Welcome to the world of Raspberry Pi! Moving to the Pi 5 is a big jump—it’s significantly more powerful than its predecessors, but it does require a bit more attention to power and cooling.
1. Connecting the Peripherals
Important note: Don't hesitate to ask Gemini at https://gemini.google.com/app whenever you need help implimenting this guide. Best "Elmer" ever!
Before you plug in the power, you need to get your "station" ready. Order matters here to ensure the Pi detects your monitor correctly.
- Monitor: Plug your Micro-HDMI cable into the port closest to the power USB-C port (labeled HDMI 0). Connect the other end to your monitor.
- Keyboard & Mouse: Plug these into the black USB 2.0 ports. Save the blue USB 3.0 ports for high-speed devices like external drives later.
- Internet: If you aren't using Wi-Fi, plug your Ethernet cable into the port.
- The microSD Card: Since your kit came with a pre-loaded 128GB card, ensure it is firmly clicked into the slot on the underside of the board.
2. The Power-On Sequence
The Raspberry Pi 5 is the first model with a dedicated Power Button.
- Plug in your USB-C power supply.
- If the Pi doesn't start automatically (indicated by a red or green LED), give that small power button on the side a firm press.
- Note on Power: If you see a warning on the screen about "Low Power," it means the Pi isn't getting the full 5A it likes. It will still work, but it might limit the power sent to the USB ports.
3. The "Bookworm" First Boot
Since your card is pre-loaded with OS Bookworm, it will walk you through a setup wizard on the first boot.
- Localization: Set your country, language, and timezone.
- User Account: You’ll be asked to create a username and password. Don't forget these! The old default "pi/raspberry" login no longer exists for security reasons.
- Wi-Fi: Connect to your home network.
- Update Software: It will ask to check for updates. Even though the card is "new," the software changes daily. Let it run—it might take 5–10 minutes.
4. Basic Safety Tips
- Avoid "Pulling the Plug": To turn it off, click the Raspberry icon in the top left and select Shutdown. Only unplug the cable once the green light stops flickering. This prevents the microSD card from getting corrupted.
- Case Warmth: Since you have a metal case, it acts as a giant heatsink. It’s normal for the case to feel warm to the touch; that means it's doing its job!
Troubleshooting Common "New User" Hiccups
| Problem | Likely Solution |
| No signal on monitor | Ensure the HDMI is in the port labeled HDMI 0 (the one on the left). |
| Mouse is "laggy" | If using a wireless mouse dongle, try moving it to a USB 2.0 (black) port. |
| Stuck on a rainbow screen | This usually means the microSD card isn't seated properly. Re-insert it. |
5. Inserting the microSD card
On the Raspberry Pi 5, the microSD card slot is located on the bottom of the board. The gold colored markings (the contact pins) should face down, away from the green circuit board and toward the floor/desk.How to insert it:
- Turn the Pi over (or look at the underside).
- Align the card so the gold pins are facing the board's surface (downward if the Pi is sitting upright).
- Slide it into the metal slot.
Important Note: Unlike some older models or cameras, the Raspberry Pi 5 uses a friction-fit slot, not a "push-click" spring. You simply slide it in until it stops. It will stick out just a tiny bit—this is normal!
6. Initial software setup
etc etc etc