CanaKit 3.5A Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (USB-C)
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AI Verdict
This is a no-nonsense, heavy-duty power supply built specifically to keep your Raspberry Pi 4 from throwing low-voltage warnings during demanding projects.
If you have a Raspberry Pi 4 that keeps crashing or showing the lightning bolt icon, this is the exact cure you need. The 3.5A output and 18 AWG cable guarantee stable 5V delivery under heavy load. Because it lacks an on/off switch and doesn't support USB-PD, it is strictly a one-trick pony.
If you hate unplugging your Pi to turn it off, spend the extra few bucks for the CanaKit model that includes the inline PiSwitch.
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Pros
- Delivers a true 3.5A output to prevent the lightning bolt under-voltage warning on Pi 4s
- Uses a thick 18 AWG cable that minimizes voltage drop over its 5-foot length
- Includes a built-in noise filter to ensure clean power delivery for sensitive GPIO projects
- UL Listed certification guarantees it passed independent electrical safety testing
Cons
- The base model lacks an inline on/off switch, forcing you to physically unplug it to cut power
- The thick 18 AWG cable is notoriously stiff and hard to route neatly in tight enclosures
- Strictly limited to the Raspberry Pi 4—it does not provide enough wattage for the Pi 5
- Charges smartphones at 5V only because it lacks USB Power Delivery (PD) fast-charging protocols
Dimension Scores
Delivers a rock-solid 3.5A at 5V without sagging under heavy peripheral load.
Completely silent operation with no coil whine reported by users.
UL Listed and uses heavy-duty 18 AWG wire, though the plastic brick feels basic.
The stiff 18 AWG cable is notoriously stubborn and hard to route cleanly.
Best For
- Overclocked Raspberry Pi 4 setups running retro gaming emulators like RetroPie
- Power-hungry Pi 4 projects with multiple USB peripherals or external hard drives attached
- 24/7 home automation servers like Home Assistant that require rock-solid uptime
Not Recommended For
- Powering older Raspberry Pi 3 or Pi Zero models that use micro-USB connectors
- Using as a daily fast charger for your USB-C smartphone or tablet
Watch Out For
- No inline power switch on the standard version—you have to buy the 'PiSwitch' bundle or yank the cord from the wall to reboot.
- The cable is permanently attached to the brick, so if the USB-C connector bends, the whole unit is trash.
- It only outputs 5V/3.5A. It does not support variable voltages (9V/12V/15V), making it useless for powering laptops or fast-charging modern phones.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07TYQRXTK |
| Brand | CanaKit |
| Wattage | 18 watts |
| Amperage | 3.5 Amps |
| Item Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | CanaKit |
| Input Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Connector Type | USB Type C |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Total USB Ports | 1 |
| Item model number | USB-C |
| Compatible Devices | raspberry pi 4 |
| Package Dimensions | 4.13 x 2.91 x 1.93 inches |
| Included Components | CanaKit 3.5A USB-C power supply |
| Compatible Phone Models | Raspberry Pi 4 |
What Buyers Say
Buyers overwhelmingly purchase this brick out of pure frustration after standard phone chargers cause random reboots and under-voltage warnings. The thick 18 AWG cable gets high praise for maintaining a strict 5V, but heavy criticism for being stiff and hard to manage inside tight enclosures. The biggest recurring complaint is the lack of an inline power switch. You are forced to physically yank the USB-C connector to hard-reset your board.
“Finally got rid of that stupid lightning bolt icon on my RetroPie setup, but I really wish I spent the extra $3 for the version with a power switch because unplugging this stiff cable every time is annoying.”
Common Praise
- Eliminates the lightning bolt under-voltage warning instantly
- Keeps the Pi 4 stable even when running external USB hard drives
- Runs cool to the touch even under 24/7 continuous load
- UL certification gives peace of mind for unattended server setups
Common Complaints
- No on/off switch means you have to yank the cord to cut power
- The cable is incredibly stiff and fights you when trying to route it
- The power brick is wide enough to block adjacent outlets on a power strip
- Useless for charging anything other than a Pi 4 due to the fixed 5V output
Ownership Tips
- The USB-C connector fits very tightly, which is great for stability but requires force to remove
- After a few months, the stiff cable retains its bends and never fully straightens out
- If you use a case with a deep USB-C cutout, the thick plastic housing around the connector might not fit
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this fix the lightning bolt warning on my screen?
Yes. The lightning bolt means your Pi is dropping below 4.65V. This supply pushes a steady 3.5A through a thick 18 AWG cable to eliminate voltage drop.
Can I use this to power a Raspberry Pi 5?
No. The Pi 5 requires a 5V/5A (27W) power supply for full performance, while this maxes out at 3.5A (18W).
Does it work as a fast charger for my Samsung or Pixel phone?
No. It only outputs a flat 5V. It lacks the USB Power Delivery (PD) chips required to negotiate fast charging speeds with modern phones.
Is the cable detachable?
No. The 5-foot cable is permanently hardwired into the power brick.
Why is the cable so stiff?
It uses 18 AWG wire, which is thicker than standard USB cables. The extra copper prevents voltage drop but makes the cable rigid and hard to bend.
Buying Guide
You are buying this for one reason: your Raspberry Pi 4 needs more juice than a standard phone charger can provide. The Pi 4 is notoriously picky about power, and if voltage drops even slightly, it throttles performance and throws warnings. This supply uses brute force—a high 3.5A output and thick copper wiring—to keep the voltage stable. Just know that it is a dedicated tool for the Pi 4, not a universal USB-C charger for your other gadgets.
3.5A Output
Amperage is like the volume of water flowing through a pipe. The Pi 4 needs a lot of 'water' when running heavy tasks or powering USB accessories. 3.5A gives it plenty of headroom.
18 AWG Cable
AWG measures wire thickness, and lower numbers mean thicker wire. Standard cables are thin and lose voltage over distance. 18 AWG is like a firehose, ensuring the full 5V reaches your board.
UL Listed
This means an independent safety lab tested it to ensure it won't catch fire or shock you. Crucial for a device you will likely leave plugged in 24/7.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid unplugging the cable to reboot, look for a 5V/3.5A power supply that includes an inline on/off switch. If you have a Pi 5, you must upgrade to a 27W (5V/5A) USB-PD supply.
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