Raspberry Pi 2 launches with ARMv7 quad core CPU

element14 and Raspberry Pi Trading have launched Raspberry Pi 2 Model B, which is six times faster than the previous model and now boasts 1 GB of RAM to run bigger and more powerful projects.

The Raspberry Pi 2 marks a major modification for the credit card-sized computer, with a new Broadcom BCM2836 ARMv7 quad core processor powered single board computer running at 900 MHz with 1 GB of RAM. The new Raspberry Pi 2 boots up in less than half the time of its predecessor.

All previous Raspberry Pi projects are compatible with the new Raspberry Pi 2 Model B, and the expanded GPIO pins, advanced power management and connectivity make it possible to connect up to four USB devices, including some powered devices such as hard drives. The 40-pin GPIO enables multiple sensors, connectors and expansion boards to be added, with the first 26 pins identical to the Model A and B boards, for full backward compatibility.

Since its launch in February 2012, over four million Raspberry Pi boards have been sold and element14 has launched over 30 exclusive accessories, specifically designed and manufactured to expand the usability of the device for millions of customers worldwide. The element14 Community has become one of the leading websites for discussion and collaboration around Raspberry Pi projects and developments.

Upgrading the existing projects to benefit from the improved performance simply involves an update to the operating system.

The new Raspberry Pi 2 is available to buy from the element14 Community at www.element14.com/raspberrypi2.