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Raspberry Pi 2 Model B Desktop (Quad Core CPU 900 MHz, 1 GB RAM, Linux)
Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi 2 Model B Desktop (Quad Core CPU 900 MHz, 1 GB RAM, Linux)

Bottom line: The Raspberry Pi 2 Model B Desktop ($85.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Quad-core Cortex-A7 at 900 MHz is roughly 6x the original Model B; main trade-off: 900 MHz Cortex-A7 struggles with N64, Saturn, and PSP emulation.

$85.99

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Buy on Amazon — $85.99 Compare to similar emulation hardware

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For emulation handhelds, FPGA consoles and flash carts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Quad-core Cortex-A7 at 900 MHz is roughly 6x the original Model B
  • ✓ Full 1 GB SDRAM, double the previous generation
  • ✓ Pin- and case-compatible with the Model B+, so accessories carry over
  • ✓ Built-in 10/100 Mb/s Ethernet, no USB dongle needed for ROM transfers
  • ✓ Runs on a 5 V 800 mA micro USB supply, cheap to leave powered 24/7

Cons

  • ✗ 900 MHz Cortex-A7 struggles with N64, Saturn, and PSP emulation
  • ✗ 10/100 Ethernet only, and there is no onboard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • ✗ 1 GB RAM caps heavier desktop Linux and browser use
  • ✗ Superseded by newer Pi generations, so software support skews older

Manufacturer description

The Raspberry Pi 2 Model B turned the deck-of-cards Linux board into a genuinely capable emulation machine, and it remains a favorite entry point for RetroPie and Lakka builds. Its quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 runs at 900 MHz and pairs with 1 GB of SDRAM, a six-fold processing jump and double the memory of the original Model B, while keeping full backward compatibility with the Model B+ layout. That means existing cases, HATs, and GPIO projects carry straight over. You boot from a microSD card, wire audio out through the 3.5 mm jack, and get 10/100 Mb/s Ethernet for ROM transfers and package…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Raspberry Pi 2 Model B Desktop using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the emulation hardware category. Raspberry Pi's emulation hardware lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for emulation hardware of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B good enough for retro emulation?

Yes for the 8-bit and 16-bit era. The quad-core 900 MHz Cortex-A7 and 1 GB of RAM handle NES, SNES, Genesis, and arcade cores comfortably, while later 3D consoles are a stretch.

Does it have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

No. The listed networking is 10/100 Mb/s Ethernet only, so plan on a USB Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adapter if you want wireless controllers or downloads.

What power supply does it need?

A micro USB DC supply rated 5 V 800 mA for the board itself. Add headroom above that if you plan to run powered USB peripherals or external drives.

Do my Model B+ case and HATs still fit?

Yes. Raspberry Pi built the Pi 2 Model B with complete backward compatibility with the existing Model B+, so the same footprint, cases, and GPIO add-ons apply.

What storage does it use, and is a card included?

It boots from a microSD card slot. The listing covers the board and its stated features only, so confirm on the product page whether a card, case, or PSU is bundled.

Key Features

  • Quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 CPU 0.9 GHz
  • 1GB SDRAM
  • Audio: 3.5 mm jack, Storage: microSD card slot, Network: 10/100 Mb/s
  • Power: Micro USB DC 5 V 800 mA for the Pi board

Full Specifications

Audio3.5 mm jack, Storage: microSD card slot, Network: 10/100 Mb/s
BrandRaspberry Pi
PowerMicro USB DC 5 V 800 mA for the Pi board
CPU ModelCortex A7
CPU Speed0.9 GHz
Model NameRaspberry Pi 2 Model B
Unit Count1 Count
ConnectivityUSB
Model Number100437
CompatibilityLinux
Built-In MediaMicroSD card, Power Supply, Keyboard, Mouse, HDMI compatible display
Mfr Part Number100437
Processor BrandARM
Processor Count4
Processor Speed0.9 GHz
Total Usb Ports4
Compatible DevicesHDMI-compatible displays, USB keyboards, mice, MicroSD cards, 5V MicroUSB power supplies, DSI CSI cameras, and 40-pin GPIO devices such as Arduino boards breadboards.
RAM Memory Installed1 GB
Wireless Compability900 MHz Radio Frequency
RAM Memory TechnologySDRAM

Ready to buy?

Raspberry Pi 2 Model B Desktop (Quad Core CPU 900 MHz, 1 GB RAM, Linux) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $85.99

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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Raspberry Pi 2 Model B Desktop (Quad Core CPU 900 MHz, 1 GB RAM, Linux)
$85.99
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