16GB Raspberry Pi 5 hiked to $385, more than triple its launch price
- ID
- 42071
- Status
- summarized
- Published
- 03 Nov 2026, 12:17 AM
- Fetched
- 03 Nov 2026, 3:34 AM
- Provider
- Tom's Hardware
- Category
- technology
- Original URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/raspberry-pi/16gb-raspberry-pi-5-hiked-to-usd385-more-than-triple-its-launch-price-makers-are-already-shifting-to-pico-esp32-for-small-projects-mini-pcs-for-more-ambitious-tasks
- Source URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/feeds/all
Summary
- Score
- 5.5
- Created
- 03 Nov 2026, 3:36 AM
- Tags
- Audience
- developersvibe_coders
What happened
Tom's Hardware reports the 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 now costs $385, more than triple its launch price. Makers are responding by shifting small projects to Raspberry Pi Pico or ESP32 boards and using mini PCs for more ambitious tasks.
Why it matters
If you're specifying hardware for a prototype, the 16GB Pi 5 at $385 changes the build-vs-buy math: the article says makers are already moving small projects to Pico/ESP32 and heavier work to mini PCs. Re-check your bill of materials before defaulting to a Pi 5 for a cheap edge or homelab node.
Discussion angle
What's your current default for cheap prototypes: Raspberry Pi, Pico/ESP32, or a used mini PC? Compare total cost including power and peripherals now that the 16GB Pi 5 is $385.