Raspberry Pi 500+ Launches as the Ultimate Compact PC with 256GB NVMe SSD

You can get faster speed and better reliability with the raspberry pi 500+. The 256GB NVMe SSD gives you quick storage. The 16GB of RAM helps you do many things at once. Other small PCs can also multitask well, as shown below:

Device	RAM	Processor	Performance Highlights
KAMRUI Pinvoa Mini PC E3B	16GB	AMD Ryzen 5 7430U	Can do many tasks, run office apps, browse the web, and play 4K videos smoothly.
KAMRUI Essenx E1 Mini PC	16GB	Intel 12th Gen N97	Lets you open many tabs, stream videos, and edit photos easily.
Blackview MP60 Mini PC	16GB	Intel Twin Lake N150	Good for work, browsing, and light gaming with two 4K HDMI ports.

You will use a mechanical keyboard with Gateron KS–33 Blue switches on this raspberry device. These switches make typing easier and more fun. Dual 4K output gives you great visuals for work or fun.

Key Takeaways

• The Raspberry Pi 500+ has a 256GB NVMe SSD. This gives fast storage. You can open files and programs quickly.

• It has 16GB of RAM. This helps with multitasking. You can run many apps at once. There is no lag.

• It can show two 4K screens. This helps you work better. You can use one screen for work. You can use the other for media.

• The small design puts the computer in a mechanical keyboard. This saves space. It keeps your desk neat.

• You can upgrade storage with an NVMe slot. This lets you add more space. You can expand the device when you need to.

Raspberry Pi 500+ Highlights

256GB NVMe SSD Speed

You get fast and reliable storage with the 256GB NVMe SSD in the raspberry pi 500+. This SSD lets you open files, load programs, and save data quickly. You will notice the difference when you start your computer or transfer large files. The SSD can handle both big and small tasks with ease. Here is a table that shows how fast it works:

Metric	Speed
Sequential Read	3,100 MB/s
Sequential Write	1,300 MB/s
Random Read	220,000 IOPS
Random Write	310,000 IOPS

These speeds mean you can work without waiting for your computer to catch up. You can trust your raspberry to keep up with your needs, whether you are editing documents or watching videos.

16GB of RAM Performance

The raspberry pi 500+ comes with 16gb of ram. This amount of memory helps you run many programs at once. You can switch between apps, browse the web, and even play games without slowing down. The extra RAM also helps with heavy workloads, like editing photos or working on big projects. Take a look at this chart to see how the raspberry pi 500+ compares to other models:

You can see that the raspberry pi 500+ stands out in multitasking tests. The table below shows more details:

Metric	Raspberry Pi 500+ (16GB)	Raspberry Pi 500 (8GB)	Raspberry Pi 400 (4GB)	Raspberry Pi 5 (16GB)
MIPS	3,321	11,979	6,020	12,015
GFLOPS	35.15	36.48	15.39	37.93
UnixBench (Single Core)	1,646	1,649	577	1,649
UnixBench (Multi Core)	4,884	4,601	1,777	4,716
CPU Score	2,384	2,382	631	2,379
RAM Score	1,432	1,379	705	1,424

• The 16gb of ram lets you play games and use professional software.

• You get more power than the older raspberry pi 500.

• The $200 price matches the advanced features you receive.

Dual 4K Output

You can connect two 4K monitors to the raspberry pi 500+. This feature helps you work on many things at once. You can watch videos on one screen and write emails on the other. The device can support 4K at 60Hz, but you may need to adjust some settings. If you want the best performance, make sure you use a strong power supply. Sometimes, running at high resolution can make the device work harder and get warmer.

Here is a table that shows how dual 4K output helps you:

Feature	Impact on Use Cases
Dual 4K Output	Enhances multitasking capabilities
8K Media Playback	Improves entertainment experience
Compact Design	Saves space in home and office environments
Silent Operation	Ideal for quiet environments
Energy Efficiency	Reduces power consumption

You can enjoy sharp images for games, movies, and work. The raspberry pi 500+ fits well in small spaces and uses less energy, making it a smart choice for your desk or living room.

Design and Keyboard Experience

Mechanical Keyboard Integration

The Raspberry Pi 500+ has everything built into the keyboard. You do not need a big computer tower or lots of wires. This makes your desk look clean and saves space. You can move it from room to room without trouble. Many people say typing feels much better than on older Raspberry Pi models. The keyboard is sturdy and fun to use.

Here is what people think about typing:

User Feedback	Rating Comparison
People say typing is much better than before.	It is better than some cheaper keyboards like the Razer Huntsman.
Typing is easier and feels nicer than on the Pi 400 or Pi 500's flat keyboard.	It is not as fancy as expensive mechanical keyboards.
The keyboard makes a clickety-clack sound with blue switches.

Tip: If you want a keyboard that types better than most cheap ones, you will like the Raspberry Pi 500+.

Gateron KS-33 Blue Switches

The keyboard uses Gateron KS-33 Blue switches. These switches make a clicky sound and feel bumpy when you type. Typing is more fun and you can feel each key press. The switches last a long time, so you do not have to replace them soon.

• Each key press feels clicky

• Needs about 65 grams of force to press

• Strong and good for using every day

If you like keyboards that click and give feedback, these switches are a good choice.

Compact Desktop Form Factor

The Raspberry Pi 500+ puts everything you need in a small size. You do not need extra parts or a big table. The keyboard and computer are together, so there is less mess and more space. This is great if your desk is small or you want things neat. You can use it almost anywhere, like on a bedroom desk or kitchen counter.

