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Raspberry Pi 5 NVMe SSD storage using the HATDrive Top

Raspberry Pi 5 NVMe SSDs using the HATDrive Top Edition and BM1

If you are looking to add faster,  more reliable or simply just extra storage to your new Raspberry Pi 5 mini PC you will be pleased to know that Pi  enthusiast Jeff Geerling has created a great video showing you how easy it is using the Pineberry Pi HatDrive. The Raspberry Pi 5 expansion board has been designed to provide optimal airflow, together with easy access to GPIO expansion, securely mounts underneath the board and is compatible with NVMe drives up to 2280.

For enthusiasts and semi-technical users alike, the introduction of Raspberry Pi NVMe SSD HATs, such as the HatDrive Top Edition and HatDrive BM1 by Pineberry Pie, is an exciting development. These devices tap into the Raspberry Pi 5’s PCI Express interface, offering a significant boost in storage performance compared to traditional micro SD cards. This guide will walk you through the process of supercharging your Raspberry Pi with these innovative storage solutions.

The Raspberry Pi 5 is a versatile and compact computer that has captured the imagination of hobbyists and professionals around the world. With the release of the HatDrive Top Edition and HatDrive BM1, users can now easily enhance their Raspberry Pi’s storage capabilities. These HATs connect through the PCI Express interface, a feature that marks a significant step forward in storage technology for the Raspberry Pi. By upgrading to an NVMe SSD, you’ll not only expand your device’s storage capacity but also enjoy faster data transfer rates, which can streamline your projects and workflows.

Advantages of SSD’s over SD cards

The advantages of NVMe SSDs over micro SD cards are clear. NVMe technology offers superior read/write speeds, which translates to quicker boot times for your Raspberry Pi OS and faster data access. This speed is particularly beneficial for applications that require quick data retrieval, such as media servers or file storage solutions. The NVMe SSDs, when paired with the Raspberry Pi 5, provide a noticeable improvement in performance, making them an attractive option for users looking to push their devices further.

  • Faster Read/Write Speeds: SSDs provide significantly faster data transfer rates compared to SD cards. This speed boost enhances overall system performance, leading to quicker boot times, faster file transfers, and more responsive applications.
  • Greater Durability: SSDs have no moving parts, making them more resistant to physical shock and less prone to mechanical failure. This makes them a more robust option for projects that might involve movement or less stable environments.
  • Longer Lifespan: SSDs generally have a longer lifespan than SD cards. They can handle more read/write cycles before failure, which is crucial for applications that involve frequent data writing.
  • Higher Capacity Options: SSDs are available in larger capacities than SD cards, allowing for more storage space for applications, data, and files. This is particularly useful for data-intensive projects or media storage.
  • Better Reliability: SSDs tend to be more reliable over time. SD cards, especially lower-quality ones, are more susceptible to corruption and data loss over extended periods of heavy use.
  • Improved Heat Management: While SSDs can generate more heat than SD cards, they are also better equipped to handle it. This can result in more stable performance under load, assuming proper thermal management is in place.
  • Enhanced Data Security: Some SSDs come with built-in encryption capabilities, offering better data security than standard SD cards. This is beneficial for sensitive data storage.

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Raspberry Pi 5 SSD setup

The PCI Express interface on the Raspberry Pi 5 is not just for storage; it opens the door to a range of enhancements. This versatile connection allows users to explore various PCI Express-compatible devices, potentially adding new functionalities to their Raspberry Pi setup. To begin your upgrade, you’ll need to flash the Raspberry Pi OS onto your NVMe SSD. Following a detailed setup guide for the Raspberry Pi NVMe SSD will help ensure a smooth transition. Once the OS is installed, booting from the NVMe SSD is a simple process, provided you adhere to the correct instructions.

After installing the operating system, the next step is to configure the software settings. It’s crucial to adjust the Raspberry Pi settings to recognize the NVMe SSD as the primary boot device. This step is essential in the configuration process and ensures that your Raspberry Pi utilizes the full potential of the NVMe SSD. A robust power supply is vital for this upgrade. NVMe SSDs consume more power than micro SD cards, so it’s important to ensure that your power adapter can handle the increased demand. This will help prevent any power-related issues that could affect performance or cause system instability.

Once your system is up and running, it’s time to benchmark the performance of your Raspberry Pi with the new NVMe SSD. Benchmarking will provide you with concrete data on the speed improvements and help you optimize your setup further. You’ll be able to see firsthand the performance gains that come with this storage upgrade.

Compatibility, power and reliability

But it’s not just about speed. NVMe SSDs are also built to last. With no moving parts inside, they are less prone to mechanical failure compared to traditional hard drives. This makes them an excellent choice for projects where reliability is paramount, such as in situations where the Raspberry Pi is part of a larger, mission-critical system.

