Protecting Your Investment, Ensuring the Authenticity of Your Raspberry Pi

A guide on how to check if your Raspberry Pi is original and not a fake product. Make sure you’re getting what you pay for! …


Updated October 21, 2023

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A guide on how to check if your Raspberry Pi is original and not a fake product. Make sure you’re getting what you pay for!

Raspberry Pi is a popular single-board computer used by hobbyists, developers, and educators around the world. The affordable price tag and versatility of the device have made it a favorite among makers. However, just like any other product, there are fakes out there that can be sold as original Raspberry Pi products. Here’s how you can check if your Raspberry Pi is authentic or fake:

  1. Check the Model Number and Revision The first thing to do is to check the model number and revision printed on the board. Original Raspberry Pi products will have a sticker with this information, usually located near the USB ports. You can find a list of all Raspberry Pi models and their specifications here.

  2. Check for Authentication Chips Original Raspberry Pi boards come with authentication chips that are not present in fake products. These chips ensure that the device has been manufactured by the official factory and is legitimate. Look for a white sticker on the underside of your board that says “This product is authentic” or “e2708945a” or “e270896a”. If you can’t find this sticker, the device may be fake.

  3. Compare Serial Numbers Each Raspberry Pi has a unique serial number printed on it. This is located below the model information sticker. Fake products will often have serial numbers that are too long or contain characters that don’t match the format of genuine Raspberry Pis. Authentic Raspberry Pis have 12 digits, while fake ones may have more or less and contain letters or other non-numeric characters.

  4. Check for Raspberry Pi Logo All official Raspberry Pi products have a logo on the board that says “Raspberry Pi”. Fake products often don’t have this logo or have it placed in an inconspicuous location. Look for the official logo near the USB ports.

  5. Check for SD Card Slot and Power Connector The original Raspberry Pi 3 model has a microSD card slot located on the side of the board, while later models have it at the top. Fake products may have a smaller or differently shaped slot. Additionally, genuine Raspberry Pis have a standard USB-C power connector, while fake ones often use cheaper connectors that don’t fit properly or have a different shape.

  6. Check for Warranty Sticker The back of the original Raspberry Pi boards has a sticker with a warranty information and contact details. If your board doesn’t have this, it could be fake.

  7. Check the Power Supply Raspberry Pi comes with an official power supply unit (PSU) that is designed to work with the device. Fake products may use cheaper power supplies or no PSU at all, which can cause damage to your device and void its warranty.

  8. Compare Prices Authentic Raspberry Pi products are often sold for a slightly higher price than fake ones. Be cautious of very cheap prices that seem too good to be true.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the Raspberry Pi you’re buying is original and not a fake product. Protecting your investment is important, so make sure you get what you pay for!