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

jstodberg over 11 years ago

I need to get one my little girl wants to learn programming so I thought a Raspberry Pi would be perfect.
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Former Member over 11 years ago

Just got my hands on a Pi2 and found a 2A phone charger, but all I'm getting is the green ACT LED coming on briefly and then fading off quite quickly.
Anyone any ideas if it's the PSU not providing enough power or if it's a duff board?
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mcb1 over 11 years ago in reply to element14jamie

Jamie
Well done thanks.

For some reason the Buy now icons on the first three come up, and then disappear ...I'll try a refresh of the cache.

One minor thing .... you list the Power but if I'm right this is the maximum power draw ...an A+ certainly doesn't require a 1.8A source to run.
It may well be capable of drawing up to 1.8A but only if fully loaded.

Mark
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element14jamie over 11 years ago in reply to mcb1

Hello mcb1
Please click HERE for the updated comparison chart.

Thank you again,

Jamie
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element14jamie over 11 years ago in reply to mcb1

Hello mcb1
I have put a request in, thank you for letting us know.

Thank you again,

Jamie
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mcb1 over 11 years ago in reply to element14jamie

element14jamie
Jamie
Your chart is useful but doesn't include the newer Pi2 with 1GB ram.

Is someone going to update it, since the new board is generating a few questions.?

Thanks
mark
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element14jamie over 11 years ago in reply to Former Member

Hello bsv369
Click HERE for a comparison chart.

Hope this helps,

Jamie
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Former Member over 11 years ago

What are the differences between Raspberry Pi Model-A and Raspberry Pi Model-B boards. I am in the processes of identifying suitable hardware to take pictorial images at regular intervals and analyzing the same for changes from one image to the other image.

I know that Model-A comes with 256MB SD-RAM and Model-B with 512MB SD-RAM and please let me know, if there are any other differences with respect to hardware and software functionality.

Please let me know your thoughts/ suggestions in this regard.
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cstanton over 11 years ago in reply to Former Member

So basically the draw under different scenarios ?

Aside from calculating the maximum potential draw based upon the specification of the components, I'm sorry but I don't have the hardware to monitor such power usage in those scenarios.
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Former Member over 11 years ago in reply to cstanton

Dear Christopher, 5 Volts X 2 Amps would be 10 Watts ..., but (excuse my English) I asking something else. I would happy to see somewhere any tests of the real current (or power, it's doesn't matter) consumption of this very attractive board. (Like for example here: http://www.element14.com/community/message/136875/l/re-wolfsoncirrus-logic-audio-card-for-raspberry-pi-ba-power-usage#136875
where @Matthias Reichl measured the current consumption of RPi B with and without Wolfson AC versus RPi B+ with and without Cirrus Logic AC - simple tests, but quite useful.)
The row in the table of this FAQ above - "Power draw/ voltage" shows "1.8 Amps @ 5 V" for both models. But it means maximum potential power. Usually in "normal" conditions it is much less, depends of tasks and plugged peripherals. For example, my RPi B+ with keyboard, mouse, DVI and LAN uses something between 170 and 250 mAmps, but not 1.8 Amps.
It would be very useful information about behaviour of this new board in different tasks, using one, two or four cores. If it consumes the same power or even a little above as old one model B+ in the same tasks, but performs them (of course) x times faster, the board would be very attractive to use in various battery powered field projects too.
Hope you understand what I mean.
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