Raspberry Pi 3
The Raspberry Pi 3 series includes multiple variants (Model A+, Model B, and Model B+) built on the Broadcom BCM2837 family of processors with a quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 architecture.
The Model B and B+ variants include 1GB LPDDR2 RAM, while the more compact Model A+ uses 512MB RAM with reduced I/O.
Model A+ is a smaller, lower-power version with fewer ports and no Ethernet, while Model B and B+ provide full connectivity including USB, Ethernet, and better expansion support.
The Model B+ improves on the Model B with a slightly higher clock speed (1.4GHz), better thermal handling, improved power stability, and enhanced networking performance.
Across all variants, the Raspberry Pi 3 series supports basic multitasking, embedded applications, and general-purpose computing, though performance is limited compared to newer models.
Specifications
| Processor Model | Broadcom BCM2837 / BCM2837B0 |
| Architecture | 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 |
| Processor Cores | 4 |
| Clock Speed | 1.2 GHz (B), 1.4 GHz (B+ / A+) |
| GPU Model | VideoCore IV |
| Memory Type | LPDDR2 |
| Memory Variants | 512MB (A+), 1GB (B, B+) |
| Primary Storage | microSD card slot |
| USB Ports | 1 × USB 2.0 (A+), 4 × USB 2.0 (B/B+) |
| Ethernet | None (A+), 10/100 (B), Gigabit over USB (B+) |
| WiFi | 2.4GHz (B), Dual-band 2.4/5GHz (B+, A+) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1 (B), Bluetooth 4.2 (B+, A+) |
| Display Output | Full-size HDMI |
| Max Resolution | 1080p |
| Video Decoder | 1080p H.264 |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm jack, HDMI audio |
| GPIO | 40-pin header |
| Camera Interface | CSI |
| Display Interface | DSI |
| Power Input | 5V/2.5A via Micro-USB |
| Form Factor | Standard (B/B+), Compact (A+) |
| Release Year | 2016 (B), 2018 (B+, A+) |
| Supported Operating Systems | Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, Debian, LibreELEC, others |
What's In The Box
- 1 × Raspberry Pi 3 Board (A+ / B / B+ as per variant)
- Documentation
Best for
- Basic desktop and lightweight computing
- IoT and network-based projects
- Robotics and hardware prototyping
- Media playback (up to 1080p)
- Educational and learning environments
- Retro Emulation