Raspberry Pi Model B Rev 2
The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It’s a capable little PC which can be used for many of the things that your desktop PC does, like spreadsheets, word-processing and games. The
graphics capabilities are roughly equivalent to Xbox 1 level of performance, and overall real world performance is comparable to a 300MHz Pentium 2, but one that can play high-definition video (1080p) for instance with the open source media player XBMC.
Quick links to resources:
To set up your Raspberry Pi you will need:
Item
Minimum recommended specification & notes
1
SD Card
- Minimum size 4Gb; class 4 (the class indicates how fast the card is).
- Using branded SD cards is recommended, as they are more reliable.
2a
HDMI to HDMI / DVI lead
- HDMI to HDMI lead (for HD TVs and monitors with HDMI input).
OR - HDMI to DVI lead (for monitors with DVI input).
2b
RCA video lead
- A standard RCA composite video lead to connect to your analogue display if you are not using the HDMI output.
3
Keyboard and mouse
- Any standard USB keyboard and mouse should work.
- Keyboards or mice that take a lot of power from the USB ports, however, may need a powered USB hub. This may include some wireless devices.
4
Ethernet (network) cable [optional]
- Networking is optional, although it makes updating and getting new software for your Raspberry Pi much easier.
5
Power adapter
- A good quality, micro USB power supply that can provide at least
700mA at 5V is essential. - Many mobile phone chargers are suitable—check the label on the plug.
- If your supply provides less than 5V then your Raspberry Pi may not work at all, or it may behave erratically. Be wary of very cheap chargers: some are not what they claim to be.
- It does not matter if your supply is rated at more than 700mA.
6
Audio lead [optional]
- If you are using HDMI then you will get digital audio via this, so no need for an extra lead.
- If you are using the analogue RCA connection, stereo audio is available from the 3.5mm jack next to the RCA connector.
