Raspberry Pi 2 Model B Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you have a question that is not answered in this FAQ, please ask it below in the comments. If your question is specific to your order or status of delivery, please reach out to us in Feedback & Support.

What is the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B?
The Raspberry Pi 2 Model B is the latest single board computer to be released by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It is the highest spec variant of the Raspberry Pi, perfect for learning, coding, and creating your own projects.

How much does it cost?
$35 USD (excluding sales tax, shipping & handling fees)

What is the difference between the Raspberry Pi Model B+ and Pi 2 Model B?
It runs 6X Faster than the B+, and comes with 1GB of RAM--that's double the amount of RAM of the previous model. It's equipped with a new ARMv7 quad core processor that's lightning quick, runs an updated OS, and is compatible with all B+ accessories. The new Raspberry Pi is backward compatible with nearly all your existing Raspberry Pi accessories. (See the next question for additional information about this.)

Want to compare even more Raspberry Pi products?

Raspberry Pi 4, 3 B+, Pi 3, Pi 2, B+, A+ Comparison Chart

What accessories are compatible with the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B?
All of the Raspberry Pi Model B+ accessories are compatible with this new model. We always recommend you purchase the 16GB NOOBS SD Card with the Operating System pre-loaded to get started as quickly and easily as possible.

Please note: the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B V1.2 requires the latest operating system for full functionality. Please download and install the latest version available from RaspberryPi.org/downloads onto your microSD card before booting. We also recommend purchasing a case for protection. You can shop for expansion boards, cases, and other cool items on our Pi Accessories page.

Are any new accessories available that I can purchase for my new Raspberry Pi 2 Model B?
Of course! Check out our Pi Accessories page to see our whole range of cool accessories!

If the Raspberry Pi 2 is not in stock, how long will it be before it becomes available?
All orders for the Raspberry Pi 2 are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Placing your order now ensures that as soon as we get more units in stock, your new Raspberry Pi 2 will be shipped. You can expect to receive your Raspberry Pi 2 within the delivery time quoted on our websites.

Which countries can I buy a Raspberry Pi 2 Model B from?
The Raspberry Pi is available for sale in the majority of countries around the globe. Check out our Raspberry Pi global sales page for a complete listing.

How do I get started, and will I need a new OS to run the Raspberry Pi 2?
To 'Get Started' with your new Raspberry Pi 2 you will need to download the latest version of the 'Out of the Box' Software (NOOBS) from the Raspberry Pi Foundation. The Raspberry Pi 2 Model B V1.2 requires the latest operating system for full functionality. Please download and install the latest version available from RaspberryPi.org/downloads onto your microSD card before booting.

Download

What software will be made available and where can I download it?
The latest version of new ‘Out of the Box’ Software (NOOBS) or a specific Operating System image are all available to download from the Raspberry Pi Foundation's website. More details and downloads are available from http://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/

What power supply do I need?
We recommend a good quality 5 Volt Micro-USB power supply with at least 1.8 Amp output.

For UK and European AC Outlets:

http://uk.farnell.com/stontronics/t5582dv/psu-raspberry-pi-5v-2a-micro-usb/dp/2427499

For North American AC Outlets:

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/28-17985

Will the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B support more than just the Raspbian Operating System?
Yes, within NOOBS there are Raspbian and 5 other Operating Systems . You can choose which one you want to install on the microSD card.

Is there a size limit on the SDCard with the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B?
Card sizes up to 32GB have been verified to work without any problem.

Can the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B be over-clocked?
At the time of writing we do not believe the Raspberry Pi Model B will have an over-clocking feature.

What is the GPIO pin-out of the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B?
It is the same 40 pins as the Raspberry Pi Model A+ and B+. The first 26 pins are are as per the original Model B to facilitate backwards compatibility. The Raspberry Pi 2 is also fully HAT compatible.

