Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Motherboard - Versatile 1.4GHz Single Board

Our review of the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ motherboard finds it best suited to hobbyists, educators and makers who need a compact, networked single board computer for projects like retro gaming, OctoPrint, Pi-Star or small home servers; the single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a 1.4GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU and built-in networking that removes the need for add-on adapters. Setup is straightforward and the board's improved power management and integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it a practical, ready-to-use platform for many DIY computing tasks.

Key Features

• 1.4GHz quad-core CPU: The 64-bit ARMv8 processor provides noticeably faster performance for emulation, media and light server tasks than older models.
• 1 GB RAM: Sufficient memory for single-purpose projects such as print servers, IoT gateways and retro gaming systems without excessive power draw.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: On-board 802.11n wireless and Bluetooth 4.2 with BLE simplify connectivity and reduce the need for USB dongles.
• Comprehensive I/O: Four USB ports, full HDMI, 40 GPIO pins, CSI and DSI interfaces let builders connect displays, cameras and custom hardware directly.
• Micro SD slot (push-pull): The updated push-pull card slot makes swapping OS images faster and more reliable during development and testing.

Who It's For

The Raspberry Pi 3 B+ is aimed at makers, students and tinkerers who want a small, affordable board with integrated networking to run projects like OctoPrint, Pi-Star, media players or retro gaming cabinets. Its IO options and HDMI output also suit prototype boards for simple robotics, camera projects and classroom labs where ease of setup matters.

People who need heavy multitasking, large-memory applications or true desktop replacement performance should look to models with more RAM or newer CPUs. If your project depends on gigabit Ethernet or USB 3 speeds, a different board will offer better wired throughput.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable, improved CPU and power management make it stable with many USB peripherals when a 2.5A adapter is used.
• Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth remove the need for extra adapters and simplify wireless projects.
• Versatile I/O with 40 GPIO pins, CSI and DSI support a wide range of add-ons and HATs.
• Good value for hobby projects and retro gaming use where extreme performance is not required.

Cons

• Only 1 GB RAM limits suitability for heavy multitasking or memory-intensive applications.
• 10/100 Mbps LAN speed is adequate for many tasks but not as fast as gigabit alternatives.

Specifications

Processor	Broadcom BCM2837B0 1.4GHz 64-bit quad-core ARMv8
Memory	1 GB RAM
Wireless	802.11n Wi-Fi on board
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.2 with Bluetooth Low Energy
Ethernet	10/100 Mbps LAN
Ports	4 USB ports, full HDMI, combined 3.5mm audio/composite
Expansion	40 GPIO pins, CSI camera and DSI display interfaces

Our Verdict

The Raspberry Pi 3 B+ is a practical, cost-effective single board computer for makers, educators and retro gamers who value built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and flexible I/O. It represents good value for projects that do not need high memory or gigabit networking, and its improved power management and 1.4GHz 64-bit CPU make it a reliable choice for many small-scale applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this board include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
Yes, it ships with on-board 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 with BLE for wireless connectivity.

What power supply is recommended?
A 2.5A power adapter is recommended to take full advantage of improved power management and support power-hungry USB peripherals.

Can I use it for retro gaming and media playback?
Yes, the 1.4GHz quad-core CPU and VideoCore IV graphics core make it well suited for retro gaming and basic media tasks.