Note: The small size helps you keep your space tidy and work better, especially if you do not have much room.

Features and Expandability

NVMe Slot for Upgrades

You can upgrade your raspberry device with a larger NVMe SSD. The upgrade slot supports several SSD sizes, so you have flexibility when you want more storage. If you need extra space for games, photos, or projects, you can swap out the pre-installed SSD for a bigger one. Here is a table that shows the supported SSD sizes:

Supported SSD Sizes
2230
2242
2260
2280
Pre-installed SSD
256GB

You do not need special tools to change the SSD. You can open the case and install a new drive in minutes. This makes the raspberry a good choice if you want a computer that grows with your needs.

Connectivity Options

You get many ways to connect your raspberry to other devices. The computer includes several USB ports for your mouse, printer, or external hard drive. You also find HDMI ports for monitors and TVs. You can use the Ethernet port for fast internet or connect wirelessly with Wi-Fi. The SD card slot lets you add more storage or transfer files. These options help you set up your workspace just how you like it.

Tip: Try using both HDMI ports to connect two screens. You can work on one and watch videos on the other.

Cooling and Power Efficiency

Your raspberry stays cool and uses little power. The passive cooling system uses a large heatsink to keep the temperature just above 50 degrees Celsius, even when you run heavy programs. You do not hear any fan noise, so your room stays quiet. The device uses about 2 Watts when idle, so you save energy and money.

• Passive cooling with a large heatsink

• Stays just above 50°C under load

• Uses about 2 Watts when idle

You can use your raspberry all day without worrying about overheating or high electricity bills.

Comparison with Previous Models

Upgrades from Raspberry Pi 500

The raspberry pi 500+ is a big step up from the raspberry pi 500 and raspberry pi 5. It has twice as much memory as before. The storage is much faster now. The keyboard is better for typing. You can see the main changes in this table:

Feature	Raspberry Pi 500	Raspberry Pi 500+
Memory	8 GB LPDDR4	16 GB LPDDR4x
Storage	microSD	256 GB NVMe SSD
Keyboard	Membrane	Low-profile mechanical
Customizable Keycaps	No	Yes
Core Processing Unit	2.4 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A76	2.4 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A76
Connectivity	Standard	Dual micro HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet
Boot Options	microSD	microSD, USB, internal SSD
Physical Build	Lighter	Heavier

You get more RAM, so you can do more things at once. The SSD lets you open files and apps very fast. The new keyboard feels nicer when you type. There are more ways to connect your stuff.

Software and Ecosystem

The raspberry pi 500+ works with the same software and accessories as older models. It uses the Debian-based Raspberry Pi OS. This means you get updates and lots of apps. You can start your device from an SD card or a USB SSD. The design lets you use your favorite keyboard and mouse.

Feature	Description
Operating System	Uses Debian-based Raspberry Pi OS, ensuring software compatibility and long-term support.
Boot Options	Supports booting from SD card or external USB SSD, consistent with previous models.
Hardware Design	Designed to be compatible with existing accessories and peripherals, including keyboards.

Tip: You can use your old accessories with the new raspberry pi 500+.

Value for General Use

The raspberry pi 500+ is ready to use right away. It comes with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB NVMe SSD. You can start working or playing as soon as you get it. The design looks and feels better than older models. You also get a fast internet port. The higher price matches the better features and smooth use. This model is good for students, home offices, or anyone who wants a small but strong computer.

• You get more power and storage than the raspberry pi 5.

• The device comes with Raspbian OS already installed.

• The new design makes it easy and fun to use every day.

Pricing and Availability

$200 Price Point

You can get the Raspberry Pi 500+ for $200. This price gives you a compact computer with a Raspberry Pi 5 CPU, 16GB of memory, and a fast NVMe SSD for storage. The design puts everything inside the keyboard, so you do not need a separate tower. While the package does not list extra accessories, you get a ready-to-use desktop that fits almost anywhere. The price reflects the strong hardware and the convenience of an all-in-one device.

Note: You may need to buy a monitor, mouse, or other accessories if you want a complete setup.

Who Should Buy the Raspberry Pi 500+

The Raspberry Pi 500+ works well for many types of users. If you want a small computer with strong performance, this model fits your needs. Here is a quick guide:

Feature	Description
Processor	Quad-core 64-bit ARM
Memory	16GB
Storage	Fast 256GB SSD
Output	Dual 4K output
Best For	Power users, enthusiasts, compact PC fans

You will like this device if you need a desktop for school, work, or creative projects. It also suits people who want a neat setup with less clutter. The raspberry gives you speed and flexibility in a small package.

The raspberry pi 500+ changes what small PCs can do. It has a 256GB NVMe SSD and 16GB of RAM. The mechanical keyboard makes working easier and faster. Many people like how quick and smooth it feels every day. You can open files fast and do many things at once. Typing is easy and quick on this keyboard. The small size fits well on any desk.

• You can get to your files fast and do many jobs.

• Typing is easy and feels good.

• The small design is great for tight spaces.

Future Trend	Description
Hardware Integration	Strong parts in one small computer
ARM Architecture Adoption	Uses ARM chips for better speed and less power
Thermal Management	Stays cool even when you use it a lot
Long-term Availability	Made to last a long time in many places

If you want a desktop that saves space and works well, this upgrade is a good choice.

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.

 

AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic   components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.

 

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