“Board/card/power adapter all work well, but I didn't realize that the thermal design for standard case design is flawed for the Pi4 and causes it to have throttle under even minor load, so wound up buying a second case (the Armor Aluminum Radiator). Feel like the starter kit should default to a workable case. Found this post helpful: https://www.martinrowan.co.uk/2019/09/raspberry-pi-4-cases-temperature-and-cpu-throttling-under-load/
Also took quite a bit of time to arrive in the US from the UK.”
“Great little computer, I bought it for Amateur radio use, however the Raspberry pi 4 does not have an audio-input/Mic, I had to buy a USB-sound card, so it now ready to use for that, but right now I am using it for my everyday computer, it is much faster then my netbook, and I don't always need my larger desktop.
The case the kit comes with needs to be upgraded it has no vent holes, and does not come with any heat sinks, the pi get much hotter then it should, I bought new case with a fan and some heat sinks. The temperature was idle 120F getting up to 140F+ with a load now I have not seen it past 130F on a full load, and it idles 100F-117F, depending on the temperature of the house.
I am running Ubuntu-Mate 20.04LTS”
“Overall, I like the kit which is reasonably priced. The kit comes with everything one needs to get started. The only shortcoming is the official rpi 4 case. It is impossible to keep the cover on without raising CPU temperature. I had to use the pi with the cover off till a 3rd part case with fan was received.
In my opinion, the official case in its present form should be discontinued forthwith. It would be great if heatsinks are also made part of the starter kit alongwith a reasonable cooling fan. The official case is pretty much useless, that is why taking one star off.”
“Very nice kit. Has almost everything you'll need to get started using the Raspberry Pi 4. Almost. The Raspberry Pi 4 runs hot. The kit should have heat sinks for the chips at a minimum. Heat sinks and a fan would be better. I had to leave the case top off to get the unit to work stably until I can order a fan cooler.”
“My 8GB model 4 B arrived in a timely manner. The items were professionally packed and intact upon arrival. However, a bootloader was not loaded on to the Raspberry Pi.”
“Everything arrived on time, in spite of the Corona virus, and was as described. Assembly and getting it ready to run was simple (Ubuntu 20.04). This hums right along and I love the performance I'm seeing. Next, start attaching other things (like a GPS).”
