Raspberry Pi Foundation Launches New M.2 NVMe SSDs
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has introduced branded M.2 2230 NVMe SSDs and complete storage kits specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi 5. The SSDs come in two capacities: a 256 GB version currently available in the US, and a 512 GB version available for pre-order with an expected delivery date in late November. Performance varies between the two models, with the 256 GB drive offering 40,000 IOPS for 4 KB random reads and 70,000 IOPS for random writes. The larger 512 GB version provides 50,000 IOPS for random reads and 90,000 IOPS for random writes.
Initially marketed as PCIe Gen 2 devices, recent product listings suggest Gen 3 compatibility, although official confirmation from Raspberry Pi is pending. Users have reported achieving Gen 3 speeds through adjustments in raspi-config. The pricing for the SSDs is competitive, with the 256 GB model priced at $30 and the 512 GB model priced at $45 (the 512 GB SSD product image reveals the manufacturer as Biwin). Additionally, the Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+ adapter, which converts from Raspberry Pi FPC standard to the M.2 M-key format, is available for $40 and $55, respectively.