It’s now easier than ever (and very affordable) to use a fast SSD with a Raspberry Pi 5, perfect if you’re going to try Windows 11 on it

It's now easier than ever (and very affordable) to use a fast SSD with a Raspberry Pi 5, perfect if you're going to try Windows 11 on it

What you need to know

  • The Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced a new official storage product for the Raspberry Pi 5.
  • The new NVMe SSD comes in 256GB and 512GB capacities, though the larger won’t be available until November.
  • Prices start at $30 for the smaller SSD on its own, but also comes in a bundle with the m.2 Hat+ which is required to attach the drive to the Raspberry Pi.

As a seasoned tech enthusiast who has dabbled in various DIY projects and gadget tinkering over the years, I must say that this news about the Raspberry Pi Foundation releasing their own NVMe SSDs is nothing short of exciting!


As a tech enthusiast, I’ve always relied on microSD cards for my Raspberry Pi software needs. However, despite their speed, they can’t compare to the performance of SSDs. But fret not, because this limitation is no longer an issue!

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has introduced its own line of officially endorsed and backed SSDs designed for the Raspberry Pi 5. Prices start at $30 for a 256GB model, making these NVMe drives an affordable choice compared to traditional microSD cards, offering a noticeable improvement in performance that’s like stepping onto a different planet.

On the Raspberry Pi 5, this isn’t a novelty SSD; rather, it was among the initial ideas that came to mind when considering the use of the PCIe port on the latest iteration of this compact machine. [Source: Raspberry Pi blog]

While there are various applications for the PCI Express port on Raspberry Pi 5, attaching an NVMe solid-state drive (SSD) is particularly common. SSDs boast impressive speed, often surpassing our top-tier A2-class SD cards. For those who prioritize unparalleled performance, running Raspberry Pi OS from an SSD is recommended, and Raspberry Pi SSDs are an excellent option.

Using the Raspberry Pi 5 isn’t just about connecting a drive and starting right away; you’ll also need an M.2 Hat+ accessory to connect the drive to the board. However, you can purchase this accessory along with any of the two drives for an additional $10, making it a convenient bundle deal. For those interested, Tom’s Hardware has a comprehensive review of the Raspberry Pi m.2 Hat+, giving you an idea of its capabilities.

A new 512GB variant of the product will be available for purchase starting from November, priced at $45. Given the specifications, this price point is quite reasonable. Notably, SSDs in the m.2 2230 form factor, which these belong to, are not frequently encountered, particularly in PCIe 3 configuration. Lately, they have been more popular as PCIe 4.0 upgrades for devices such as the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.

It's now easier than ever (and very affordable) to use a fast SSD with a Raspberry Pi 5, perfect if you're going to try Windows 11 on it

Utilizing an SSD is highly beneficial if your intention is to transform the Raspberry Pi 5 into a functional desktop computer. Although Linux is typically preferred due to its compatibility, with some persistence, you can install the ARM64 version of Windows 11 on it. While Tom’s Hardware has attempted this setup in the past, improvements might have been made since then. Regardless, it remains possible, and you will undoubtedly notice a significant improvement when running any desktop OS from an SSD rather than a USB drive or microSD card.

You can now purchase the 256GB Raspberry Pi SSD from authorized dealers like CanaKit in the USA, with prices starting at around $30.

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2024-10-23 15:39