# Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

> credit-card-sized single-board computer

**Wikidata**: [Q25519213](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25519213)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/raspberry-pi-3-model-b

## Summary

The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B was established on February 29, 2016[1].

## Summary
The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B is a credit-card-sized single-board computer released in 2016, featuring quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processing and a 1.2 GHz clock speed. It was designed for educational purposes and embedded systems, priced at $35 to make computing accessible.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: February 29, 2016 (announced at [raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-3-on-sale/](https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-3-on-sale/))
- **Dimensions**: 85.60 mm (width) × 56.5 mm (length) × 17 mm (height), weighing 45 grams
- **Processing Power**: 1.2 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU with VideoCore GPU
- **Storage Capacity**: 1 GB initial model
- **Power Requirements**: 5V voltage, consuming 6.7 watts
- **Price Point**: $35 USD at launch
- **Predecessor**: Raspberry Pi 2 Model B (released February 2015)
- **Successor**: Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ (released March 2018)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary use case for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B?
A: It’s designed for education, embedded systems, and DIY computing projects, offering affordable access to programmable hardware for learning and prototyping.

### Q: How does the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B compare to its predecessor?
A: It upgrades to a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU (vs. quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 in Pi 2) and increases base clock speed to 1.2 GHz (vs. 900 MHz).

### Q: What power supply does the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B require?
A: It operates on 5V DC and consumes up to 6.7 watts, requiring a USB Micro-B power adapter meeting these specifications.

### Q: Can the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B run a 64-bit operating system?
A: Yes, its ARM Cortex-A53 CPU supports 64-bit processing, enabling compatibility with 64-bit OS like Ubuntu or Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit.

## Why It Matters
The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B democratized accessible computing for education and hobbyists, introducing quad-core processing in an ultra-compact, $35 form factor. Its 2016 release marked a significant leap in single-board computer capabilities while maintaining affordability, enabling millions to explore programming, IoT projects, and lightweight server tasks. By bridging the gap between theoretical learning and hands-on implementation, it accelerated innovation in maker culture and educational curricula worldwide.

## Notable For
- First Raspberry Pi model to feature quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPUs
- Maintained a $35 price point while doubling predecessor’s core clock speed
- Enabled 64-bit computing for mainstream users in single-board form
- Pioneered energy-efficient design with 6.7W power consumption
- Popularized credit-card-sized computing for embedded applications

## Body
### Overview
The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B is a member of the Raspberry Pi series of single-board computers, launched on February 29, 2016. It inherits the "credit-card-sized" form factor from previous models while introducing upgraded processing capabilities.

### Technical Specifications
- **CPU**: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 at 1.2 GHz base clock frequency
- **GPU**: VideoCore with OpenGL ES 2.0 support
- **Memory**: 1 GB LPDDR2 SDRAM (initial models)
- **Connectivity**: 4 USB 2.0 ports, 40-pin GPIO header, microSD card slot, HDMI 1.4 output
- **Dimensions**: 85.60 × 56.5 × 17 mm (credit-card-sized profile)
- **Mass**: 45 grams
- **Power**: 5V input, maximum 6.7 watts consumption
- **Price**: $35 USD at launch

### History and Release
Succeeding the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B (released February 2015), the Model B was succeeded by the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ in March 2018. It was announced via the official Raspberry Pi blog and remains part of the broader Raspberry Pi series for educational and embedded systems. Common aliases include "Raspberry Pi 3" and "RPi 3".

### Design and Documentation
Official schematics and images are available at Wikimedia Commons ([RaspberryPi_3B.svg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/RaspberryPi_3B.svg) and [9815_-_Raspberry_Pi_3.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/9815_-_Raspberry_Pi_3.jpg)). Detailed technical descriptions were published at [raspberry-pi.me](http://raspi.tv/2016/raspberry-pi-3-model-b-launches-today-64-bit-quad-a53-1-2-ghz-bcm2837) and power consumption analyzed at [raspberry-pi.me](http://raspi.tv/2016/how-much-power-does-raspberry-pi3b-use-how-fast-is-it-compared-to-pi2b).

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Raspberry Pi 3 Model B",
  "description": "credit-card-sized single-board computer",
  "url": "https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-b/",
  "additionalType": "single-board computer"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-3-on-sale/)
2. [Source](https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-b/)
3. [Source](https://www.raspberrypi.org/help/faqs/#powerReqs)