Raspberry Pi Gets an Upgrade, Now Has Double the RAM

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Twice the RAM, same great price.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced an updated version of the miniature $35 computer that has captured the hearts of PC enthusiasts around the world. This new model will ship with double the RAM of the current version, but will retain the same low price point we know and love.

Announced via the Raspberry Pi blog, Raspberry Pi Foundation founder Eben said that the increase in RAM was prompted by a common request from the Raspberry Pi community. There are currently two versions of Raspberry Pi, Model A and Model B, and both ship with 256MB of RAM. Apparently, the community has been asking for a Model C with extra RAM for quite some time, even if it means paying more for the board.

Today, the Raspberry Pi Foundation revealed that while the Model A will continue to ship with 256MB or RAM, the Model B is being upgraded to 512MB as standard. Eben explained that the Foundation is very attached to the $35 price point. As a result, they'll be keeping it.

"If you have an outstanding order with either distributor, you will receive the upgraded device in place of the 256MB version you ordered," he revealed.
"Units should start arriving in customers' hands today, and we will be making a firmware upgrade available in the next couple of days to enable access to the additional memory."

An update to the blog reveals that some folks who had ordered Raspberry Pi units received a 512MB Pi this morning. If you're among them, you can download updated firmware here.

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16 Comments Comment from the forums
  • memadmax
    Nice, but I think they should offer a 1gb version as well.
    Reply
  • guru_urug
    I think 512MB is the sweet spot. If they need to upgrade to 1GB RAM, I feel they should upgrade the SOC too to a ARMv7 based SOC. The Allwinner SOC manufactured in China is $7 a pop. Still the Raspberry Pi is a very vfm device and very much in demand!
    Reply
  • outlw6669
    Hey, this is great news!
    With any luck, the Pi I have had on order for several months will arrive with twice the RAM as well :)
    Reply
  • acadia11
    memadmaxNice, but I think they should offer a 1gb version as well.
    Why stop there, I think they should offer 4gb version.
    Reply
  • acadia11
    I still don't see the point of this device. Other than for learning about PCs?
    Reply
  • zak_mckraken
    acadia11Why stop there, I think they should offer 4gb version.Indeed. And a SSD. And x86 computing. And ATX form factor.
    Reply
  • outlw6669
    acadia11I still don't see the point of this device. Other than for learning about PCs?That is the entire point of this device.
    The Raspberry Pi is an educational tool to engage young students in the computer field and to help teach basic programing.
    Reply
  • jerm1027
    acadia11I still don't see the point of this device. Other than for learning about PCs?The better question is what isn't the point of the pi. It's cheap, low power, tiny, and you can stick on just about anything. You can make a sentry gun with it, use as an HTPC, basic server, send to space for a low-end satellite. It's only limited by your imagination.
    Reply
  • amdwilliam1985
    It'll be great if they also have a section of pages dedicated to "proven" hands-on projects.

    I know it can be use as an HTPC and/or server and etc... But the amount of googling and tweaking is just too much for someone like me. And yes I have a limited imagination.
    That's why it'll be great if they have these step by step guides.
    I still remember how great it was reading my first build your own pc and step by step overclocking, those were the fun times.
    Reply
  • nibir2011
    zak_mckrakenIndeed. And a SSD. And x86 computing. And ATX form factor.
    If you do not remember let me remind you Raspberry Pi was used to build the smallest cheapest Super Computer. With 64 pis.
    Reply