Cohoman
2025-08-02 20:19:16
I bought this Raspberry Pi 5 to be used specifically with the Home Assistant (HA) software. The built-in SSD card was a requirement since HA writes a lot of data to storage. I've been running this device for 3 days now and it's been working great. It was super nice to have a fully assembled and ready-to-go Pi. To get the HA software installed on the SSD card, I did the following:1) Install the Raspberry Pi OS on a SD Card (using my Mac Mini).2) Inserted the SD card in the Pi 5 and booted it up from the SD Card.3) Attached an ethernet cable from my WiFi router to the Pi.4) Use the Raspberry Pi Imager app on the Pi to install a version of HA on the Pi's SDD card.5) Shutdown the Pi.6) Removed the SD card, and rebooted the Pi.I was up and running in just a few minutes. When running HA the small fan is running in the Pi, but it's barely noticeable when compared to the normal background noise in my house. So, I've got a Zigbee USB stick attached to one of the USB 2.0 ports and I have 45 Zigbee devices connected to HA. Everything is working well, and I don't anticipate any hardware speed issues.
WCat
2025-07-23 18:25:29
I've probably bought at least 6 Canakit all-in-one Raspberry Pi kits over the years. Every piece included is top-drawer quality, as is their documentation. They always include a "getting started" card, which is quite helpful.There is no better company to buy from if you are looking into getting started with a Raspberry Pi.While this is one of their most expensive kits, it comes with the official Raspberry Pi NVME hat pre-installed, along with the official Raspbian image pre-programmed into the NVME. It is also already installed into its Canakit plastic case.All you have to do is plug in the included power supply and a display through one of the two included micro-HDMI to HDMI adapters, a mouse and keyboard, and you're up and running.Nothing could be easier than this. It's a great starter kit, and the price is not out of line with what it would cost you for all of the separately-purchased pieces.I highly recommend Canakit.I also highly recommend buying this NVME-equipped model if you are just starting out with the Raspberry Pi 5. NVME technology is the future for the faster Pi models. You can save some $$ by using the old-school SD card technology, but the SD will wear out way more quickly, and is also a lot slower than NVME. NVME technology enables the Pi 5 to run at its best speeds, and with much higher capacities (think 2 TB for example). You don't want to hobble it with an SD card.
Steve
2025-06-18 14:12:47
I bought this item Jan. 27, 2025. As of this posting, I’ve used the unit for about 3 weeks. It has performed flawlessly. And really, not much else to say about. FWIW: I also own a NexDeck that I paired with this unit. The NexDeck configuration requires the Pi to be powered from the NexDeck. I constantly get an under voltage warning when using this combination. Further, I previously tried to use a Raspberry Pi 4 with this unit and got the same results. I am using a correct power supply, in fact one that is a little overrated. The NexDeck is not passing 5 volts to the Pi.
JRJB
2025-06-01 14:10:42
From the pics, it looks like it brings all the GPIOs out to a 2×20 header, but while they could have been, they are not actually connected to the pins on the pi. If all you want is raspi 5 desktop, it has been working well for that and the SSD appears to work well. There also is a space for access to the two camera connectors, but I've so far been unable to get the cable in. Might need to disassemble the SSD to get them in. I wish they would have put the SSD board on a carrier underneath the pi and then built a case on top with better access options.
techadept
2025-04-17 15:18:26
Great performance in a tiny box, blows the pi4 for web browsing and video playback. Just buy it, you will love it.
JN
2025-03-30 11:16:47
Great read/write speeds. Haven't tested overclocking, or in warmer climates, yet. I run an INDI server on it to control telescope equipment. Always happy with a Pi, and they keep getting better. CanaKit always provides functional and pragmatic equipment!
M. Martinez
2025-02-11 13:31:35
Literally worked great out of the box. Within an hour I had pi-hole and HomeBridge up and running.
Rick Angelone
2024-12-23 18:14:38
Looking down on the top you see the SSD card. And the bottom I see the Pi. Somewhere in there is the fan I guess but the case it poorly ventilated. Past all that it is a dream. Plug in, power up, setup and you on your way. It dId a number of updates. The only other complaint is with all my RPis, poor Wi-Fi connection.UPDATE: Dissembled the case just using the bottom, heat issues solved plus can now use GPIO