How to Know Which Raspberry Pi Model You Have

Ben
Ben
@benjislab

The Raspberry Pi has gone through many iterations since its initial release, and it can sometimes be tricky to identify which model you have. This guide will walk you through several methods to determine the model and specifications of your Raspberry Pi.

Why Knowing Your Raspberry Pi Model Matters

Knowing your Raspberry Pi model is essential for several reasons:

  • Compatibility: Different models have varying levels of compatibility with software and hardware.
  • Performance: Understanding the capabilities of your Raspberry Pi can help you make the best use of its resources.
  • Troubleshooting: Identifying your model can aid in troubleshooting and seeking support.

Method 1: Check the Model Number Printed on the Board

The easiest way to identify your Raspberry Pi model is by checking the model number printed directly on the board.

  1. Turn off and unplug your Raspberry Pi.
  2. Look for the model number on the top side of the PCB (Printed Circuit Board).
  3. Common model numbers:
  • Raspberry Pi 1 Model B: "Raspberry Pi Model B Rev 2.0"
  • Raspberry Pi 2 Model B: "Raspberry Pi 2 Model B V1.1"
  • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B: "Raspberry Pi 3 Model B V1.2"
  • Raspberry Pi 4 Model B: "Raspberry Pi 4 Model B"

Method 2: Use the Command Line

If you have access to the command line, you can easily find out your Raspberry Pi model using a few simple commands.

  1. Open the terminal on your Raspberry Pi or SSH into it.
  2. Run the following command to read the model information from the CPU info file:
cat /proc/cpuinfo
  1. Look for the "Revision" line. Here are some common revision codes and their corresponding models:
  • 0002, 0003: Raspberry Pi Model B Revision 1.0
  • 0004, 0005, 0006: Raspberry Pi Model B Revision 2.0
  • 0007, 0008, 0009: Raspberry Pi Model A
  • 000d, 000e, 000f: Raspberry Pi Model B Revision 2.0 (512MB)
  • 0010: Raspberry Pi Model B+
  • 0011: Raspberry Pi Compute Module
  • 0012: Raspberry Pi Model A+
  • a01041, a21041: Raspberry Pi 2 Model B
  • a02082, a22082: Raspberry Pi 3 Model B
  • a020d3: Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+
  • a03111: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (1GB)
  • b03111: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (2GB)
  • c03111: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (4GB)
  • d03114: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (8GB)
  1. Use the pinout command:

The pinout command from the GPIO Zero library can also show detailed information about your Raspberry Pi model.

pinout

This command will display a diagram of the GPIO pins along with the model and revision number.

Method 3: Use Raspberry Pi Diagnostics Tool

  1. Open Raspberry Pi Diagnostics:
  • On the Raspberry Pi desktop, go to the menu and select Preferences > Raspberry Pi Diagnostics.
  • The tool will display information about your Raspberry Pi, including the model.

Method 4: Online Model Lookup

Several online resources allow you to input the serial number or revision code to identify your Raspberry Pi model.

  1. Visit an online lookup tool, such as Raspberry Pi Model Finder.

  2. Enter the revision code found using the command line method.

  3. Review the results to determine your model.

Conclusion

Identifying your Raspberry Pi model is straightforward with the right approach. Whether you check the board itself, use the command line, or leverage online tools, knowing your model will help you get the most out of your Raspberry Pi. This guide provides multiple methods to ensure you can accurately identify which Raspberry Pi you have and make informed decisions about software, hardware, and troubleshooting.