Introduction
Single-board computers are surging in popularity, particularly among hobbyists, and the Raspberry Pi 500+ is leading the charge. After its release, one creative modder has already managed to enhance the device’s capabilities by integrating an external RX 7900 XT graphics card for high-end gaming performance.
Enhanced Features
The new Pi 500+ offers several significant upgrades over its predecessor:
- Keyboard: Now features an RGB mechanical keyboard.
- RAM: Upgraded from 8 GB to a whopping 16 GB of LPDDR4x.
- Storage: Comes equipped with an NVMe M.2 slot on its circuit board.
While it was meant for adding storage, modder Jeff Geerling utilized this M.2 slot to connect the RX 7900 XT and dramatically improve the gaming experience.
The Modding Process
With just a few lines of additional code for the GPU’s Linux drivers, Geerling successfully configured the Pi 500+ to recognize the external GPU. His approach included:
- Using an OCuLink cable and an external GPU dock
- Connecting the RX 7900 XT
With this setup, games like Cyberpunk 2077 are within reach — although the Pi 5’s CPU might struggle to keep up. Thanks to Box64, an x86 emulator for Arm64 architectures, Geerling was able to install Steam on the upgraded device, running titles such as Horizon Chase Turbo at an impressive 118 FPS.
Conclusion
This clever modification illustrates the potential of the Raspberry Pi lineup, making it an enticing option for both old and new enthusiasts alike. As more users explore the possibilities, the community around this affordable hardware continues to expand.
