Overview of Raspberry Pi 3: More great performance for $ 36

Scope of supply and appearance

Externally box Raspberry Pi 3 differs from previous versions of the packages only inscriptions on the reverse side and the logos of the wireless interfaces.

Inside - board in an antistatic bag and a couple of pieces of paper (information about the device and instructions for the first call).

The new "Malinka" is almost completely repeats the previous versions (except that the first was unsoldered analog output, but in the third pattern, as in the second, it is implemented via a 4-pin 3.5mm mini-jack).

Small differences can be seen if you look closely. Pay a little reconfigured since the last revision of the second version of Raspberry Pi, and all in order to place a tiny antenna Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Specifications

The most important change in Raspberry Pi 3 was a new 64-bit platform by Broadcom higher frequency (1200 MHz versus 900 MHz). Unfortunately, the users only increased frequency of available 64-bit instruction set is not implemented. Since the kernel SoC everything just built on the ARMv7 architecture does not require a separate kernel - can be used by system Raspberry Pi 2 (The first version will not work: it is based on the ARMv6). To understand the performance: CPU on the same basis Cortex-A53 installed in smartphones primary and secondary levels.

Another important aspect for users is the emergence of empty seats in the wireless interface card. This will save on the purchase of individual sticks 5-15 dollars. It works with two types of Bluetooth 4.1: Classic and Low Energy. This will allow to work with virtually any peripherals, including headsets, keyboards, computer mice and home media system.

In order to save and be compatible with Wi-Fi platform is represented by a single-band module with support for 802.11nProviding data transfer up to 150 Mbit / s. One antenna, so that higher speeds available to users.

Set of wired interfaces and their arrangement is not changed. All the same two pairs USB 2.0, microUSB for connecting power and peripherals, HDMI and 3.5 mm jack for outputting digital or analog streams. According to the manufacturer, the implementation work with GPIO, CSI and DSI is not changed, so that drivers do not need to reinstall.

Operating systems and software

Raspberry Pi 3 supports a standard set of operating systems, including Raspbian (Official embodiment Debian), and Debian Wheezy, Ubuntu MATE, Fedora Remix. In today Raspbian integrated applications for weight training and programming in Python (mainly language with Raspberry), the free version of Wolfram Mathematica.

Standard casing for media center represented OpenELEC and OSMC. brand distribution Windows 10 It is working on the third version of the board all the same through PowerShell, with support for 32-bit applications. All of these operating systems have long been familiar to enthusiasts, well updated and no special interest in the review.

Raspberry Pi 3 works with other systems. Firstly, it is Android TV, which we wrote recently. It works only on the third version of the card, and the downgrade is not expected. When Android TV setup, you can get a very cheap but stable and energy-efficient home media center.

Second, the distribution of Chromium OS. About Chromium opportunities can talk endlessly. This distribution is updated as fast as the official system for Chromebook. And, perhaps, it is for her future Raspberry as home devices - desktop or bench computer, server, or database for the smart home.

Performance

If we believe the company, the increase in productivity due to the platform change is as follows:

Impressive looks and changing consumption:

Unfortunately, due to higher frequency heating board significantly increased. Some tests have shown that the processor can heat up to 101 ° C. However, developers claimThat effectively implemented throttling (reducing the operating frequency heating). However, additional cooling, even passively, is still required.

Compared with previous versions of Raspberry performance has really grown. What does this mean?

• RAM is sufficient for continuous operation with a standard card applications.
• Operation with GUI (GUI) occurs without lag and ladders.
• Work in office NIX-editors is possible even with heavy documents.
• Quake III at the maximum setting provides approximately 90 FPS.
• If there is no hardware on YouTube video decoding are played at 480p, when the hardware decoding reproduced video up to 1080p.

Network bandwidth (wireless and wired)

Comparison with competitors

With built-in wireless interface Raspberry Pi 3 acquisition will be more beneficial as compared to previous versions. Previously, you had to buy separately sticks Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, work without installing drivers. They provide similar speed with integrated chips, but increase the cost of construction of at least $ 5 for each module.

Improved performance compared to most peers, such as the Raspberry Pi 2, Orange Pi, Banana Pi, It allows the use of a third "Malinka" as desktop present on the majority of other devices is not capable.

Thus, Raspberry Pi 3 at a low $ 36 is the most promising platform for amateur radio operators, programmers, fans and even the house masters. It can not only build some simple device, but also to learn programming and work with microcontrollers.