How to choose SD card for raspberry pi and other devices?

Introduction

The Raspberry Pi 5 is here, and it’s bringing some serious upgrades compared to its predecessors, including the Raspberry Pi 4. With faster processing speeds, better connectivity, and support for more advanced peripherals, the Pi 5 is a true powerhouse for DIY projects, media servers, home automation, and much more. But there’s one crucial element that often gets overlooked in the excitement of these new features: the SD card.

While it might seem like any old SD card will work, choosing the right one is key to unlocking the full potential of the Raspberry Pi 5. An underperforming SD card can limit boot times, slow down application launches, and create bottlenecks when transferring large files. With the Pi 5 supporting faster speeds and higher capacities than ever before, it’s more important than ever to pick the best SD card to match. Whether you’re running a media center, setting up a development environment, or simply need reliable storage for your projects, the right SD card can make a huge difference in performance.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the best SD card for your Raspberry Pi 5. We’ll explore the key features to look for, highlight the best options, and even touch on the less obvious aspects like endurance and IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) that are crucial for a smooth Pi experience. Let’s dive in!

1. How is the SD Card Slot on Pi 5 Compared to Pi 4?

The Raspberry Pi 5 introduces several upgrades over the Pi 4, and that includes the SD card slot. While both models rely on microSD cards for boot and storage, the Pi 5 comes with some notable improvements that enhance the overall performance and compatibility of the SD card.

Differences in SD Card Slot Design

• Slot Orientation & Access: One of the most noticeable physical changes is the slot orientation. On the Raspberry Pi 5, the microSD card slot is located on the opposite side of the board compared to the Pi 4. This change is primarily designed to allow for easier access when mounted in enclosures.

• Faster Data Transfer: The Pi 5’s SD card slot is designed to handle faster data transfer rates than the Pi 4’s. While the Pi 4’s slot supports UHS-I, the Pi 5 takes it a step further by enabling higher-speed standards for even better performance.

Support for Faster SD Card Standards on Pi 5

• UHS-I and UHS-II: The Raspberry Pi 5 supports UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) and UHS-II cards. UHS-I cards have been the standard for many years, offering read speeds up to 104MB/s, which is perfectly fine for most Pi 4 use cases. However, with the Pi 5, you can now take advantage of UHS-II cards, which support even faster speeds, reaching up to 312MB/s (depending on the card).

• SDR104 Mode: The biggest change with Pi 5 is the support for SDR104 mode, which allows for even higher speeds than UHS-I. In this mode, you can achieve higher read/write speeds, making it especially useful for intensive applications like 4K video streaming, large data processing, or running multiple containers and VMs. Pi 5’s compatibility with SDR104 means you’ll be able to unlock the full potential of the latest SD cards, improving system responsiveness and overall performance.

Compatibility with Higher-Speed SDR104 Mode

• What is SDR104?: SDR104 is an SD Card bus mode designed to achieve maximum performance. It pushes the speed limits of the SD card interface and is ideal for high-performance tasks where quick read/write access is essential. Pi 5 fully supports SDR104, whereas the Pi 4’s slot is limited to UHS-I speeds and does not support SDR104 mode.

• Why This Matters: If you’re using your Pi for more demanding tasks like video editing, high-speed data processing, or running a media server, taking advantage of SDR104 mode can provide smoother and faster performance, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall user experience.

In conclusion, the Pi 5 SD card slot offers backward compatibility with older cards that work in the Pi 4, but the key upgrade here is the ability to support UHS-II and SDR104 standards. This gives Pi 5 users a significant performance boost, particularly if you’re using high-end, fast SD cards designed for these standards.

2. What SD Card Standards Should You Look for in the Raspberry Pi 5?

When choosing an SD card for the Raspberry Pi 5, you need to consider various standards that determine speed, endurance, and compatibility. Unlike older Raspberry Pi models, the Pi 5 can take advantage of faster SD card technologies, meaning you can get much better performance if you choose the right card.

Storage Capacity – How Much Do You Need?

The capacity of your SD card depends on how you plan to use your Raspberry Pi 5. Here’s a general guide:

• 16GB – 32GB → Best for lightweight tasks, such as a basic Linux setup or a retro gaming console.
• 64GB – 128GB → Ideal for desktop use, small databases, and media streaming.
• 256GB – 512GB+ → Required for large-scale projects, AI applications, or running VMs.

