The latest generation of the Raspberry Pi 5 has revealed a significant performance limitation due to thermal management. While the device can technically operate without active cooling, pushing its capabilities can lead to throttling once temperatures reach 85°C. This becomes an issue during multitasking or when running demanding applications, where performance may noticeably degrade.
To address these challenges, an affordable solution is available that enhances cooling efficiency. The official cooler for the Raspberry Pi 5, priced at $10, includes an aluminum heatsink combined with a fan. This setup not only draws heat from the System-on-a-Chip but also from adjacent components, improving overall thermal performance.
This active heatsink cooler slows the rate at which the passive cooling system reaches saturation, thereby extending the performance capabilities of the Raspberry Pi 5. Users looking to maximize their experience, especially for desktop applications, may find this upgrade essential.