Engadget guide: Raspberry Pi 5 RAM needs depend on use case as high-capacity prices rise

Engadget said Raspberry Pi OS, which is based on Linux, is far more lightweight than Windows or macOS and typically consumes only a few hundred megabytes of RAM. That lower overhead means users often need less memory than they would on a conventional laptop. Still, the 1GB model has limits. Running desktop-class software such as a web browser or word processor can quickly fill its memory; three or four media-heavy Firefox tabs can be enough to force the board to swap data to physical storage, causing slowdowns.

For desktop use, Engadget recommends at least 2GB of RAM. It said the Pi 5's processor is fast enough for light multitasking and basic games, so additional memory can help take advantage of that performance. The trade-off is cost. The Raspberry Pi 5 starts at $45, but the 4GB model costs $110 without other specification improvements, according to the guide.

The 1GB version remains useful for headless projects, Engadget said. These include media servers, network-attached storage devices, smart home hubs and security systems using the official camera add-on. Because no display is connected, the Raspberry Pi can run tasks without the memory overhead of a desktop environment, making the 1GB model a workable and inexpensive entry point.

Engadget advised against paying a premium for 8GB or 16GB models unless a project specifically requires the Pi's compact form factor, such as a battery-powered robot. The guide noted that the Pi's main advantage is its low starting price, but that advantage weakens at higher memory tiers. The 8GB model costs $175 and the 16GB model costs $305, the article said, meaning buyers pay a sizable premium for memory alone.

The pricing has changed over time. Engadget said the 8GB Raspberry Pi cost just $80 when it launched in 2023, but an ongoing RAM shortage forced the company to raise prices across the board in 2025. Component costs have risen for all hardware makers, though larger brands can negotiate bulk deals. The guide pointed out that many mini PCs with 8GB of RAM sell for under $200 and include more powerful CPUs, onboard storage and additional ports such as dual Ethernet and multiple display outputs.

Engadget's author said they moved on from the Raspberry Pi years ago after finding that secondary markets such as eBay are flooded with refurbished business-grade mini PCs. The article said the Pi's processor is not powerful enough to replace an actual computer for intensive tasks, so spending hundreds of dollars on a high-memory Pi 5 is difficult to justify unless the compact size is essential.