Know Your Raspberry Pi Model

Learn how to identify the specific model of your Raspberry Pi and understand its capabilities. …


Updated August 27, 2023

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Learn how to identify the specific model of your Raspberry Pi and understand its capabilities.

  1. Check the Model Number on the Board The easiest way to determine your Raspberry Pi’s model is by looking at the board itself. The model number is printed directly on the circuit board, usually near the USB ports. Here are some examples:
  • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+
  • Raspberry Pi Zero W
  • Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

  1. Use the cat Command in Terminal If you prefer a more technical approach, you can use the command line to identify your Raspberry Pi’s model number. Open a terminal window by clicking on the “Terminal” icon in the menu bar or pressing Ctrl + Alt + T. Type cat /proc/device-tree/model and press Enter. This will display the model information in plain text, including the exact name of your Raspberry Pi.

  2. Check the Hardware Revision The hardware revision number can also be used to identify your Raspberry Pi’s model. You can find this by typing sudo dmidecode -t baseboard into the terminal. Look for a line that says “Revision:” and note the code next to it (e.g., “a02082”). Use a lookup table or online resource to match the revision number with your Raspberry Pi’s model.

Once you know your Raspberry Pi’s model, you can start customizing your projects to take advantage of its features. For example:

  • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 4 Model B both have built-in WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, making it easy to connect them to the internet without additional hardware.
  • The Raspberry Pi Zero W is designed for low-power applications and can run off a USB battery pack or solar panel, making it ideal for IoT (Internet of Things) projects that need to operate remotely.
  • Raspberry Pi 4 Model B has faster processing speeds and improved connectivity options compared to previous models, making it suitable for more resource-intensive applications like machine learning and high-definition video streaming.

Remember, the choice of Raspberry Pi model doesn’t have to be permanent. If you find that your current device isn’t meeting your needs, there are often upgrades or alternative models available to suit your project’s requirements.