💡 Pi 5 supports microSD cards up to 1TB, but keep in mind that not all ultra-high-capacity cards are optimized for performance.

Speed Classes – What Do They Mean?

MicroSD cards come with various speed ratings, and these numbers can be confusing. Here’s what to look for:

💡 For Raspberry Pi 5, UHS-I U3 (V30) is a solid balance of speed and price. If you need maximum performance, go for V60 or V90.

Read vs. Write Speeds – Why They Matter

• Read Speed – Affects how fast your Raspberry Pi boots and loads applications.
• Write Speed – Impacts how quickly data is saved, which is important for logging, databases, and recording.

The Pi 5’s support for SDR104 mode allows for read speeds up to 104MB/s, so choosing a card that can fully utilize this speed (like a UHS-I U3 or UHS-II card) will provide the best experience.

Bottom Line: What to Look for in an SD Card for Pi 5?

✅ Capacity: At least 64GB for general use, but 128GB+ is better for advanced tasks.
✅ Speed Class: UHS-I U3 (V30) or better for optimal performance.
✅ Read/Write Speeds: Look for 90MB/s+ read speeds 
✅ Endurance: High-endurance cards last longer, especially for 24/7 use cases.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid cheap, unbranded SD cards. Stick to SanDisk Extreme, Samsung Pro Plus, or Kingston Canvas Go! to ensure reliability and longevity.

3. Recommended Brands and Models

Not all microSD cards are built the same, and when it comes to running a Raspberry Pi 5, you need a card that balances speed, reliability, and endurance. Here are some of the best brands and models to consider:

SanDisk – The Go-To Choice for Reliability

SanDisk has been a trusted brand for years, offering some of the best-performing SD cards for the Raspberry Pi.

🔹 SanDisk Extreme Pro – The best option for performance, with 170MB/s read and 90MB/s write speeds.
🔹 SanDisk Extreme – Slightly more affordable but still fast enough for Pi 5.

💡 Why choose SanDisk? Excellent endurance, widespread availability, and great compatibility with the Pi.

Kingston – A Great Balance of Performance and Price

Kingston has stepped up its game with high-speed, cost-effective SD cards that work well with the Raspberry Pi 5.

🔹 Kingston Canvas Go! Plus – Offers 170MB/s read speeds with 90MB/s write speeds, ideal for Pi OS.
🔹 Kingston Industrial – If you need an ultra-durable, long-lasting card, this is the way to go.

💡 Why choose Kingston? Competitive pricing and solid performance make it a great alternative to SanDisk.

Samsung – High-End Options for Power Users

Samsung’s microSD cards are built for speed and reliability, making them a strong choice for Raspberry Pi 5.

🔹 Samsung PRO Plus – One of the fastest microSD cards, with 160MB/s read and 120MB/s write speeds.
🔹 Samsung EVO Plus – A cheaper alternative, still offering decent speeds for general Pi usage.

💡 Why choose Samsung? If you want top-tier performance and longevity, Samsung cards are worth the extra cost.

Lexar & Transcend – Good Alternatives to Consider

If you want less mainstream options but still high quality, Lexar and Transcend offer solid alternatives:

🔹 Lexar Professional 1066x – 160MB/s read, 120MB/s write, great for Pi 5.
🔹 Transcend High Endurance – Built for 24/7 operation, ideal for logging and surveillance applications.

💡 Why choose Lexar/Transcend? Often cheaper than the bigger brands while still offering great performance.

5. What’s the Cheapest SD Card That Will Work in Pi 5?

If you’re on a budget but still want a reliable SD card for your Raspberry Pi 5, there are a few affordable options that won’t slow down your system too much. While the Pi 5 benefits from faster UHS-I cards, you don’t necessarily need the most expensive one to get decent performance.

Minimum Recommended Specs for Pi 5 SD Cards

To avoid sluggish performance or potential corruption, your SD card should have at least:
✔️ UHS-I, Class 10 (C10) speed rating
✔️ Write speeds of at least 30MB/s (V30 or better recommended)
✔️ At least 32GB of storage (16GB is possible but limiting)

Budget-Friendly SD Cards That Work Well with Pi 5

💰 Best Cheap SD Cards for Raspberry Pi 5

Price vs. Performance: Is It Worth Spending More?

