Why RPI need such a high current?

Question

I am little bit confused. All my colleagues tell me that I need 2.5 or 3A power source. Indeed, it does not work with with "smaller" source.

However, the general knowledge and this site (and many others) https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blogs/jeff-geerling/raspberry-pi-zero-power tell that the consumption is much lower.

Why and when it needs such a high current from source?

The 2.5 amp will be suggested for the Pi3 model, not the Pi Zero models. — joan, Feb 16 '18 at 11:18

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Feb 16 '18 at 11:37

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As @joan said in a comment the 2.5 Amp power source is recommended for Pi3 B model (the most common one) for Raspberry Pi Zero and Raspberry Pi Zero W models the recommended power is much lower (1.2 Amp) if you want to know what is the power source you need for your model I recommend to consult this table: https://www.raspberrypi.org/help/faqs/#topPower

answered Feb 16 '18 at 11:37

Cheesy

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Thanks and sorry for irrelevant link, but question still stands. If (for example 3B) cannot draw more than 2A, why it crashes with source over 2A (below 2.5A)? – matousc Feb 16 '18 at 11:51
@matousc That bears no relation to your actual question. If you have asked the wrong question please **clarify what you are asking by editing your question**. – joan Feb 16 '18 at 13:03

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Feb 16 '18 at 22:35

The Pi3 will run quite happily on a quality 1A supply.

If it does not work you have a PS or cable problem.

See Raspberry Pi Power Limitations

Many Pi users do not understand "current" - provided the voltage is correct it will run - of course this means the PS has to be able to deliver the correct voltage at the current actually required.

Why RPI need such a high current?

2 Answers2