### The New 2GB Raspberry Pi 5: A More Compact, Cooler, and Efficient Board
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has yet again stirred excitement in the tech world with the launch of a new 2GB variant of the Raspberry Pi 5. Priced attractively at just $50, this release has drawn interest not only for its low cost but also for the noticeable and impactful enhancements it delivers. Although the 2GB version may appear to be a simple reduction in RAM, it is equipped with an upgraded Broadcom BCM2712C1 System-on-Chip (SoC), which presents several remarkable advantages.
#### A More Compact Die with Important Implications
When Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton unveiled the new 2GB board, he indicated that it would feature a slightly refined version of the Broadcom BCM2712C1 SoC. This new “D0 stepping” of the chip is engineered to require less silicon by eliminating certain features that the Raspberry Pi 5 does not require. This leads to a reduced die size, resulting in decreased manufacturing expenses.
Raspberry Pi aficionado and YouTuber Jeff Geerling took the initiative to validate these assertions through practical testing. By taking off the SoC’s heat spreader and measuring the silicon beneath, Geerling established that the new die is roughly 33% smaller than that of the original 4GB and 8GB versions of the Raspberry Pi 5. This decrease in die size is a considerable achievement, as it not only cuts production costs but also positively affects the board’s thermal and power performance.
#### Enhanced Power Efficiency and Thermal Performance
One of the most unexpected discoveries from Geerling’s evaluation is that the 2GB Raspberry Pi 5 operates at lower temperatures and consumes less power compared to its 4GB and 8GB versions. According to his assessments, the 2GB Pi 5 utilizes merely 2.4 watts of power when idle and 8.9 watts during a CPU stress test. In comparison, the 4GB version requires 3.3 watts at idle and 9.8 watts under stress. These discrepancies, although seemingly minor, are significant for devices typically used in power-sensitive environments.
Thermally, the 2GB Pi 5 also surpasses its counterparts. Geerling recorded the SoC temperature at 30°C when idle and 59°C under load, as opposed to 32°C and 63°C for the 4GB version. These cooler temperatures can lead to a longer operational lifespan for the device, as well as more consistent performance during extended workloads.
#### What Was Eliminated?
While the Raspberry Pi Foundation has not detailed the specific functionalities that were removed from the D0 stepping of the BCM2712C1 SoC, Geerling hypothesizes that these modifications likely pertain to the custom RP1 I/O chip. The RP1 chip manages various functions such as Ethernet and USB controllers, display interfaces, and GPIO, which might have facilitated the removal of redundant features from the main SoC.
#### What Lies Ahead for the 4GB and 8GB Versions?
An outstanding question is whether the D0 stepping will eventually be implemented for the 4GB and 8GB versions of the Raspberry Pi 5. Adopting a single, more affordable chip could provide financial advantages for the Raspberry Pi Foundation and streamline the manufacturing process. However, as of now, the company has yet to announce any intentions to upgrade the higher RAM versions with the new SoC revision.
#### Conclusion
The new 2GB Raspberry Pi 5 is not merely a low-cost option; it signifies a careful refinement of the Raspberry Pi 5 platform. With a more compact die, enhanced power efficiency, and improved thermal performance, this new variant is an excellent selection for those seeking a compact, economical computing solution. Whether these advancements will extend to the 4GB and 8GB versions remains uncertain, but for the time being, the 2GB Raspberry Pi 5 is a standout choice within the Raspberry Pi range.