💡 Under $10: You can find 32GB Class 10 cards, but they may have lower endurance.
💡 $10–$20: 64GB–128GB UHS-I cards offer better speeds and durability.
💡 $20+: Higher-end cards like the SanDisk Extreme or Samsung PRO Plus provide better longevity, speed, and IOPS for applications like databases or 24/7 logging.

6. What’s the Maximum Capacity You Can Have on Pi 5’s SD Card?

If you’re planning to store large files, databases, or extensive media libraries on your Raspberry Pi 5, you’ll want to know the maximum supported SD card capacity. Fortunately, the Pi 5 supports high-capacity microSD cards, but there are a few things to consider before buying the biggest one available.

What’s the Maximum SD Card Size for Raspberry Pi 5?

✅ Official Maximum Capacity: 1TB (Supports microSDXC cards)
✅ File System Limitations: FAT32 (default) supports up to 32GB, but exFAT allows larger sizes
✅ UHS-I SDR104 Mode: Ensures high-speed operation for large-capacity cards

The Raspberry Pi 5 can technically support even larger cards when formatted properly, but 1TB is the highest widely available and tested capacity.

Best SD Card Capacities for Different Use Cases

Should You Get a 1TB SD Card for Pi 5?

💡 Yes, if…

• You need massive local storage for media, databases, or long-term logging.
• You don’t want to rely on external USB storage.

⚠️ No, if…

• You’re mainly running the OS and lightweight applications.
• You need better performance—NVMe SSDs via USB 3.0 are much faster and more reliable for heavy workloads.

7. What’s the Maximum Speed SD Card You Can Use in Pi 5?

If you’re aiming for the fastest possible performance on your Raspberry Pi 5, choosing the right SD card speed is crucial. The Pi 5 supports faster SD cards than previous models, but there are still some limitations to be aware of.

What Speed Ratings Can the Pi 5 Handle?

Unlike the Pi 4, which was limited to UHS-I speeds (up to ~50MB/s in practice), the Pi 5 fully supports SDR104 mode, meaning it can take advantage of:

✅ UHS-I (Ultra High Speed) SDR104 Mode – Up to 104MB/s
✅ A2-rated microSD cards – Faster random read/write speeds (better for apps & databases)

🚫 No Support for UHS-II or UHS-III – These offer theoretical speeds of 156MB/s–624MB/s, but Pi 5’s hardware doesn’t support them, meaning they will fall back to UHS-I speeds.

Best High-Speed SD Cards for Pi 5

Does UHS-II Work on Pi 5?

💡 Short Answer: Yes, but only at UHS-I speeds (max ~104MB/s). Since the Pi 5 does not have extra pins for UHS-II mode, these cards won’t be any faster than a high-end UHS-I card.

Final Recommendation: What’s the Best High-Speed SD Card for Pi 5?

• If you want the fastest possible speeds, go for a UHS-I, A2-rated microSD card with at least V30 speed class.
• SanDisk Extreme Pro and Kingston Canvas Go! Plus offer the best performance for Raspberry Pi 5.
• Avoid UHS-II cards unless you plan to use them in other devices that support their full speed.

For maximum performance, a high-quality UHS-I A2 V30 microSD card is the best choice for Raspberry Pi 5.

8. What Card Has the Best IOPS for Pi 5?

When choosing an SD card for the Raspberry Pi 5, most people focus on sequential read/write speeds (like 100MB/s+), but IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) is just as important—especially for tasks that involve frequent small file reads and writes, such as:

✅ Running databases (e.g., MySQL, SQLite)
✅ Hosting web servers or applications
✅ Running multiple background tasks and logs
✅ Booting and loading applications quickly

What is IOPS and Why Does It Matter?

IOPS measures how quickly a storage device can handle many small read/write operations per second. A higher IOPS means better responsiveness, especially for operating systems and apps that rely on lots of tiny file reads/writes.

SD cards with an “A1” or “A2” rating are optimized for high IOPS:

• A1 (Minimum 1,500 read / 500 write IOPS)
• A2 (Minimum 4,000 read / 2,000 write IOPS) – Much better for Raspberry Pi

🚀 Pi 5 benefits from A2-rated cards because they handle small file operations more efficiently.

