Based on the same quad-core system-on-chip as the Raspberry Pi 4, it can run a host of desktop applications in the official Raspberry Pi OS based on Debian Linux.

Let’s take a closer look at the Pi 400’s capabilities and what you can use it for.

Raspberry Pi 400 Hardware

On paper, the Pi 400’s specs may not compare favorably with many entry-level desktop computers and laptops, but then it is about a third of the price. Inside, it’s essentially a modified version of the Raspberry Pi 4, using the same Broadcom BCM2711 SoC powered by a quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit processor; this is clocked at 1.8GHz by default, although you can easily overclock it up to 2.2.GHz.

The Pi 400 has 4GB of RAM, so can’t quite match the performance of the Pi 4 8GB variant. It’s still pretty fast, though: roughly 40 times as powerful as the very first Raspberry Pi model launched back in 2012.

The Pi 400’s compact keyboard features chiclet keys including a special raspberry key to bring up the desktop menu. Handily, you can also power the Pi 400 down and up again with a key combination (Fn + F10). The PI 400 can be supplied with any of several international keyboard layouts.

Ports

At the rear you’ll find three USB-A ports (2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0) for connecting peripherals such as an external storage drive and a mouse. As on other Raspberry Pi models, there’s a slot for a microSD card to host the operating system and storage, although you could replace this with an SSD for improved performance.

Two micro HDMI ports are provided to connect one or two displays, with a resolution up to 4Kp60. You will need a special micro HDMI to HDMI cable, though.

Other ports at the rear include USB-C for power (using the 15W official PSU, supplied separately) and Gigabit Ethernet for a wired internet connection, although you’ll probably use the built-in dual-band wireless LAN for Wi-Fi. The Pi 400 also has Bluetooth 5.0 BLE for connecting devices.

On the downside, the Pi 400 lacks the 3.5mm AV port and camera and display connectors seen on full-size Raspberry Pi boards. However, there is a 40-pin GPIO (general-purpose input/output) header on the rear, as found on other Raspberry Pi models. This enables you to connect electronic circuits and add-on boards. More on that later.

Personal Computer Kit

Note that the standalone $70 Pi 400 doesn’t come with a PSU, mouse, HDMI cable, nor microSD card, which can be bought separately. These, along with a 252-page Beginner’s Guide book, are all included in the Pi 400 Personal Computer Kit bundle which retails at $100.

Operating System

Like other Raspberry Pi computers, by default the Pi 400 hosts its operating system on a microSD card, which is also used for storage.

The most popular OS option is the official Raspberry Pi OS based on Debian Linux, although it’s possible to install many other operating systems, including Ubuntu and specialist OSes for retro gaming, home entertainment, and even digital signage.

With a bit of jiggery-pokery, it’s even possible to run Windows 10 on a Raspberry Pi 400 or Pi 4, but it’s not very usable.

The versions of Raspberry Pi OS installable from the Raspberry Pi Imager card-flashing tool are all 32-bit, but there is a 64-bit version (in beta) you can download and try out on 64-bit models including the Raspberry Pi 400 and Pi 4.

Desktop Environment and Software

The standard ‘With Desktop’ version of Raspberry Pi OS has a graphical user interface with a menu of applications sorted into categories. There are just a few core applications by default, including an email client, but you can install many more for free with the Recommended Software tool.

Available applications include the full LibreOffice productivity suite which includes word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.

The default web browser is Chromium, the open-source basis for Google Chrome, which works really well. Unlike on some earlier Raspberry Pi models, YouTube videos play smoothly.

Programming and Electronics

Raspberry Pi OS’s core applications include the Thonny IDE for Python programming, along with the Scratch block-based coding tool. Both of these enable you to make use of Raspberry Pi 400’s GPIO header to interact with electronic circuits to its pins. Starting with blinking an LED, you can create all manner of complex circuits, just as you can with an Arduino.

You can also connect add-on expansion boards (often known as HATs) to the GPIO header. One issue with this is, while they will work, the board will be facing towards the rear; so if it has any kind of display, you won’t be able to see it. In which case you’ll want to connect your HAT or expansion board to Pi 400 using a 40-pin ribbon cable or GPIO breakout board.

Therefore the Pi 400 can be used in any electronics project in place of a standard Raspberry Pi model, although obviously it’s not ideal if you want to place your finished project/device in a confined space. In that case, either a standard full-size Raspberry Pi, or the smaller Raspberry Pi Zero—including the new Pi Zero 2 W— would be more practical.

Can Raspberry Pi 400 Run Minecraft?

A special version of Minecraft, called Minecraft: Pi Edition, can be installed using the Recommended Software tool in Raspberry Pi OS (Buster version or earlier, not Bullseye). However, this is very much a stripped-down version based on the Pocket Edition and limited to Creative Mode.

It’s mainly intended for educational use, as you can use the Python Minecraft API to code and make various blocks appear in the game, as well as teleport the player. You can have quite a lot of fun with this. Check out the Raspberry Pi projects page for more details.

You are also able to set up a Minecraft server on Raspberry Pi. This will require a 16GB microSD, and an Ethernet wired connection is advisable as it’s faster than wireless. Once set up, you can join the server from other devices running Minecraft.

In addition, it is also technically possible to install and play the Minecraft Java Edition on Raspberry Pi 400, although it doesn’t run at a very high resolution or frame rate. You’ll need a 64-bit OS to install the latest version of Minecraft.

Is a Raspberry Pi 400 Worth It?

With its integrated keyboard and quad-core 64-bit processor, the Raspberry Pi 400 makes for a perfectly usable entry-level Linux-based desktop computer for a very low cost. For a display, you can simply connect it up to any monitor or TV with an HDMI input.

A major bonus is that the Pi 400 retains the 40-pin GPIO header of other Raspberry Pi models, so you can connect and control your own electronic circuits, as well as use it with the wide selection of Raspberry Pi expansion boards available.