This video reviews the Raspberry Pi 500 Plus, an enhanced all-in-one keyboard computer that builds upon the original Pi 500. Key upgrades include 16GB of RAM, a built-in NVMe SSD, and an RGB backlit mechanical keyboard with Gateron switches, addressing the keyboard quality issues of its predecessor. While core performance remains suitable for light computing tasks and general desktop use, the video notes existing limitations in network and external USB speeds. A significant portion of the review details a challenging but successful experiment to integrate an external GPU (AMD RX 7900 XT) via the internal M.2 slot, showcasing surprising gaming and local AI processing capabilities after extensive driver and firmware adjustments. The video also thoroughly examines the keyboard's build quality, customization options (via an RP2040 controller and dedicated software), and the power consumption associated with its RGB lighting. The reviewer concludes by weighing the Pi 500 Plus's $200 price point against the original $90 model, positioning it as a premium yet integrated desktop solution, despite minor omissions like a pre-installed RTC battery.
Raspberry Pi 500 Plus: Deep Dive into the Keyboard Computer Evolution
0:00 Introducing the Pi 500 Plus: This new model features an RGB backlit mechanical keyboard with Gateron switches (keycaps are changeable, but switches are not), a built-in SSD, and an upgrade to 16GB RAM, directly addressing shortcomings of the original Pi 500. The micro HDMI ports remain.
0:29 Price and Market Context: Priced at $200, it's more than double the original Pi 500, marking it as a premium "keyboard computer" in a desktop market looking towards Linux due to Windows 10's end-of-life and Apple's hardware/software incongruity.
1:56 Core Performance: The Pi 500 Plus offers performance practically identical to the Pi 500 for light computing tasks like web browsing, video playback, and running basic applications. The increased RAM and SSD are beneficial but don't drastically alter overall speed due to network (Wi-Fi 5, 1GB Ethernet) and USB 3 port limitations.
2:56 Internal Hardware & Design Insights: A non-destructive CT scan reveals the keyboard's dominance internally, with the computer's PCB underneath being an optimized version of the Pi 500's. Cost-saving measures include using a separate magnetics chip for the Ethernet jack. The device has an M.2 header for the NVMe SSD (exclusive to the Plus model) but surprisingly lacks a pre-installed RTC battery (despite a header) and Power over Ethernet components.
3:37 eGPU Experimentation: Raspberry Pi now encourages users to open the case. The reviewer successfully installs an AMD RX 7900 XT eGPU by replacing the internal SSD with an M.2 to Oculink adapter, overcoming numerous compatibility and driver challenges through troubleshooting and firmware installation.
11:28 Impressive eGPU Performance: With the eGPU, the Pi 500 Plus achieves smooth gaming (e.g., Portal 2, Horizon Chase Turbo) and a record-breaking Gravity Mark benchmark score over 65,000 for a Pi system. It also performs well with local AI models (108 tokens/sec with Llama 3.23B, 1000+ tokens/sec for prompts), consuming around 300 watts under load.
13:50 Mechanical Keyboard Review: The new mechanical keyboard provides a "clickety clack" sound (50-60 dB) and uses Gateron KS33 low-travel blue switches (non-swappable). It requires slim keycaps for customization. The keyboard features bracing under larger keys and a unique power button.
18:34 Keyboard Customization & Power Consumption: An integrated RP2040 chip allows hardware-level customization of backlight settings and key remapping via a dedicated app, including a hidden "Flappy Bird" game using the LEDs. Full RGB backlighting increases power consumption from ~3W (idle, backlight off) to ~7W, while a solid color like red reduces it to ~4.6W.
19:56 Value and Recommendation: The $200 Pi 500 Plus, with its 16GB RAM, NVMe storage, and quality RGB mechanical keyboard, is presented as a "Lamborghini of all Raspberry Pis" for those desiring a main computer. However, the original $90 Pi 500 remains a perfectly viable and cost-effective option for basic tasks and kids' use. The reviewer acknowledges his own Pi 400 is still sufficient for quick terminal needs.