My processing monitor in Raspbian only shows one processor graph! Where are my other three?
Some software will combine the processor usage, others may just show one core - this is software dependent.

However in Raspbian if you open a terminal and type the command:

top

You can see each of the processor cores if you then press:

This should show a breakdown of central processing unit usage per core.

How can I connect the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B to a display screen?
Via HDMI, or composite video using a break-out cable for the 3.5mm jack connection which will break-out the audio connection to audio and composite video. The PiView HDMI to VGA adapterPiView HDMI to VGA adapter available from element14 works with the new Raspberry Pi 2 Model B.

Can I use the HDMI to VGA adapter on the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B?

Yes, the PiViewPiView HDMI to VGA adapter available from element14 works with the new Raspberry Pi 2 Model B.

For Resellers
How can I become a reseller of the Raspberry Pi? We are always interested in expanding our network of Raspberry Pi resellers around the globe. Please contact your local Premier Farnell/element14 sales office with your details, including which country you intend to sell the Raspberry Pi and a link to your website. We will get in touch with you. I am a Reseller. How can I obtain bulk stock of the new Raspberry Pi 2 Model B? Please contact your local account manager, who will be happy to provide you with a high volume quote and delivery. I am Reseller. Is there any marketing content and product data available for the new board? Please contact your local account manager who will be happy to set up your access to an online portal, where you will be able to retrieve all the marketing content and product data you require to promote the product online.

For Resellers

How can I become a reseller of the Raspberry Pi?
We are always interested in expanding our network of Raspberry Pi resellers around the globe. Please contact your local Premier Farnell/element14 sales office with your details, including which country you intend to sell the Raspberry Pi and a link to your website. We will get in touch with you.

I am a Reseller. How can I obtain bulk stock of the new Raspberry Pi 2 Model B?
Please contact your local account manager, who will be happy to provide you with a high volume quote and delivery.

I am Reseller. Is there any marketing content and product data available for the new board?
Please contact your local account manager who will be happy to set up your access to an online portal, where you will be able to retrieve all the marketing content and product data you require to promote the product online.

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Top Comments

Former Member over 10 years ago

Hi, I am new to the Raspberry Pi environment. I got two Raspberry Pi boards to experiment, the A+ and 2B. I downloaded Mike McCauley's BCM2835 I/O driver package. In it there is a sample program called Blink, which just toggles the I/O PIN 11. I tried this program on my A+ board and it works, but when I ran it on the 2B board nothing happened. At first I thought that my 2B board was defective, so I have gotten another one, but it behaved the same as the first 2B board. Is there something I overlooked, like the I/O block address is different between the CPU on the A+ board and the 2B board? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
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Former Member over 10 years ago in reply to Former Member

Why not use the on-board temperature sensor?
Here's a script with a clue: https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=118641
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Former Member over 10 years ago in reply to Former Member

Here I found detailed information about Raspberry Pi 2 model B Power Usage, and Raspberry Pi (all models) Power Usage Comparison.
I think, could be useful to see this information included in Raspberry Pi 2 Model B Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
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Former Member over 11 years ago in reply to Former Member

Get a max6675 (or max31855) board and a k type thermocouple and hook it up. Then set your clock speed and take some measurements until it locks up.
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Former Member over 11 years ago in reply to dtsartsanis

Thank you Dimitrios!
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dtsartsanis over 11 years ago in reply to Former Member

If u going to over clock it then add the heat sinks. If u not they are not necessary.
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Former Member over 11 years ago

On my Pi B model it was encouraged to add the heat sinks.
I've seen nothing regarding heat sinks for the Pi2.
Are they needed?
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Former Member over 11 years ago in reply to Former Member

It´s already available ~~~~>> www.farnell.com.br

(comprei ontem recebi hoje)
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balearicdynamics over 11 years ago in reply to Former Member

Sure that the OS boots ?
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Former Member over 11 years ago

Hello , when 'll be available to Brazil? Raspberry 2
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