Raspberry Pi has raised the price of its 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 multiple times since launch, with the current price now more than three times higher due to a global shortage of high-density RAM chips and other parts.
- 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 price rose from $120 to $385 since Jan 2025
- Global shortage of 16GB DRAM causing significant supply bottlenecks
- Demand for Pi 5 boards has increased despite multiple price hikes
What happened
Since January 2025, Raspberry Pi has increased the price of its 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 board in several steps, most recently adding an $80 increase in November 2026. This brings the total price from the original $120 to $385, more than tripling the cost. Additional price hikes were also applied to related Compute Module 5 variants, although the Raspberry Pi 500+ remains at its previous price point.
The price increases are attributed primarily to the scarcity of 16GB DRAM chips compounded by broader component shortages. Raspberry Pi has been working on qualifying alternative memory suppliers but reports that supply remains especially tight for the high-density 16GB variants. The company also recently raised prices for its lower RAM models, acknowledging that shielding these from increases was no longer sustainable.
Why it matters
The price surges reflect a broader global shortage of high-density DRAM affecting not only Raspberry Pi but the wider electronics industry. Memory manufacturers like SK Hynix and Micron have forecast that supply constraints could continue well into 2028 and beyond, making the current situation a long-term challenge for manufacturers relying on these components.
Despite higher prices, demand for Raspberry Pi 5 boards has actually increased, with direct sales up 47% in the last six months. This indicates ongoing strong market interest, especially for lower RAM variants. For buyers, the cost differential makes the 16GB model harder to justify compared to 8GB models or other Raspberry Pi products like the Raspberry Pi 500+, which offers additional storage and keyboard integration at a marginally higher price.
What to watch next
Raspberry Pi plans to reverse some price increases once the DRAM shortages ease, but meaningful new supply is not expected until at least 2028. Stakeholders should monitor developments in the global memory supply chain and alternative sourcing efforts by Raspberry Pi that could improve availability or reduce costs in the medium term.
Potential buyers are advised to assess their actual memory needs carefully, opting for lower RAM models or older boards if possible. Additionally, customers should purchase through authorized channels to avoid paying inflated prices due to reseller markups or misleading product listings, as cautioned by Raspberry Pi's CEO.