# Raspberry Pi 500+ Desktop Kit vs computer-only: what do you need?

Published by Muchita AI · Updated 2026-09-25 · Canonical: https://shopping.muchita.ai/guides/raspberry-pi-500-plus-desktop-kit/

Both official 500+ options start with the same keyboard computer and its preinstalled SSD. The Desktop Kit adds the mouse, power supply and display cable; neither option supplies a monitor. Tick what you already own below before paying for a bundle you may not need.

## In short

- The Raspberry Pi 500+ computer-only option includes the 16 GB keyboard computer with a preinstalled 256 GB SSD and Raspberry Pi OS. It is not the older Raspberry Pi 500.
- The official 500+ Desktop Kit adds a 27 W USB-C power supply, mouse, micro-HDMI-to-HDMI cable and Beginner's Guide. Both options include the case-opening and keycap tools; neither includes a monitor.
- A seller's custom bundle is a third package. Confirm its exact regional keyboard, plug, contents and condition before comparing the verified item prices of equivalent boxes. Shipping is shown separately.

> Published by Muchita with AI-assisted drafting and independent factual checking on September 25, 2026. Package facts come from Raspberry Pi's openly CC BY-SA 4.0 licensed documentation on GitHub, linked below; the text, decision table and tool are Muchita's original work, with no copied manufacturer photos or paragraphs. This is not hands-on testing, a current price comparison or an endorsement by Raspberry Pi. No seller offer was collected for this page.

## The SSD comes with either official 500+ option

Raspberry Pi's [keyboard-computer documentation](https://github.com/raspberrypi/documentation/blob/master/documentation/asciidoc/computers/keyboard-computers/intro.adoc) identifies the 500+ as a 16 GB model with a 256 GB internal SSD preinstalled with Raspberry Pi OS. The 500+ computer-only and official 500+ Desktop Kit both contain that computer. Do not add an imaginary SSD or mandatory microSD card to the computer-only cost when you plan to use its included SSD.

The official Desktop Kit adds a Raspberry Pi 27 W USB-C power supply, a mouse, a micro-HDMI-to-HDMI cable and the Official Raspberry Pi Beginner's Guide. The spudger and keycap puller are included with either 500+ option. Check the actual regional box before relying on a seller's shortened contents list.

| Part | 500+ computer-only | Official 500+ Desktop Kit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 500+ keyboard computer, 16 GB RAM | Included | Included |
| 256 GB SSD with Raspberry Pi OS | Preinstalled | Preinstalled |
| Case and keycap tools | Included | Included |
| 27 W USB-C power supply | Add or use a suitable one you own | Included; check regional plug |
| Mouse | Add or use one you own | Included |
| Micro-HDMI-to-HDMI cable | Add or use one you own | Included |
| Beginner's Guide | Not listed for computer-only | Included |
| Monitor | Not included | Not included |

This table describes the manufacturer packages, not a checked seller listing. A store-built bundle may include different accessories and must be itemised separately.

## What do you still need for a desktop setup?

A 500+ is the keyboard computer, not an all-in-one screen. Raspberry Pi's [open setup documentation](https://github.com/raspberrypi/documentation/blob/master/documentation/asciidoc/computers/getting-started/setting-up.adoc) covers the display, mouse and power connection. Choose a monitor with a usable HDMI input and a suitable power source. Most displays use separate power, while some USB-powered models can draw power from a compatible computer port. The 500+ has micro-HDMI outputs, so check the cable at both ends.

Raspberry Pi's [power table](https://github.com/raspberrypi/documentation/blob/master/documentation/asciidoc/computers/getting-started/setting-up.adoc) recommends 5 V at 5 A for the 500+ and lists its 27 W USB-C unit in the official kit. If you already own a supply, verify its output and local plug rather than assuming any phone charger is equivalent. The included SSD already carries an operating system; a separate microSD card is optional for an alternate setup, not a missing kit component.

The checklist below names missing pieces from your stated starting point. It does not price accessories or validate what an individual seller actually ships.

## 500+ and 500 are not the same product

The [open keyboard-computer documentation](https://github.com/raspberrypi/documentation/blob/master/documentation/asciidoc/computers/keyboard-computers/intro.adoc) distinguishes the 500+ with 16 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD from the older Pi 500 with 8 GB RAM. The older Pi 500 Desktop Kit has different storage and kit details. A listing title that drops the plus sign is unresolved until you confirm the exact model and box.

Regional variants can change keyboard layout, power plug and printed materials. Select your intended country and language first. Check the actual SKU and regional box with the seller, especially when a marketplace combines several variants under one product page. A seller-assembled 'starter kit' is not the manufacturer Desktop Kit merely because it uses the word kit.

## Compare the complete package you chose

Computer-only versus Desktop Kit is a decision about included parts, not a same-item price comparison. Once you choose one, compare verified outright item prices for that exact model, regional variant, package and condition. Check the seller, availability, currency, tax basis, membership requirements and the items inside the box at each offer.

List a required extra power supply, mouse or cable as a separate purchase if you do not own one. Do not subtract guessed accessory values from a kit price or call a bundle cheaper without the actual applicable amounts. Show shipping as free, a stated extra amount, or unknown/may be added; shipping does not reorder an item-price ranking. Use Muchita's [price-comparison worksheet](https://shopping.muchita.ai/tools/price-comparison/) for your own verified matching offers.