However, as with any technological upgrade, there are practicalities to consider. Not all Raspberry Pi models are ready to work with NVMe SSDs out of the box. Depending on your model, you might need additional hardware, like an NVMe to USB adapter or a specialized expansion board (often referred to as a HAT), to make the connection possible. This not only adds to the cost but also to the complexity of your setup.

Another consideration is power. NVMe SSDs are more power-hungry than their SATA counterparts. This could be a stumbling block if your Raspberry Pi project is battery-powered or if you’re trying to keep energy consumption to a minimum. It’s a trade-off between the performance benefits and the practical aspects of power supply and hardware compatibility.

Cooling your Pi SSD

With enhanced performance comes increased heat generation, making effective thermal management essential. NVMe SSDs typically operate at higher temperatures than micro SD cards. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your Raspberry Pi 5 case is equipped with sufficient ventilation to maintain safe operating temperatures. Adequate thermal management is crucial to prevent overheating and to ensure the durability of your device.

Before initiating this upgrade, confirming the compatibility of your NVMe SSD with the Raspberry Pi is vital. Not every NVMe SSD is compatible with all HAT devices. Thus, conducting prior research is imperative. This ensures that the SSD you select operates as intended and helps avoid potential disappointment.

By integrating an NVMe SSD into your Raspberry Pi 5 with a HAT device like those offered by Pineberry Pie, you’ll enjoy faster boot times, quicker data transfers, and improved reliability. This guide aims to ensure that you have a smooth installation and configuration process, allowing you to unlock the full capabilities of your Raspberry Pi 5. With this upgrade, your Raspberry Pi will be better equipped to handle demanding applications, making it a more powerful tool in your tech arsenal. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to experiment with new projects or a professional seeking to optimize your workflow, the addition of an NVMe SSD to your Raspberry Pi 5 is a step toward enhanced computing performance.

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PNY CS3150 M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen5 x4 SSD

PNY CS3150 M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen5 x4 SSD

PNY Technologies has unveiled its latest addition to its range of solid-state drives (SSDs), the CS3150 M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 5 x4 SSD. The new SSD is designed to deliver high-speed data transfers, thanks to its NVMe PCIe Gen 5 x4 interface. The CS3150 SSD aims to meet the growing demand for faster, more efficient storage solutions, particularly for gaming and creative work.

One of the key features of the CS3150 is its high-speed data transfer capability. With sequential read/write speeds reaching up to 12,000 MB/s and 11,000 MB/s respectively, the CS3150 is positioned to handle intensive applications and high-speed data transfers with ease. This performance is a significant step up from previous generations of SSDs, making it a suitable choice for users who require fast and reliable storage.

PNY CS3150 M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen5 x4 SSD Specifications:

  • PNY CS3150 M.2 NVMe Gen 5 x4 Solid State Drive with Integrated Heatsink
  • Interface: PCIe Gen 5 Interface (NVMe Gen 5 x4)
  • Speed: up to 12,000 MB/s Read and up to 11,000 MB/s Write (vary by model)
  • Capacities: 1 TB, 2 TB
  • Heatsink: Black, White, Black-RGB
  • System Requirements:
    • Black/White Heatsink: 4-pin power connector to power the built-in fans
    • RGB Heatsink: 9-pin (USB) power connector to power the built-in fans and control the LEDs
  • Form Factor: M.2 2280
  • Capability: Desktop
  • Warranty: 5-year limited warranty or TBW

NVMe SSD Storage Capacities

The CS3150 will be available in two storage capacities: 1 TB and 2 TB. To cater to different aesthetic preferences, PNY offers the CS3150 with one of three different dual-fan heatsinks – Black, White, or Black-RGB. These dual-fan heatsinks are engineered to maximize heat dissipation, ensuring the SSD maintains optimal performance even during intensive applications and high-speed data transfers. The unique dual-fan design is aimed at preventing performance throttling and maintaining consistent SSD performance.

For gamers, the CS3150 offers compatibility with Microsoft DirectStorage, a feature in Windows 11 designed to improve game load speeds and image quality. When paired with PNY XLR8 Gaming DDR5 DRAM and a high-performance graphics card like the PNY GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB XLR8 Gaming VERTO EPIC-X RGB Triple Fan, the CS3150 can significantly reduce load times for gaming and creative work. This combination of hardware offers an enhanced gaming experience, with faster load times and improved graphics.

Available with or without RGB

Another notable feature of the CS3150 is the integration with PNY’s VelocityX software. This software allows users to synchronize the RGB lights on all three devices – the SSD, the DDR5 DRAM, and the graphics card. Additionally, VelocityX software can overclock all NVIDIA graphics cards in PNY’s catalog, offering users more control over their hardware’s performance.

In terms of data protection, the CS3150 is enabled with TCG Opal 2.0 for hardware encryption and storage security. This feature provides an added layer of security, safeguarding users’ data against unauthorized access.

