Raspberry Pi Foundation announces second price increase in two months, with some models now costing up to 70% more due to global RAM price surges driven by AI datacenter demand.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced its second price increase in two months, with some popular single-board computers now costing up to 70% more than their original launch prices. The price hikes, which affect most models in the Raspberry Pi lineup, come as global demand for RAM has skyrocketed due to the AI boom, forcing memory manufacturers to prioritize enterprise customers willing to pay premium prices.
The Price Impact
The most dramatic increases hit the higher-end models. The Raspberry Pi 5 with 16GB of RAM, which launched at $120, now costs $205—a 71% increase that adds $85 to the original price tag. Even entry-level models aren't immune, with the 4GB version jumping from $60 to $85 (42% increase) and the 8GB model rising from $80 to $125 (64% increase).
Here's the complete breakdown of the price changes:
| Model | Launch Price | Feb 2026 Price | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 5 (16GB) | $120 | $205 | 71% |
| Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB) | $80 | $125 | 64% |
| Raspberry Pi 5 (4GB) | $60 | $85 | 42% |
| Raspberry Pi 5 (2GB) | $50 | $65 | 30% |
| Raspberry Pi 5 (1GB) | $45 | $45 | 0% |
| Raspberry Pi 4 (8GB) | $75 | $115 | 53% |
| Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB) | $55 | $75 | 36% |
| Raspberry Pi 4 (2GB) | $45 | $55 | 22% |
| Raspberry Pi 4 (1GB) | $35 | $35 | 0% |
| Raspberry Pi 500 (16GB) | $180 | $259 | 44% |
| Raspberry Pi 500 (8GB) | $90 | $119 | 32% |
| Raspberry Pi 400 (4GB) | $70 | $59 | -19% |
Interestingly, the Raspberry Pi 400 actually costs less today than at launch ($59 vs $70), though availability at that price appears limited. Most retailers are selling it for $70 or more, with Newark Electronics being one of the few sources offering it at the reduced price.
Why the Price Hikes?
The global RAM shortage stems from tech companies racing to build out AI datacenters. Memory manufacturers are struggling to keep up with demand and are naturally prioritizing the enterprise sector, which is willing to pay significantly higher prices for guaranteed supply. This trickle-down effect is hitting consumer electronics across the board, not just Raspberry Pi products.
"The more RAM a system has, the higher the price hike," the company noted, explaining why 16GB models saw the steepest increases while 1GB variants remained unchanged at $35-$45.
What This Means for Makers and Educators
For the hobbyist and education communities that have long relied on Raspberry Pi's affordability, these price increases represent a significant shift. The $35 starting price point that made Raspberry Pi computers accessible to schools and budget-conscious makers has been a cornerstone of the platform's success for over a decade.
However, the Foundation has kept 1GB models at their original prices, providing at least one affordable entry point. For those needing more memory, the price increases may push some users toward alternative single-board computers or used hardware markets.
Looking Ahead
The timing of these increases is particularly challenging as they coincide with broader component shortages affecting the entire PC industry. With no clear timeline for when RAM prices might normalize, budget-conscious shoppers might be better served by exploring the used market or waiting to see if prices stabilize.
For current Raspberry Pi users, the price hikes don't affect existing hardware, and the Foundation continues to provide software support and updates for older models. The Compute Module 4 and Compute Module 5 are also seeing price increases, though the numerous configuration options make it difficult to provide a comprehensive price list.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation's decision to raise prices—even if driven by external market forces—marks a significant moment for the platform that has long prided itself on accessibility and affordability. Whether these increases are temporary or represent a new pricing reality for single-board computers remains to be seen.
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