Raspberry Pi 3 - Model B 64-bit Quad core ARM CPU with WiFi

Specifications

• Processor: Broadcom BCM2837, 1.2GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
• RAM: 1GB LPDDR2
• Wireless Connectivity: BCM43438 wireless LAN (802.11n) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE 4.1)
• Networking: 10/100 BaseT Fast Ethernet
• GPIO: Standard 40-pin extended GPIO header
• Video & Audio: Full-size HDMI, 4-pole stereo output, and composite video port
• USB: 4 x USB 2.0 ports
• Camera & Display: CSI camera port for Pi cameras, DSI display port for touchscreen displays
• Storage: MicroSD slot for loading operating system and data storage
• Power Input: 5V / 2.5A DC via Micro USB connector

Applications

• Headless IoT Hubs: Run Home Assistant, Node-RED, or MQTT brokers seamlessly.
• Network Administration: Deploy a network-wide ad blocker using Pi-hole.
• Retro Gaming: Build your own arcade emulation console with RetroPie.
• Digital Signage: Power commercial displays and information kiosks.
• Edge Computing: Process sensor data locally before sending it to the cloud.

Unlock New Capabilities

• Past Projects: If you have maxed out the memory or processing power of an ESP32 or Arduino on a complex weather station or a basic web server...
• Feature Upgrade: The Raspberry Pi 3B unlocks full-scale database hosting (MySQL/PostgreSQL), heavy Python script execution, multi-threaded data logging, and the ability to run multiple Docker containers on a true Linux OS.
• Effort/Requirements: Intermediate. You will need a MicroSD card flashed with Raspberry Pi OS (via Raspberry Pi Imager), a highly stable 5V 2.5A power supply, and a basic understanding of the Linux command line.

Virtual Technician & Wiring Guide

• ⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: The Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins operate strictly at 3.3V. Probots Logic-Safe reminder: Applying 5V to any GPIO pin (for example, from a 5V sensor output) will instantly and permanently destroy the Broadcom CPU. Always use a logic level converter when interfacing with 5V components.

Basic Serial Console Pinout:

• Pin 2 or 4: 5V Power (from external supply if not using Micro USB)
• Pin 6: Ground (GND)
• Pin 8: GPIO 14 / TXD (Transmit)
• Pin 10: GPIO 15 / RXD (Receive)

Package Includes:

• 1 X Raspberry Pi 3 - Model B 64-bit Quad core ARM CPU with WiFi

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Does the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B have built-in WiFi?
  Yes, it features a built-in BCM43438 wireless LAN module supporting 2.4GHz 802.11n WiFi.
• What power supply is required for the Pi 3B?
  It requires a high-quality 5V micro USB power supply capable of delivering at least 2.5 Amps to ensure stability.
• Can I power the Pi 3B directly via the GPIO pins?
  Yes, you can supply a regulated 5V to Pin 2 or Pin 4, and Ground to Pin 6, but this bypasses the board's internal fuse protection.
• What is the maximum MicroSD card capacity supported?
  It officially supports up to 32GB (SDHC) natively, but SDXC cards (64GB, 128GB+) work perfectly if formatted to FAT32 before flashing.
• Does the Pi 3B support dual monitors?
  No, the Pi 3 Model B has only one full-size HDMI port for a single display.
• What is the difference between the Pi 3B and the Pi 3B+?
  The 3B+ is an upgraded version with a slightly faster CPU (1.4GHz vs 1.2GHz), dual-band WiFi (2.4/5GHz), Gigabit Ethernet (over USB 2.0), and PoE support via a HAT.
• Can it run full Windows 10/11?
  No. It can run Windows 10 IoT Core (which has no desktop GUI), but it is primarily designed for Linux distributions like Raspberry Pi OS or Ubuntu.
• What operating system is best for the Pi 3B?
  The official 32-bit or 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian) provides the best performance and driver support.
• How many USB ports does the Pi 3B have?
  It features four standard USB 2.0 ports.
• What architecture is the CPU?
  It uses an ARM Cortex-A53 64-bit architecture (ARMv8).
• Does the Pi 3B have hardware PWM pins?
  Yes, it has two hardware PWM channels accessible via GPIO 12, 13, 18, and 19.
• Can it decode 4K video?
  No, the Pi 3B supports 1080p video decoding via its VideoCore IV GPU.
• Are the GPIO pins 5V tolerant?
  No. The GPIO pins are strictly 3.3V logic. Connecting a 5V signal will permanently damage the board.
• How do I connect a camera to the Pi 3B?
  Use the dedicated CSI (Camera Serial Interface) port located between the audio jack and HDMI port using a standard flex cable.
• Does the standard Pi 3B support Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
  No, PoE support was introduced with the Raspberry Pi 3B+.
• What is the maximum current draw per GPIO pin?
  A single GPIO pin can safely source or sink about 16mA, but the total draw across all GPIO pins should not exceed 50mA.
• How do I access the serial console?
  You can access the serial console using a USB-to-TTL adapter connected to GPIO 14 (TXD) and GPIO 15 (RXD), ensuring the adapter operates at 3.3V logic.