The CS3150 M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 5 x4 SSD is slated to be available from December 2023, with prices starting at $179.99 for the 1 TB model with a Black Heatsink. The introduction of the CS3150 represents PNY’s continued commitment to providing high-performance, reliable, and secure storage solutions for a wide range of users.

Source: PNY

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Cervoz NVMe SSD Edge AI storage solution

Cervoz M.2 2230 (A+E key) NVMe SSD for Edge AI

Cervoz Technology has recently unveiled its new storage solutions for edge AI applications with the introduction of the T425 SSD. This compact and powerful storage device is designed specifically for fanless embedded PCs and motherboards, which are increasingly used in edge AI applications. The T425 SSD’s compact design, high computing power, and diverse I/O options make it a potent solution for multimedia requirements within the constraints of small form factor PCs.

SSD Edge AI storage

One of the T425 SSD’s most notable features is its wide temperature operating range. Capable of functioning efficiently from -40°C to 85°C, it offers a level of resilience that is critical in edge AI applications, where devices may be exposed to extreme conditions. This robust temperature tolerance is complemented by the T425 SSD’s compliance with PCIe Gen 3 and NVMe 1.3 across two PCIe lanes, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

The T425 SSD is available in the M.2 2230 (A+E key) form factor. This compact form factor is particularly suitable for ultra-compact PCs with space constraints, a common issue in edge AI applications. With the increasing importance of optimizing data storage within limited space, the T425 SSD’s compact design presents a significant advantage.

The T425 SSD does not compromise on performance despite its compact size. It offers sequential speeds of up to 815 MB/s for reading and 760 MB/s for writing. This high-speed performance is available across storage capacities of 64 GB, 128 GB, and 512 GB, offering flexibility to suit a range of storage requirements.

What is Edge AI ?

Edge AI refers to the deployment and use of artificial intelligence algorithms directly on local devices, such as smartphones, IoT devices, or edge servers, rather than relying on cloud-based services. This approach offers several advantages and implications:

Background Context:

  • Computational Distribution: Traditional AI relies heavily on cloud computing, where data is sent to centralized servers for processing and analysis. Edge AI shifts this computation to the device itself.
  • Real-Time Processing: Edge devices often need to process data in real-time or near real-time, especially in applications like autonomous vehicles or industrial automation.

Key Aspects of Edge AI:

  • Latency: By processing data locally, Edge AI can significantly reduce latency compared to cloud-based solutions. This is crucial in applications where real-time analytics and immediate decision-making are essential.
  • Privacy & Security: Processing data locally means sensitive information doesn’t need to be sent over the network, reducing exposure to data breaches and enhancing privacy.
  • Bandwidth: Transmitting large volumes of data to the cloud can be bandwidth-intensive. Local processing reduces this demand, which is beneficial in bandwidth-constrained environments.
  • Reliability: Edge AI can operate independently of network connectivity, ensuring functionality even when offline or in unstable network conditions.

Applications:

  • Autonomous Vehicles: Processing sensor data directly in the vehicle to make immediate driving decisions.
  • Smart Manufacturing: Local sensors in machinery can predict maintenance needs or optimize operations without relying on a central server.
  • Healthcare Devices: Wearables that monitor health metrics and provide instant feedback, analysis, or emergency alerts.

Trade-offs:

  • Computational Power: Edge devices often have less computational power than cloud servers, which can limit the complexity of the algorithms used.
  • Energy Consumption: Running AI models on small devices can be power-intensive, impacting device battery life.

Edge AI is a strategic approach in scenarios where speed, privacy, and bandwidth are critical, despite some trade-offs in computational power and energy usage. Its growing importance is evident as IoT and autonomous technologies continue to evolve.

The SSD can be installed in the M.2 2230 A and E key socket, initially designed for Wi-Fi/BT connectivity on the motherboard. This allows the T425 SSD to bypass storage and physical space limitations, providing an innovative solution to the challenges of data storage in compact devices.

Cervoz T425 SSD

The T425 SSD also boasts several advanced features designed for demanding environments. It features End-to-End Data Protection, ensuring the integrity of data from the point of origin to the point of destination. This is particularly crucial in edge AI applications, where the loss or corruption of data can have significant consequences.

In addition to data protection, the T425 SSD uses SLC write cache technology for swift performance. This technology allows the SSD to perform write operations at high speed, enhancing overall device performance. Furthermore, the T425 SSD has Dynamic Thermal Throttling capabilities. This feature allows the SSD to handle heat generation and maintain peak performance under heavy workloads, ensuring reliable operation even in demanding edge AI applications.

The T425 SSD by Cervoz Technology is a compact, powerful, and resilient storage solution designed to meet the demands of edge AI applications. Its wide temperature operating range, high computing power, and advanced features make it an excellent choice for small form factor PCs. With its M.2 2230 (A+E key) form factor and ability to bypass storage and physical space limitations, the T425 SSD is well-positioned to address the unique challenges of data storage in edge AI applications.

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