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What are the possible upgrades one can perform on a Raspberry Pi (Model B) in terms of SD card capacity, etc., using a USB hub to increase the number of available USB ports? I understand the memory is soldered on to the board, so it can not be upgraded per se.

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    Would you include RPi cases and additions such as heatsinks/fans in the scope of your question or are you only interested in performance/system components?
    – Beeblebrox
    Commented Jan 2, 2013 at 23:46
  • @foocode: If they are recommended for building the system, sure, why not. But the focus is primarily on the performance components.
    – Neel
    Commented Jan 3, 2013 at 15:25

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Upgrading the RAM is, as you have said, not possible. You also cannot upgrade the GPU or the Broadcomm CPU.

If you want to upgrade the SD card, you simply buy a new SD card and re-install the operating system. You can even backup an existing card, burn that backup image to your new card and then expand the space to fill the card (using raspi-config). A list of known SD cards that work is on the Wiki at eLinux Maximum size currently reported to work is 64GB.

You can use a powered USB hub to expand the number of USB ports. A list of the hubs known to work are also on the Wiki at eLinux. A powered USB hub will allow you to add additional storage space via a USB pen drive or USB portable hard drive.

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  • Thanks recantha! Is there a maximum supported SD card size?
    – Neel
    Commented Jan 2, 2013 at 14:45
  • I've added some more detail about a possible maximum, plus they moved the eLinux page, so I've changed that too.
    – recantha
    Commented Jan 5, 2013 at 6:22
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The memory is essentially impossible to upgrade, well unless of course you'd like to de solder the RAM from the SOC. The memory is part of the SOC so you cannot change the memory without changing the CPU and GPU (The whole SOC).

In terms of USB you can technically hook up 127 devices per USB port. Using the USB ports you could also add more storage to your Raspberry Pi.

Also the Raspberry Pi foundation are also working on a camera that can be plugged into the RPi. Into one of the header ports, not using the USB ports.

Also I suppose you could use the GPIO pins to add just about anything to the RPi.

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    The RAM is separate to the SOC. It's a POP (package on package) soldered on top. Still very difficult to upgrade it though.
    – John La Rooy
    Commented Jan 2, 2013 at 19:34
  • So I get down voted for saying it's impossible for the asker? Because obviously the asker would be able to do it himself.
    – Vincent P
    Commented Jan 4, 2013 at 6:01
  • Thanks Vincent. So per your suggestion, it should be ok to add a usb hub and expand the number of usb ports to ~ 10 ports to accommodate multiple devices, correct?
    – Neel
    Commented Jan 6, 2013 at 4:09
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    Yes you can add a USB hub. Although make sure that the hub is externally powered (Also called an AC powered USB hub). As the Raspberry Pi will not provide enough power for many USB devices.
    – Vincent P
    Commented Jan 7, 2013 at 6:42

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