Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit vs Raspberry Pi 5 (2GB)
Buy the Starter Kit if you want a working Pi 5 out of the box with a case, power supply, and card included. Buy the bare 2GB board only if you already own a Pi 5 power supply, microSD card, and case. The Starter Kit's lowest recent price was $119.99 on November 1, 2026, versus a high of $213.99 on November 6, 2026; the bare board's price was not given, so compare current store prices before deciding.
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Choose the Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit if you are new to the Pi and want everything needed to boot on day one, including a case and card reader.
- Complete kit: boots without extra purchases
- Dual 4K micro-HDMI and two USB 3.2 ports
- Gigabit Ethernet plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0
- Case and card reader included
What separates them
| Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit | Raspberry Pi 5 (2GB) | |
|---|---|---|
| What's in the box | Board plus case, power supply, and microSD card | Board only |
| Installed memory | 2GB LPDDR4X | 2GB (listing also states 8GB, which conflicts) |
| Processor | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 at 2.4GHz, Broadcom BCM2712 | Quad-core at 2.4GHz |
| Video outputs | 2 x micro-HDMI, dual-monitor, up to 4K | HDMI (count not stated) |
| USB | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A | Not stated |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE | Not stated |
| Storage | MicroSD slot | Not stated |
| Setup effort |
Price history
- Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit: lowest $119.99 on Nov 1; $213.99 on Nov 6.
- Raspberry Pi 5 (2GB): lowest $80.00 on Nov 1.
Prices at every store
Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
- InsightCheck price at Insight
Raspberry Pi 5 (2GB)
- Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- InsightCheck price at Insight
Specs compared
| Spec | Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit | Raspberry Pi 5 (2GB) |
|---|---|---|
| Installed Memory | 2GB | 8 GB RAM |
| Number Of Cores | Quad Core | Quad-core |
| Processor Speed | 2.4GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Memory Capacity | 2GB | — |
| Memory Type | LPDDR4X | — |
| Hardware Components | Mainboards | — |
| Hardware Type | Starter Kit, Development Board | — |
| Clock Speed | 2.4GHz | — |
| Processor Type | ARM Cortex A76 | — |
| Processor Architecture | ARM | — |
What reviewers say
Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit
Owners of Pi 5 kits generally rate the board's speed and I/O highly, calling it the fastest Raspberry Pi yet for desktop and server tasks. The recurring complaints are the 2GB memory ceiling on this configuration, heat under load, and the shift to micro-HDMI and USB-C power.
- PerformancePraisedOwners say the Cortex-A76 quad-core is a clear jump over the Pi 4 for desktop use and builds.
- MemoryCriticisedThe 2GB configuration is called tight once a browser and a few apps are open.
- HeatCriticisedReviewers report the board throttles without active cooling under sustained load.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a beginner?
- The Starter Kit. It includes the power supply, microSD card, and case, so you can boot without buying anything else. The bare board needs those parts before it will run.
- Is 2GB enough for a desktop?
- It runs Raspberry Pi OS, but 2GB fills fast with a browser and several apps. For desktop use, an 8GB Pi 5 is the better fit; for headless projects, 2GB is fine.
- Which lasts longer?
- Both use the same board and CPU, so lifespan is similar. The kit's included power supply and case protect the board, which helps avoid damage from a weak charger or exposed handling.
- Is the Starter Kit worth the extra cost?
- Yes if you own no Pi accessories. A separate 5V/5A supply, microSD card, and case usually add up to more than the kit's premium over the bare board.
- Can I use the bare board with my own accessories?
- Yes. It needs a 5V/5A USB-C power supply, a microSD card, and micro-HDMI cables. Any Pi 5-compatible case works.
- Do both have Wi-Fi and Ethernet?
- The Pi 5 board has both, so the bare board should too. The Starter Kit listing states gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0 explicitly.