> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Raspberry Pi 5 1GB Variant: Is It Worth $45? - URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/raspberry-pi-5-1gb-worth-it/ - Published: 2025-12-03T10:30:02.000Z - Updated: 2025-12-03T13:09:32.000Z - Description: Other SBCs offer more RAM at this price point. So, should you still pay $45 for a 1 GB Pi? - Author: Sourav Rudra - Tags: News, Opinion Raspberry Pi just launched [the 1GB version of the Pi 5](https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/1gb-raspberry-pi-5-now-available-at-45-and-memory-driven-price-rises/?ref=itsfoss.com) for **$45**. At the same time, they've increased prices across the Pi 4 and Pi 5 lineups to offset rising memory costs. The hikes are significant. The **8GB Pi 5 now costs $95**, up from $80\. The **16GB variant jumped from $120 to $145**. Even the **4GB Pi 4 sees a $5 increase to $60**. According to Raspberry Pi CEO [Eben Upton](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebenupton/?ref=itsfoss.com), the LPDDR4 memory shortage driven by AI infrastructure demand is the culprit. He calls it "***painful but ultimately temporary***" and promises to roll back prices once the market stabilizes. The new [1GB Raspberry Pi 5](https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-5/?ref=itsfoss.com) certainly appears to represent an entry point into the ecosystem. But **$45 for 1GB in 2025 raises questions about value**, especially seeing that there are competing brands with a better value proposition. This is nothing new; two years ago, a redditor [put out a post](https://www.reddit.com/r/raspberry%5Fpi/comments/1acdisn/whats%5Fthe%5Fpoint%5Fof%5Fa%5Fraspberry%5Fpi%5Fabove%5F50/?ref=itsfoss.com) asking, "*What's the point of a Raspberry Pi above $50?.*" They argued that rising prices betrayed [Raspberry Pi](https://www.raspberrypi.org/?ref=itsfoss.com)'s mission to democratize technology. Fast-forward to today, and that sentiment is still in the minds of hobbyists and tinkerers. So, is the $45 Raspberry Pi 5 1GB worth it? Let's explore what other [single-board computers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-board%5Fcomputer?ref=itsfoss.com) (SBCs) that money can get you in 2025. ## What Else Can You Get in $45? The single-board computer market has grown competitive. Several manufacturers offer boards with better specs than the Pi 5 1GB at similar or lower prices. These alternatives often pack more RAM, faster processors, or even additional features. However, they will probably lack the polish and ecosystem support that a Raspberry Pi provides. 📋 The boards listed below are priced at $45 or less, excluding taxes and shipping. Prices may vary by retailer. ### ArmSoM Forge1 ![this mixed green background picture shows an armsom forge1 device in the center](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/12/armsom-forge1-1.png) At just **$23**, ArmSoM's [Forge1](https://www.armsom.org/product-page/forge1?ref=itsfoss.com) is the budget option here. It targets industrial and IoT applications rather than general computing. The board uses the Rockchip RK3506J tri-core Cortex-A7 processor with 512MB of DDR3L RAM and 512MB of NAND flash. It features dual 100 Mbps Ethernet ports, MIPI DSI display support, and RS-485/CAN Bus interfaces. ArmSoM promises **10 years of production support**, as this SBC is set to remain in production until at least May 2035. [ArmSom Forge1](https://www.armsom.org/product-page/forge1?ref=itsfoss.com) [ArmSoM’s Forge1 Looks Like A Versatile Solution for Embedded and Multimedia ApplicationsArmSoM’s latest offering is an industrial-grade SBC.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-512x512-70.png)It's FOSSSourav Rudra![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/armsom-forge1-1.png)](https://itsfoss.com/news/armsom-forge1/) ### Radxa ROCK 3A ![this mixed green background picture shows a radxa rock 3a device in the center](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/12/radxa-rock-3a.png) The [Radxa Rock 3A](https://radxa.com/products/rock3/3a/?ref=itsfoss.com) starts at around **$30** for the 2GB model. It uses the Rockchip RK3568 quad-core Cortex-A55 processor clocked at 2GHz that is paired with an Arm Mali-G52 GPU. The board supports M.2 NVMe storage, PCIe 3.0, and includes a 0.8 TOPS NPU. It has HDMI 2.0 output supporting 4K@60fps, 2x USB 3.0 ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. [Radxa ROCK 3A](https://radxa.com/products/rock3/3a/?ref=itsfoss.com) ### PINE64 ROCK64 ![this mixed green background picture shows a pine64 rock64 device in the center](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/12/pine64-rock64.png) The [ROCK64](https://pine64.org/devices/rock64/?ref=itsfoss.com) offers 4GB of RAM for **$44.95**. That's more memory than the Pi 5 1GB at roughly the same price. It is powered by the Rockchip RK3328 quad-core Cortex-A53 processor with Arm Mali-450MP2 graphics. The board includes USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and 4K digital video output. If you have doubts, then you should know that PINE64 has a strong community and decent software support. [PINE64 ROCK64](https://pine64.org/devices/rock64/?ref=itsfoss.com) ### Le Potato AML-S905X-CC ![this mixed green background picture shows a le potato aml-s905x-cc device in the center](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/12/le-potato-aml-s905x-cc.png) The Le Potato costs **$45** for the 2GB model. It positions itself as a direct Raspberry Pi 3 hardware replacement. The board uses the Amlogic S905X quad-core Cortex-A53 at 1.5GHz with Arm Mali-450 graphics. It excels at media playback with hardware decoding for H.265, H.264, and VP9 up to 4K@60fps. The Raspberry Pi 2/3 Model B/B+ compatible form factor and 40-pin GPIO header make it easy to use with existing Pi accessories. [Le Potato AML-S905X-CC](https://libre.computer/products/aml-s905x-cc/?ref=itsfoss.com) ## But, The Raspberry Pi Ecosystem is Unmatched The alternatives may offer better specs on paper. However, Raspberry Pi's ecosystem provides advantages that raw specifications don't accurately reflect. [Raspberry Pi OS](https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/operating-systems/?ref=itsfoss.com) is polished and officially supported. The distribution receives regular updates and includes pre-configured software for common use cases. The [Raspberry Pi Imager](https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/?ref=itsfoss.com) tool makes setup trivial, even for beginners. The [HAT](https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/introducing-raspberry-pi-hats/?ref=itsfoss.com) (Hardware Attached on Top) ecosystem is massive. Hundreds of expansion boards exist for everything from touchscreens to motor controllers. Most work without driver hassles or compatibility issues. **Educational resources are everywhere**. [Official documentation](https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/?ref=itsfoss.com) is comprehensive. Third-party tutorials cover a wide range of projects. The Raspberry Pi community is very welcoming, and the [official forum](https://forums.raspberrypi.com/?ref=itsfoss.com) has many helpful users and active moderators. **This ecosystem matters more than specs for many users**. A board with 4GB RAM means little if you can't get your project working because documentation is sparse or the community is inactive. 💡 Love It's FOSS? 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