The latest price hike for the 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 makes it 3x more expensive than at launch

Published Nov 2, 2026, 10:29 AM EST Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Summary The Pi 5 16GB price jumps to $385 due to a 16 GB DRAM shortage, over triple its launch price. Other Pi 5 models keep current prices; Foundation urges assessing if buying the 16GB is necessary. Foundation may cut 16GB Pi 5 price if DRAM costs fall, timing uncertain. The RAM crisis has not been kind to the Raspberry Pi. Over the past year or two, we've seen gradual price increases for the boards as the Foundation tries to keep the hardware costs covered. Now, after another price hike, the Raspberry Pi 5 16 GB model is now $385, over triple its launch price back in January 2025. The Raspberry Pi 5 16 GB model now costs $385 The price has massively grown in under two years Over on the Raspberry Pi blog, the Foundation announced the new price increase for the Raspberry Pi 5 16 GB board. Citing "a lack of alternative supply for 16GB DRAM," the board will now cost $80 more than before, coming in at $385. Given that the board debuted almost two years ago at $120, it's clear the RAM crisis has not been kind to the Pi. Fortunately, there is some good news. First, the Foundation never performs blanket price hikes across its entire range, so all the other models, including Pi 5s with less memory, aren't increasing in cost. In fact, the Foundation stresses that people should evaluate if they truly need a 16 GB Pi 5 for their project, as it's easy to think that bigger always means better. Second, the Foundation hints it plans to reduce the board's cost should RAM prices go down again. When (and perhaps even if) that will happen is up for debate right now, but it's good to see that the Foundation has plans to reduce them if it happens.