Raspberry Pi is a series of tiny free or single-board computers launched by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in alliance with Broadcom. It has all the fundamental hardware elements of a computer and numerous extensions, such as a Processor, USB port, HDMI, and others. But there are some differences between a full-fledged computer and Raspberry Pi. In this blog, we have presented a guide about how Raspberry Pi is different from a computer.
How Raspberry Pi is Different from a Computer
There are some basic and prime dissimilarities between computers and Raspberry Pi devices. These differentiations are connected to the designs or outlooks and how these two devices work and operate.
The Difference in Size
The size of Raspberry Pi and computers differ in a un ignorable number. It is impossible to ignore such a big difference between these two devices. Raspberry Pi has the standard size of our credit card. The latest size of Raspberry Pi is 56.5 mm x 85.60 mm ×17 mm. Whereas, an average desktop tower is estimated at 24 × 8 inches. The Raspberry Pi Foundation has done a considerable project in recruiting simplicity and coherence in the size of this impressive gadget. Therefore, Raspberry Pi is more portable and convenient to use than computers.
Memory and Storage Difference
The lifetime of standard micro-SD cards is around 10 years. After this period, we have to replace them this is due to operating systems writing and reading numerous times which reduces their lifespan. The RAM of Raspberry Pi ranges from 1 GB to 8 GB. The maximum RAM of the Raspberry Pi 4 is 8 GB. Hard drives and SSDs are used as storage devices in computers. In general, computers often have more RAM than Raspberry Pi and are also comparatively higher like 16 GB, 32 GB, and more.
Construction Difference
The typical computer that you are used to is composed of many parts connected to each other. The main part of the computer is the motherboard which has RAM, GPU, CPU, and storage. Whereas, the Raspberry Pi case is very different. It is a unified whole. The Raspberry Pi’s motherboard, which is approximately the size of a credit card when compared to a computer, is incredibly small. No component may be replaced or upgraded because everything is soldered directly to the motherboard.
Price Difference
The Raspberry Pi and a standard computer have a greater price difference. Depending on the storage and performance of the computer, you can expect to buy a new computer between the range of $400 and $3500. This is usually quite a big amount for the majority of customers. However, Raspberry Pi is thought to be less expensive. It ranges between $150 – $250.
Connectivity
The most recent Raspberry Pi has many more ports than the previous models. It contains an ethernet port, 4 USB ports, 2 HDMI outputs, 1 audio port, Bluetooth, and WiFi capabilities. There may be certain functions missing when compared to a typical PC such as additional USB ports and ports for HDD/SSD/SATA hard drives.
Monitor
The Raspberry Pi does not have a display or monitor directly attached to it. There is only a motherboard. It needs a device such as a monitor or other displaying devices. On the other hand, a computer, especially iMacs and laptops, come with a monitor or LCD as a whole.
Architecture
Most of the CPUs in modern computers are manufactured by Intel or AMD and these companies use x86 architecture. An OS operating on one machine could function on another one or two accustomed where CPU instruction set was alike and interchangeable. On the other hand, the Raspberry Pi is made up of an ARM Processor, a mobile processor with a unique set of instructions. Nowadays it is also introduced to RISC architecture.
Usage
Both Raspberry Pi and computers are used worldwide. But the reason for their usage might vary. A computer is a large size device that can be used for heavy processing tasks. Whereas Raspberry Pi is a single board small size computer that can be used in multiple electronics and robotics projects and the icing on top is that it can also be used as a cheap replacement for a computer, but a computer can’t be used to replace Raspberry Pi; for instance, in an obstacle avoidance robot you can’t install a whole computer but you can surely attach a Raspberry Pi board to it.
Conclusion
Raspberry Pi is known as a single-board computer but it has a lot of differences from the computer which include the difference in size, price, connectivity, usage, construction differences, and many others which are discussed in the article. The Raspberry Pi can replace a computer but a computer cannot replace a Raspberry Pi.