Best SD Cards for High IOPS on Raspberry Pi 5

💡 Pro Tip: A2 cards require specific driver support to reach full IOPS potential, but even on Pi 5, they generally perform better than A1 cards.

9. What Card Has the Best Endurance for Pi 5?

If you’re planning to use your Raspberry Pi 5 for 24/7 operation, logging, or heavy write tasks, endurance matters more than speed. Regular microSD cards wear out quickly due to limited write cycles, but high-endurance SD cards are built to handle constant read/write operations without failing.

Why Endurance Matters for Raspberry Pi 5

SD cards have a finite number of write cycles before they degrade. A typical consumer-grade SD card might last months under heavy logging, whereas a high-endurance card can last years.

💾 Common Use Cases That Need High-Endurance SD Cards:
✅ Running Pi as a security camera NVR (CCTV storage)
✅ 24/7 logging, Home Assistant, or IoT projects
✅ Running a Pi-based server or database
✅ Frequent file writes (e.g., torrents, caching, swap memory)

Best High-Endurance SD Cards for Raspberry Pi 5

🛑 Avoid regular consumer SD cards (like SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO) for heavy-write applications—they wear out much faster!

How to Choose the Best Endurance SD Card for Pi 5

🔹 Look for “High Endurance” or “PRO Endurance” labels – These cards are specifically designed for continuous write operations.
🔹 Consider TBW (Terabytes Written) ratings – Higher TBW means longer lifespan.
🔹 Stick with reputable brands – SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston, and Transcend offer the most reliable high-endurance cards.
🔹 Use wear-leveling and logging best practices – If running a server or Home Assistant, limit excessive writes to extend SD card life.

10. Top Recommended SD Cards for Raspberry Pi 5

With so many SD card options available, picking the best one for your Raspberry Pi 5 can be overwhelming. To make it easy, here’s a breakdown of the top recommended SD cards based on speed, endurance, IOPS, and overall value.

Best SD Cards for Raspberry Pi 5 by Category

Best Overall SD Card for Raspberry Pi 5

🏆 SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I – The best balance of speed, reliability, and price.

Best Budget SD Card for Pi 5

💰 Samsung EVO Plus – Affordable, fast enough for most tasks, and widely available.

Best SD Card for Power Users

⚡ Lexar Professional UHS-II – For those who need the absolute fastest performance.

Best SD Card for High-Endurance Use

🛡️ Samsung PRO Endurance – Perfect for 24/7 logging, security cameras, and servers.

Choosing the Right SD Card for Raspberry Pi 5

✅ If you’re using Raspberry Pi OS and running light applications, go with a Samsung EVO Plus.
✅ If you need fast boot times, better performance, or plan to run a lot of software, SanDisk Extreme Pro is the best bet.
✅ If you’re using the Pi for continuous logging or 24/7 operations, go with Samsung PRO Endurance.
✅ If you want the absolute fastest speeds and don’t mind spending extra, Lexar Professional UHS-II is the top choice.

11. Price vs. Performance Trade-offs

Choosing the best SD card for your Raspberry Pi 5 isn’t just about getting the fastest or biggest one—it’s about finding the right balance between cost and performance. Some cards offer blazing speeds but come at a premium, while others are budget-friendly but may have lower durability or speed.

Balancing Cost and Performance

When picking an SD card, consider:
✅ Speed – Higher speeds improve boot times and app performance.
✅ Endurance – Longer lifespan is crucial for logging, databases, and 24/7 operation.
✅ Capacity – Choose the right size for your needs without overpaying.

Best SD Cards by Budget

Key Takeaways

💰 On a tight budget? – Samsung EVO Plus is cheap and reliable for general use.
⚡ Want the best balance? – SanDisk Extreme offers great speed without breaking the bank.
🚀 Need maximum performance? – SanDisk Extreme Pro or Lexar Professional UHS-II for power users.
🛡️ Using the Pi 24/7? – Samsung PRO Endurance is built for heavy write cycles.

If your Raspberry Pi runs 24/7 or handles intensive applications, investing in a high-endurance or performance-focused SD card will save you from slowdowns and premature failures. Otherwise, a mid-range SD card offers the best price-to-performance ratio for most users.

