The Raspberry Pi 5 marks a significant leap forward in the world of DIY computing. It’s more powerful, flexible, and feature-rich than its predecessors. One of the standout upgrades is its PCIe interface, a game-changer for those looking to push the device’s performance to the limit. Yet, while the inclusion of this interface opens new possibilities for storage expansion, the path to actually using a PCIe SSD is far from straightforward. Here’s what you need to know, along with insights on whether this upgrade is worth it for your needs.
The PCIe Dilemma: Expansion Without Simplicity
The Raspberry Pi 5 introduces PCIe connectivity, but there’s a catch: no onboard PCIe SSD slot. Instead, you’ll need to turn to expansion boards, often referred to as HATs (Hardware Attached on Top), to connect an SSD to the board. These HATs come in various designs, supporting different SSD sizes and configurations. For example, the recently released M.2 HAT+ from the Raspberry Pi Foundation is a compact solution but is incompatible with the longer 2280 SSDs favored by many.
There are also HATs that can handle multiple SSDs, ideal for those looking to set up a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system. However, many of these multi-SSD setups lack bootability, a critical feature for users who want to run the Raspberry Pi OS directly from an SSD.
Hands-On With Pimoroni’s NVMe Base
Pimoroni, a well-known name in the Raspberry Pi ecosystem, offers one of the more compelling SSD solutions with its NVMe Base. While installation may require a bit of dexterity—tiny screws and cables make the process delicate—the results can be transformative.
One caveat: you must use a PCIe SSD, not a SATA one. Plugging in an old SATA SSD won’t yield any results, so be sure to check compatibility. Once everything is connected, you’ll boot from the familiar SD card. Verifying the SSD’s installation is straightforward—just use the lsblk command in the terminal. If the device name “nvme0n1” appears, you’re in business.
The next step involves transferring your existing Raspberry Pi OS installation from the SD card to the SSD. This can be accomplished using the built-in SD Card Copier tool, which duplicates the OS while dynamically adjusting partition sizes to match the SSD’s capacity. However, be cautious—copying while the system is running can introduce errors, so it’s advisable to avoid using the device during this process.
Finally, you’ll need to change the boot order to prioritize the SSD. This can be done through the raspi-config tool, selecting “Advanced Options” and then choosing “NVMe/USB Boot.” After this, your Pi should be ready to boot from the SSD, although initial boot times may be slower than expected due to the time it takes to recognize the new drive.
Real-World Performance Gains: Benchmarks and Beyond
So, does upgrading to an SSD deliver noticeable performance improvements? In short, yes—but with some caveats.
Using Pimoroni’s NVMe Base and a Hynix 512GB PCIe Gen 3 SSD, benchmark tests showed dramatic speed increases, especially compared to traditional microSD cards. These synthetic tests demonstrated faster read and write speeds, but real-world performance improvements, while significant, may not be as dramatic. Boot times, for instance, initially increased due to the system’s delay in recognizing the SSD.
Where the SSD really shines is in everyday tasks that demand higher I/O speeds. Programs like Firefox, Chromium, and Gimp load noticeably faster, and system updates via sudo apt full-upgrade are completed in record time.
For those seeking even greater performance gains, enabling PCIe Gen 3 in the configuration file can provide a boost. This requires adding two lines of code to /boot/firmware/config.txt and rebooting. While the resulting speed increase is measurable, it’s most beneficial for data-heavy applications, such as running the Raspberry Pi as a database server.
Is an SSD Upgrade Worth It?
For many Raspberry Pi users, upgrading to an SSD may feel like overkill. The performance gains, while real, are most beneficial in specific use cases, such as running a NAS, web server, or database server. For general DIY projects, the speed boost provided by an SSD might be less noticeable, especially when weighed against the cost and effort of installation.
Yet, for enthusiasts looking to extract every ounce of performance from their Raspberry Pi 5, the SSD upgrade offers a compelling value proposition. It’s a tangible step toward transforming the Pi from a hobbyist’s tool into a serious computing device capable of handling more intensive tasks with ease.
As the Raspberry Pi Foundation continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with this tiny computer, it’s clear that the addition of PCIe support is just the beginning. Whether you’re looking to supercharge your Raspberry Pi for a specific project or simply want to experiment with the latest technology, diving into the world of SSDs on the Raspberry Pi 5 is an adventure worth exploring.