## A five-minute package check

1. **Name the exact computer** Confirm Raspberry Pi 500+ with 16 GB RAM and the intended regional keyboard and plug. Reject an ambiguous Pi 500 or reseller-built kit description until clarified.
2. **Choose a complete setup** Mark the monitor, mouse, suitable power supply and display cable you own. Check the official kit against the computer-only box without adding an unnecessary SSD or microSD card.
3. **Verify the seller** Confirm actual included parts, new or used condition, stock, outright item price, currency, tax basis and any membership conditions. Record shipping separately.
4. **Compare and save** Compare only the same eligible complete package across sellers. Keep the listing URLs and check times. A lower observed item price is a narrow result, not a market-wide lowest-price promise.

This guide supplies no current retailer offer. Install Muchita Shopping to examine products as you browse, then verify the exact package and terms before you act on a comparison.

## Stop when the listing hides a material detail

- **The plus sign is missing.** Treat 'Pi 500' and 'Pi 500+' as different computers. Resolve the model, not just the product photo.
- **The kit is not defined.** Request the included-parts list. An unofficial bundle can omit the 27 W supply or include a different cable.
- **The monitor is assumed.** Neither manufacturer package supplies a monitor. Check your display and HDMI connection before ordering.
- **The storage is charged twice.** The 500+ includes a preinstalled SSD with OS. Do not price an additional SSD or microSD card as a required part of that standard setup.

For a broader method, read [how to match models and packages](https://shopping.muchita.ai/guides/product-model-number-comparison/). For a different Pi 5 board purchase, see the [US Pi 5 comparison](https://shopping.muchita.ai/research/us/raspberry-pi-5-8gb/); it is a different product and its recorded offers may no longer be current.

## Questions and answers

### Does the 500+ computer-only box include storage?

Yes. Raspberry Pi describes a preinstalled 256 GB SSD with Raspberry Pi OS on the 500+ computer. Do not confuse this with the older Pi 500.

### Does the official Desktop Kit include a monitor?

No. You need a separate compatible display with suitable power. Some USB-powered monitors can draw power from a compatible computer port; do not assume a separate mains adapter is always needed.

### What does the 500+ Desktop Kit add?

Raspberry Pi lists a 27 W USB-C power supply, mouse, micro-HDMI-to-HDMI cable and Beginner's Guide in addition to the 500+ computer and its included tools.

### Do I need a microSD card to start?

Not if you use the Raspberry Pi OS installation on the 500+'s preinstalled SSD. A microSD card is an alternate setup choice.

### Is a Raspberry Pi 500 Desktop Kit the same thing?

No. The Pi 500 without the plus sign is a different computer with different storage and kit contents. Confirm the exact model before comparing offers.

### Can I compare the kit price directly with computer-only?

They are different packages. First decide which complete purchase you need, then compare matching verified item prices. Show shipping separately.

### What is the cheapest 500+ today?

This page has not checked current retailer prices or stock. Muchita cannot name a cheapest seller from this page; compare eligible exact-package offers when you have verified them.

## Sources

- Raspberry Pi open documentation: keyboard computers - https://github.com/raspberrypi/documentation/blob/master/documentation/asciidoc/computers/keyboard-computers/intro.adoc (CC BY-SA documentation source for Pi 500/500+ differences, 500+ SSD and official package contents. Checked 2026-09-25.)
- Raspberry Pi open documentation: desktop setup - https://github.com/raspberrypi/documentation/blob/master/documentation/asciidoc/computers/getting-started/setting-up.adoc (Display, HDMI cable and recommended 5 V at 5 A power for Pi 500+. Checked 2026-09-25.)
- Raspberry Pi open documentation: power supplies - https://github.com/raspberrypi/documentation/blob/master/documentation/asciidoc/computers/raspberry-pi/power-supplies.adoc (Power adequacy and limitations of unsuitable supplies; no claim that every third-party unit fails. Checked 2026-09-25.)
- Raspberry Pi open documentation: monitor - https://github.com/raspberrypi/documentation/blob/master/documentation/asciidoc/accessories/monitor/monitor_intro.adoc (Some monitors take USB power; the official monitor can operate from a suitable USB source. Checked 2026-09-25.)
- Raspberry Pi open documentation: mouse - https://github.com/raspberrypi/documentation/blob/master/documentation/asciidoc/accessories/keyboard-and-mouse/getting-started-mouse.adoc (Official mouse setup context; no retailer offer or price. Checked 2026-09-25.)
- Raspberry Pi documentation licence - https://github.com/raspberrypi/documentation/blob/master/LICENSE.md (Documentation source is explicitly CC BY-SA 4.0, including commercial reuse with its conditions. No documentation text or image is reproduced here. Checked 2026-09-25.)

Facts were checked against Raspberry Pi's openly licensed documentation source on GitHub on September 25, 2026. Attribution and licence links are above. The package matrix and setup tool are Muchita's original expression; no manufacturer page, product photo, retailer offer or protected prose was copied. Check the actual regional box, accessory compatibility, seller terms and price before buying.