12. Avoiding Fake SD Cards and Checking Authenticity

While looking for the best SD cards for your Raspberry Pi 5, it’s crucial to ensure you’re buying genuine products. Counterfeit SD cards are not only slower but can also be less durable and even corrupt data. Here’s how to avoid fake SD cards and verify authenticity:

Tips for Identifying Counterfeit SD Cards

1. Price Too Good to Be True?
   Counterfeit SD cards often appear at suspiciously low prices, especially from unknown sellers. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Packaging Quality
   Genuine cards come in high-quality packaging with clear labels and logos. Be wary of damaged, unclear, or poorly printed packaging, as it could indicate a fake.

3. Physical Appearance
   Inspect the SD card itself. Fake cards might have poorly printed logos, incorrect fonts, or mistyped serial numbers. Compare the card with official product images to spot discrepancies.

4. Check the Weight
   Counterfeit SD cards are often lighter or heavier than genuine cards. If it feels off, it might be a fake.

How to Check the Authenticity Before Purchasing

1. Buy from Authorized Retailers
   Stick to well-known, reputable retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or official brand stores. Avoid third-party sellers with questionable ratings or offers that seem too good to be true.

2. Check the Serial Number
   Most genuine SD cards come with a unique serial number that you can verify with the manufacturer. Go to the brand’s official website and search for authenticity verification tools.

3. Run Speed Tests
   Once you get the card, run a speed test using software like CrystalDiskMark or A1 SD Bench. Fake cards often have speeds far below their advertised values. If the speeds are too slow, it’s a red flag.

4. Use SD Card Formatter
   Official brands, like SanDisk and Samsung, provide formatting tools (e.g., SanDisk SD Formatter) that ensure the card is genuine. If the card doesn’t work with the official software, it’s likely counterfeit.

5. Check Reviews
   Always check user reviews and the seller’s ratings before purchasing. If other buyers report receiving fake cards, it’s best to avoid that seller.

Why Authenticity Matters

Fake SD cards can lead to significant problems:

• Slower performance: Fake cards often don’t meet advertised speeds, affecting performance on your Raspberry Pi 5.
• Data loss: Counterfeit cards may corrupt or fail to store data properly, resulting in loss of files or even system crashes.
• Short lifespan: Fake cards are more prone to wear and tear, reducing their lifespan and endurance over time.

By carefully checking the authenticity of your SD card and sticking with reputable brands and retailers, you can avoid the hassle and potential issues that come with counterfeit products. This will help ensure that your Raspberry Pi 5 runs smoothly and securely.

Conclusion

Choosing the right SD card for your Raspberry Pi 5 can significantly enhance your experience, ensuring faster boot times, smoother app performance, and reliable data storage. Here’s a quick recap of the best SD card options based on key factors:

Best SD Cards for Pi 5

• SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I: Offers excellent speed and reliability for those demanding high-speed performance in applications like gaming, media streaming, and multitasking.
• Samsung EVO Plus UHS-I: A solid, cost-effective option for general use with a good balance of speed and value.
• Lexar Professional UHS-II: The top choice for power users requiring maximum performance for data-intensive tasks such as video editing, heavy multitasking, and running large databases.

Key Tips for Making the Right Choice

• Performance Needs: If you’re running high-performance applications or want fast boot times, prioritize UHS-I or UHS-II cards with higher read/write speeds (e.g., SanDisk Extreme Pro or Lexar Professional).
• Endurance: For long-term reliability in 24/7 applications, choose cards designed for high endurance, such as those from Samsung or SanDisk, which are built to handle heavy write cycles.
• Capacity: For general use, cards with 16GB to 64GB offer ample space for most projects. If you need to store larger datasets or media files, consider opting for 128GB or higher.

Final Thoughts

When selecting the best SD card for your Raspberry Pi 5, focus on your specific needs, whether it’s for performance, storage capacity, or endurance. Always opt for reliable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar to avoid issues with counterfeit products and to ensure optimal compatibility and performance.

By understanding the different SD card standards and knowing what works best for Pi 5, you can enjoy a seamless experience and unlock the full potential of your Raspberry Pi 5 setup. Happy tinkering!

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