Best SD Cards For Raspberry Pi 5
Expert recommendations based on Orange Pi 5 specifications
Recommended SD Card
microSD (TF) (Class 10 / U1 (A1 or A2 recommended) or faster)
Orange Pi 5 boots its operating system directly from the microSD (TF) slot if you are not using NVMe or eMMC.
Official Orange Pi 5 SD Card Requirements
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Format: microSD (TF)
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Minimum Speed: Class 10 / U1 (A1 or A2 recommended) (10 MB/s write)
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Maximum Capacity: Up to 128GB official, 256–512GB commonly reported working
Why these requirements? Orange Pi 5 boots its operating system directly from the microSD (TF) slot if you are not using NVMe or eMMC. Class 10 / U1 cards provide enough sequential throughput for Linux distributions, while A1 or A2-rated cards dramatically improve random read/write performance for package management, logs, and desktop use. Official documentation for related Orange Pi 5 boards lists 128GB as the supported microSD size, but many users successfully run 256GB and even 512GB cards, making 32–128GB a safe, mainstream choice and larger cards a practical but unofficial option.
Detailed Specifications
Type
microSD (TF)
Min Speed Class
Class 10 / U1 (A1 or A2 recommended)
Write Speed
10 MB/s
Recommended Size
32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Max Capacity
128GB official, 256–512GB commonly reported working
Top SD Card Recommendations
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| SD Card | Speed Class | Write Speed | Pros | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SanDisk Extreme microSD
|
V30 | Up to 130 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
|
SanDisk Ultra microSD
|
C10 | Up to 20 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus
|
V30 | Up to 90 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Featured Products on Amazon
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Kingston Canvas Go Plus 128GB microSD Card | Up to 200MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U3, V30, A2 | SDCG4/128GB
$19.99
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Kingston 128GB microSDXC Canvas Go Plus 170MB/s Read UHS-I, C10, U3, V30, A2/A1 Memory Card + Adapter (SDCG3/128GBCR)
$20.97
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Kingston 128GB Canvas Select Plus microSD Card | Up to 150MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U1, V10, A1 | SDCS3/128GB
$11.95
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Frequently Asked Questions
What SD Card Do I Need for Orange Pi 5?
The Orange Pi 5 requires a microSD (TF) card with Class 10 / U1 (A1 or A2 recommended) speed rating for reliable performance. We recommend 128GB capacity as the sweet spot balancing storage capacity with affordability. The device supports up to 128GB official, 256–512GB commonly reported working, though most users find 128GB sufficient for daily use. Always choose from trusted brands like SanDisk, Lexar, or Kingston to ensure consistent performance and avoid data loss.
Do I need a V30 video card for Orange Pi 5?
No, a V30 card is not required for most Orange Pi 5 use cases. The board cares far more about random I/O for the operating system than about sustained video write speed. A Class 10 / U1 card with an A1 or A2 rating is usually the best balance of price and performance.
What capacity microSD card should I choose for Orange Pi 5?
For a typical Linux desktop or server image, 32GB or 64GB is plenty. If you plan to store many Docker images, databases, or media files directly on the card, 128GB gives more breathing room. Larger cards (256GB or 512GB) often work, but they go beyond the capacities mentioned in many Orange Pi hardware parameter sheets.
Is microSD slower than NVMe or eMMC on Orange Pi 5?
Yes, microSD is the slowest storage option on the board. It is perfectly fine for experimenting, lightweight servers, and small desktops, but for heavy I/O workloads or large databases it is worth migrating the root filesystem to an NVMe SSD or eMMC module and keeping the microSD only as a boot or recovery medium.
Is Class 10 / U1 (A1 or A2 recommended) required for Orange Pi 5?
Yes, Class 10 / U1 (A1 or A2 recommended) is recommended for Orange Pi 5. It guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 10 MB/s, which is necessary for stable recording without dropped frames or errors.
What storage capacity should I get for Orange Pi 5?
We recommend 32GB or 64GB or 128GB cards. A 32GB card is good for typical use, with 128GB official, 256–512GB commonly reported working as the maximum supported capacity. Larger sizes are useful if you shoot frequently and want to minimize card swaps.
Can I use older or slower cards with Orange Pi 5?
Not recommended. Cards slower than Class 10 / U1 (A1 or A2 recommended) may cause dropped frames, corrupted files, or recording failures. Always use Class 10 / U1 (A1 or A2 recommended) minimum for reliability.
Does the brand matter for Orange Pi 5?
Yes, trusted brands like SanDisk, Lexar, and Kingston are recommended. Quality brands have better reliability and warranty support. Avoid unknown brands, especially for demanding devices.
What happens if I use the wrong card with Orange Pi 5?
Using cards slower than Class 10 / U1 (A1 or A2 recommended) can cause: dropped frames during recording, corrupted files, or complete recording failure. Stick to Class 10 / U1 (A1 or A2 recommended) minimum to avoid data loss.
How long will an SD card last with Orange Pi 5?
Quality SD cards typically last 3-5 years with normal use. Replace your card if you experience read/write errors, corrupted files, or if it's been dropped or exposed to extreme conditions.