are single-board computers (SBCs): compact computers that run a full Linux operating system and provide ports for connecting peripherals. Other family members have different form factors or purposes, so the name alone does not tell you what software a device runs or what accessories it needs.
Raspberry Pi’s computer hardware documentation describes the main computer families. Its keyboard-computer documentation covers the integrated-keyboard range, while the Compute Module documentation describes products for embedded designs.
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Which Raspberry Pi product family should you choose?
| Family | What it is suited to | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Flagship single-board computers | General-purpose Linux desktop, server, and project use | Compact boards with common computer ports. Model B indicates Ethernet; Model A variants omit Ethernet and have fewer ports and reduced memory, according to Raspberry Pi’s hardware documentation. |
| Zero | Projects where a smaller size and lower power consumption are priorities | These are Linux computers, but their smaller form factor comes with fewer ports. Zero models use mini-HDMI for display output. |
| Keyboard computers | A computer integrated into a keyboard | Raspberry Pi’s documentation lists the 400, 500, and 500+ families. The 500 is based on Raspberry Pi 5 hardware; the 500+ is listed as released in 2025. Check the documentation for the exact model’s connections and requirements. |
| Compute Module | Embedded or industrial products such as digital signage, thin clients, and process automation | A compact system-on-module with fewer onboard connectors than a standard board. A carrier or baseboard provides the ports and pins needed for a particular design. |
| Pico | Lightweight embedded control and real-time tasks | A microcontroller board, not a Linux computer. Programs are flashed to onboard memory. |
Start with the job, not the model number
- For a conventional Linux desktop, server, or general project computer, look at the flagship SBC family.
- For a build constrained by space or power, consider a Zero and check whether its smaller port selection works for your setup.
- For an all-in-one keyboard form factor, consider a keyboard computer.
- For a product that needs a compact module integrated with a custom carrier board, consider a Compute Module.
- For direct control of hardware without a Linux desktop, consider Pico.
What do you need to get started?
A typical computer setup needs a Raspberry Pi, boot storage, and a power supply that matches the selected model. A desktop setup also needs a display, a compatible display cable, a keyboard, and a mouse. A monitor and input devices are not required if you configure the computer for headless network access instead.
Storage and operating system
A microSD card is a common boot option, but supported models can also boot from USB storage, network storage, or storage attached through a HAT. Raspberry Pi’s getting-started and imaging documentation recommends at least 32GB for Raspberry Pi OS and at least 16GB for Raspberry Pi OS Lite. It states that capacities above 2TB are not supported; some older Zero and Pi 1/2 models also have a 256GB boot-partition limitation.
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The flagship computer setup described in the official guide does not include onboard storage, so plan to provide boot media. Raspberry Pi Imager can download and write an operating system image to that media. It can also be used to preconfigure credentials and remote access.
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Power supply
Power requirements vary by model. Raspberry Pi’s setup guidance lists 5V/5A for Raspberry Pi 5; using a 5V/3A supply limits peripheral current to 600mA. It lists 5V/3A for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. Confirm the exact board and supply mode in the official setup documentation before choosing a power adapter.
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Display and input devices
Match the display cable to the board’s connector. Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5 use micro-HDMI outputs; Zero models use mini-HDMI. A desktop setup also needs a keyboard and mouse. For a headless setup, Raspberry Pi’s getting-started documentation explains configuring network access so you can connect remotely instead.
How do you set up a Raspberry Pi?
- Identify the exact model. Check its power input, display connector, ports, wireless and Ethernet options, and supported boot methods in the computer hardware documentation or the documentation for its product family.
- Prepare compatible boot storage. Choose a supported medium and capacity for the operating system and model. A microSD card is common; some models support other boot options.
- Write the operating system image. Use Raspberry Pi Imager to download and write the image to the boot medium. Set credentials and remote-access options there if you plan to use the computer headlessly.
- Connect the hardware. For a desktop, attach a display with the correct cable, plus a keyboard and mouse. Connect the appropriate power supply. For a headless configuration, connect it to the network using the access method you configured.
- Start the computer and complete setup. Follow the operating system’s first-run prompts or connect remotely if you configured headless access.
How should you compare Raspberry Pi options?
There is no single best model for every use. Compare the exact devices against the requirements of your project rather than choosing by family name alone.
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- Operating system and workload: Decide whether you need a full Linux computer or a microcontroller for embedded control.
- Form factor and power: Consider whether a standard board, a smaller low-power computer, an integrated keyboard computer, or an embedded module fits the space and power budget.
- Ports and connectivity: Check for Ethernet, USB, wireless support, and the display connector. A Compute Module also needs a suitable carrier/baseboard to expose the connections your design requires.
- Storage and expansion: Verify boot methods, storage capacity limits, and any HAT or carrier-board requirements for the specific model.
- Setup complexity: A starter kit may combine common accessories, but kit contents differ. Check that the included board, power supply, storage, case, and display cable match the model you intend to use.
Raspberry Pi’s official documentation establishes product characteristics and setup guidance, but it does not establish a universal best model, a current price ranking, or an independent performance comparison. Check the specifications for the exact model and region before purchasing.
Quick Recap
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- 5 sets of code: Python (compatible with 2&3), C, Java, Scratch and Processing (Scratch and Processing code provide graphical interfaces)
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