Storage Devices
Proper storage solutions are crucial for edge computing development. Whether you're flashing operating systems, expanding storage capacity, or setting up high-performance systems, having the right adapters and storage devices makes development smoother and more efficient.
Storage Drives
You will need these adapters to connect your storage devices to your development machine so that you can flash EdgeOS
- m.2 NVMe SSD
- Required for NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano
- Recommended for Raspberry Pi 5
- Not compatible with Raspberry Pi Zero
- MicroSD Card
- Required for Raspberry Pi Zero
- Not recommended for NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano or Raspberry Pi 5
USB-C Storage Adapters
You will need these adapters to connect your storage devices to your development machine so that you can flash EdgeOS
- USB-C/A to NVMe Adapter
- MicroSD to USB-C/A Adapter
Where to Purchase
Amazon
Amazon offers a wide selection of storage adapters with fast shipping:
USB-C/A to NVMe Adapters:
- USB-C to NVMe Adapters on Amazon
- Look for brands like ORICO, Sabrent, or UGREEN
- Choose adapters with USB 3.1 Gen 2 for best performance
- Read reviews for compatibility with your specific NVMe SSD
MicroSD to USB Adapters:
- USB-C to MicroSD Adapters on Amazon
- Multi-format readers support SD, microSD, CF, and other formats
- USB-C variants available for modern laptops
- Compact designs for portable development setups
Amazon Prime members get fast shipping and easy returns for testing compatibility.
SparkFun
SparkFun offers a wide selection of storage adapters with fast shipping:
USB-C/A to NVMe Adapters:
- USB-C to NVMe Adapters on SparkFun
- Look for brands like ORICO, Sabrent, or UGREEN
- Choose adapters with USB 3.1 Gen 2 for best performance
- Read reviews for compatibility with your specific NVMe SSD
MicroSD to USB Adapters:
- USB-C to MicroSD Adapters on Amazon
- Multi-format readers support SD, microSD, CF, and other formats
- USB-C variants available for modern laptops
- Compact designs for portable development setups
Amazon Prime members get fast shipping and easy returns for testing compatibility.
NVIDIA Jetson Storage Requirements
NVMe SSD is Required
Important: NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano and newer Jetson devices require an NVMe SSD for optimal performance and full functionality:
Why NVMe is Essential:
- Boot Performance: Significantly faster boot times compared to microSD
- Application Performance: Faster app loading and better responsiveness
- System Stability: More reliable than microSD for continuous operation
- Storage Capacity: Larger storage options (128GB, 256GB, 512GB+)
- Wear Leveling: Better longevity for read/write intensive applications
Recommended NVMe SSDs:
- Capacity: 128GB minimum, 256GB+ recommended
- Form Factor: M.2 2280 (22mm x 80mm)
- Interface: PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe
- Brands: Samsung 980, WD Blue, Crucial P2, Kingston NV2
Setup Process:
- Flash JetPack: Use NVIDIA SDK Manager or Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit SD Card Image
- Clone to NVMe: Transfer the system from microSD to NVMe using built-in tools
- Boot from NVMe: Configure the system to boot directly from NVMe
- Remove microSD: Once stable, the microSD card is no longer needed
Storage Setup Workflow
For Raspberry Pi Development
- Prepare microSD: Use Raspberry Pi Imager with your USB microSD adapter
- Flash OS: Install Raspberry Pi OS or your preferred distribution
- Initial Setup: Complete WiFi, SSH, and user configuration
- Development: Use the microSD for development and testing
For NVIDIA Jetson Development
- Prepare NVMe: Connect NVMe SSD to your computer using USB adapter
- Flash JetPack: Use NVIDIA tools to flash the complete system
- Install NVMe: Insert the flashed NVMe into your Jetson device
- Boot and Configure: Complete the Ubuntu setup and install development tools
- Optional Backup: Create system images using your USB NVMe adapter
Essential Accessories
Additional Storage Options
- High-Endurance microSD Cards: For applications requiring frequent writes
- USB Flash Drives: For quick file transfers and temporary storage
- Portable SSDs: For large dataset storage and backups
- Network Attached Storage: For shared storage across multiple edge devices
Cables and Adapters
- USB-C to USB-A Cables: For connecting modern adapters to older computers
- USB Hubs: For connecting multiple storage devices simultaneously
- Card Readers: Multi-format readers for various memory card types
Ready to set up your storage infrastructure? Check out our device setup guides for detailed instructions on configuring storage for your specific edge computing platform.