For a [Raspberry Pi 5](https://www.ampheo.com/search/Raspberry%20Pi%205), “best” basically means: fast and reliable (high endurance), and able to use the Pi 5’s faster SD interface. ![20241008143311_raspberry-pi-sd-cards-and-raspberry-pi-bumper](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/BJcSCMVMWx.png) **What to look for (short version)** For Raspberry Pi 5 you should pick a [microSD card](https://www.onzuu.com/category/memory-cards) that is: * UHS-I, SDR104 capable (the Pi 5’s SD controller supports SDR104 up to ~104 MB/s) * A2 application class (better random I/O – boot & apps feel snappier) * U3 / V30 or better (good sustained writes, nice if you log data or use it like a “small [SSD](https://www.onzuu.com/category/ssds-hdds)”) * High-endurance / industrial if the Pi will run 24/7 or do lots of writes (databases, Home Assistant, cameras). * Capacity: 32–128 GB is the sweet spot for most users (official Pi cards are in this range). **Concrete recommendations** If you just want to pick a card and be done: **1. Official [Raspberry Pi](https://www.ampheo.com/c/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-boards) A2 microSD card (32–128 GB)** * Designed and tested specifically for all Pi models, including Pi 5; A2, U3, V30, supports SDR104 & command queuing. * Great “set and forget” choice if available where you live. **2. SanDisk Extreme / Extreme Pro A2 (64–128 GB)** * A2, U3, V30, excellent read/write and random I/O; independent tests show very strong performance on Pi 5, basically saturating the Pi 5’s SD interface. * Good all-round card for desktop-style use, development, and media. **3. [Samsung](https://www.ampheo.com/manufacturer/samsung-electronics) PRO Endurance (64–256 GB)** * High-endurance; optimized for continuous recording and heavy write workloads (dashcams, security cameras). * Excellent for 24/7 Pis (Home Assistant, logging, cameras) where longevity matters more than absolute speed. **4. SanDisk High Endurance / Max Endurance (64–256 GB)** * Similar idea to Samsung PRO Endurance: designed for many thousands of hours of writing. * Great for headless server Pi 5s, NAS controllers, monitoring, etc. **How to choose based on your use case** * **Desktop / dev box / coding / light media** → SanDisk Extreme/Extreme Pro A2 or Official [Raspberry Pi](https://www.ampheoelec.de/c/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-boards) A2 card. * **Home Assistant / 24×7 server / camera / Pi-hole / logging** → Samsung PRO Endurance or SanDisk High/Max Endurance. * **Digital picture frame / retro gaming** → SanDisk Extreme/Extreme Pro A2, 64–128 GB; fast boots and plenty of space.