The [Raspberry Pi](https://www.ampheo.com/c/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-boards) family uses a variety of [System-on-Chip](https://www.ampheo.com/c/system-on-chip-soc) ([SoC](https://www.ampheo.com/c/system-on-chip-soc)) processors, primarily from [Broadcom](https://www.ampheo.com/manufacturer/broadcom). Unlike a simple [microcontroller](https://www.ampheo.com/c/microcontrollers), these are complex SoCs that integrate a [microprocessor](https://www.ampheo.com/c/microprocessors) (CPU), a graphics processor (GPU), memory, and other controllers all onto a single chip.

Here is a breakdown of the main microprocessor/SoC for the most popular Raspberry Pi models.

**Quick Answer: By Model Family**
* [Raspberry Pi 5](https://www.ampheo.com/search/Raspberry%20Pi%205): Broadcom BCM2712
* [Raspberry Pi 4 Model B](https://www.ampheo.com/search/Raspberry%20Pi%204%20Model%20B): Broadcom BCM2711
* Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+: Broadcom BCM2837B0
* Raspberry Pi 3 Model B: Broadcom BCM2837
* Raspberry Pi 2 Model B: Broadcom BCM2836
* Raspberry Pi 1 Model B/B+ and Zero/Zero W: Broadcom BCM2835

**Detailed Breakdown by Generation**
**Raspberry Pi 4 & 5 (Modern Performance)**
These are the most powerful models and use modern 64-bit ARM Cortex-A application processors.


**Raspberry Pi 3 (The 64-bit Transition)**
This generation introduced 64-bit capable CPUs, though the OS often still ran in 32-bit mode initially.


**Raspberry Pi 2 & Early Pi 3 (The Multi-Core Era)**
This was the first major performance jump from the original single-core Pi.


**Raspberry Pi 1 & Zero (The Classics)**
The original and incredibly popular low-cost models.


**Key Things to Understand**
1. It's a SoC, not just a CPU: The Broadcom number (e.g., BCM2711) refers to the entire System-on-Chip. This single chip contains:

* The CPU cores (the microprocessor itself).
* The GPU (VideoCore graphics processor).
* The RAM is connected directly to this SoC in a Package-on-Package (PoP) or discrete layout.
* Various other controllers (USB, SDRAM, etc.).

2. ARM Architecture: All Raspberry Pis use CPU cores based on the ARM architecture, not the x86 architecture found in most laptops and desktops (from [Intel](https://www.ampheo.com/manufacturer/intel) and [AMD](https://www.ampheo.com/manufacturer/amd)). This is why software must be compiled for ARM to run on a Pi.

3. Performance Evolution: The CPU architecture has evolved dramatically:

* Pi 1: ARM11 (ARMv6) - Simple, low-power.
* Pi 2: Cortex-A7 (ARMv7) - First multi-core, focused on efficiency.
* Pi 3: Cortex-A53 (ARMv8) - First 64-bit capable, a balanced core.
* Pi 4: Cortex-A72 (ARMv8) - A performance-oriented core.
* Pi 5: Cortex-A76 (ARMv8.2) - A modern high-performance core, similar to what was in flagship smartphones a few years ago.

**Summary Table**

In short, the heart of your [Raspberry Pi](https://www.ampheoelec.de/c/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-boards) is a Broadcom [SoC](https://www.onzuu.com/category/system-on-chip-soc), and its capabilities have grown immensely from the simple single-core ARM11 in the original to the powerful quad-core Cortex-A76 in the latest Pi 5.