# Raspberry Pi Zero

> the $5 computer

**Wikidata**: [Q48928204](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48928204)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/raspberry-pi-zero

## Summary
The Raspberry Pi Zero is a $5 single-board computer released in 2015, designed as a compact and low-cost alternative to previous Raspberry Pi models. It features an ARM11 processor, VideoCore GPU, and 512MB of RAM, making it ideal for educational and embedded projects.

## Key Facts
- Released in November 2015 as part of the Raspberry Pi series
- Priced at $5 USD at launch
- Dimensions: 65mm (width) × 30mm (length) × 5mm (height)
- Weighs 9 grams
- Power consumption: 1.75 watts
- Runs on Raspberry Pi OS
- Equipped with a 1GHz ARM11 processor and VideoCore GPU
- Includes 512MB of storage capacity
- Preceded by the Raspberry Pi Zero W, which added wireless capabilities
- Part of the Raspberry Pi family of single-board computers

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Raspberry Pi Zero used for?
A: The Raspberry Pi Zero is commonly used for educational projects, embedded systems, and IoT applications due to its low cost and compact size.

### Q: How does the Raspberry Pi Zero differ from the Raspberry Pi Zero W?
A: The Raspberry Pi Zero W includes built-in wireless capabilities (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), while the original Raspberry Pi Zero lacks these features.

### Q: What operating system does the Raspberry Pi Zero run?
A: The Raspberry Pi Zero runs Raspberry Pi OS, a dedicated operating system optimized for Raspberry Pi devices.

### Q: What are the dimensions of the Raspberry Pi Zero?
A: The Raspberry Pi Zero measures 65mm in width, 30mm in length, and 5mm in height.

### Q: How much power does the Raspberry Pi Zero consume?
A: The Raspberry Pi Zero consumes 1.75 watts of power.

## Why It Matters
The Raspberry Pi Zero revolutionized affordable computing by offering a compact, low-cost single-board computer. Its $5 price point made it accessible to students, hobbyists, and developers, enabling projects in education, embedded systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT). By providing a small, energy-efficient device with a 1GHz ARM11 processor and 512MB of RAM, it democratized access to computing hardware, fostering innovation in both professional and educational settings. The Raspberry Pi Zero's success paved the way for further advancements in low-cost computing, influencing the design of subsequent Raspberry Pi models and inspiring similar projects in the maker community.

## Notable For
- Being the first Raspberry Pi model priced at $5, making it the most affordable in the series
- Its compact size (65mm × 30mm × 5mm) and lightweight (9 grams) design
- Running on Raspberry Pi OS, a lightweight operating system optimized for its hardware
- Serving as a precursor to the Raspberry Pi Zero W, which added wireless capabilities
- Being part of the Raspberry Pi family, which has significantly impacted educational computing

## Body
### Overview
The Raspberry Pi Zero is a single-board computer released in November 2015 as part of the Raspberry Pi series. It was priced at $5 USD, making it the most affordable model in the lineup. The device features an ARM11 processor, VideoCore GPU, and 512MB of RAM, with dimensions of 65mm × 30mm × 5mm and a weight of 9 grams.

### Technical Specifications
- **Processor**: ARM11 with a base clock frequency of 1GHz
- **Graphics**: VideoCore GPU
- **Memory**: 512MB
- **Storage**: 512MB (shared with RAM)
- **Power Consumption**: 1.75 watts
- **Connectivity**: Micro-USB power and data port, mini-HDMI, and 40-pin GPIO header

### Software and Operating System
The Raspberry Pi Zero runs Raspberry Pi OS, a dedicated operating system optimized for the device. It supports various programming languages and can be used for a wide range of projects, including educational initiatives, embedded systems, and IoT applications.

### Successor Model
The Raspberry Pi Zero W, released later, added wireless capabilities (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) while maintaining the same compact form factor and low price point.

### Impact and Legacy
The Raspberry Pi Zero played a significant role in democratizing computing by providing an affordable and accessible entry point into hardware development. Its success influenced the design of subsequent Raspberry Pi models and inspired similar projects in the maker community.

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## References

1. [Source](https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-zero/)