Expert recommendations based on Raspberry Pi 5 specifications
Recommended SD Card
microSD (A1 or A2 rated or faster)
The Raspberry Pi 5 boots its operating system from the microSD card.
Official Raspberry Pi 5 SD Card Requirements
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Format: microSD
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Minimum Speed: A1 or A2 rated (10 MB/s (Class 10) write)
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Maximum Capacity: Up to No official limit
Why these requirements? The Raspberry Pi 5 boots its operating system from the microSD card. An 'A1' or, ideally, an 'A2' rated card is crucial for performance. These ratings signify faster random read/write speeds, which dramatically improves OS responsiveness and application loading times.
Detailed Specifications
Type
microSD
Min Speed Class
A1 or A2 rated
Write Speed
10 MB/s (Class 10)
Recommended Size
32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Max Capacity
No official limit
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 |
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus
|
V30 | Up to 90 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
|
SanDisk Ultra microSD
|
C10 | Up to 20 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
View on Amazon
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 Raspberry Pi 5?
The Raspberry Pi 5 requires a microSD card with A1 or A2 rated speed rating for reliable performance. We recommend 128GB capacity as the sweet spot balancing storage capacity with affordability. The device supports up to No official limit, 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.
What's more important for the Raspberry Pi 5, V30 or A2?
The A2 rating is more important. The 'V' rating (e.g., V30) is for sustained video recording speed, while the 'A' rating (Application Performance Class) is for random read/write operations, which is what an operating system does. An A2 card will feel much faster in daily use.
Is A1 or A2 rated required for Raspberry Pi 5?
Yes, A1 or A2 rated is recommended for Raspberry Pi 5. It guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 10 MB/s (Class 10), which is necessary for stable recording without dropped frames or errors.
What storage capacity should I get for Raspberry Pi 5?
We recommend 32GB or 64GB or 128GB cards. A 32GB card is good for typical use, with No official limit 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 Raspberry Pi 5?
Not recommended. Cards slower than A1 or A2 rated may cause dropped frames, corrupted files, or recording failures. Always use A1 or A2 rated minimum for reliability.
Does the brand matter for Raspberry 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 Raspberry Pi 5?
Using cards slower than A1 or A2 rated can cause: dropped frames during recording, corrupted files, or complete recording failure. Stick to A1 or A2 rated minimum to avoid data loss.
How long will an SD card last with Raspberry 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.