SharePoint Large List Performance

No matter how big or small, lists and libraries are vital to your use of SharePoint 2010 in many ways. But when a list or library has a large number of items, you need to carefully plan, organize, and account for how data is accessed. By planning and using key list and library features, you can ensure that you and other users quickly find information without adversely affecting the performance of the rest of your site.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/office365-sharepoint-online-enterprise-help/manage-lists-and-libraries-with-many-items-HA101967267.aspx


Designing large lists and maximizing list performance (SharePoint Server 2010)
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc262813.aspx


According to SharePoint Boundaries and Limits, it's supported 30,000,000 items per list. That's a lot of information.

So, Why the 5,000 items limit?
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/office365-sharepoint-online-enterprise-help/manage-lists-and-libraries-with-many-items-HA101967267.aspx#_Toc268535094

Downloadable content for SharePoint 2013

Content	Description
	Technical library in compiled Help format	View the entire technical library for SharePoint 2013 in a compiled Help (CHM) version.
	Downloadable eBook: Deployment guide for SharePoint 2013	Download or print content about how to deploy SharePoint 2013. Available in several file formats.
	Downloadable eBook: Explore SharePoint 2013	Download or print content about what's new in SharePoint 2013. Available in several file formats.
	IT Professional Reviewer's Guide for SharePoint Server 2013	Learn how new capabilities in SharePoint Server 2013 can help IT pros better manage cost, risk, and time.
	Test lab guides for SharePoint Server 2013	Create your own test lab environment to demonstrate SharePoint 2013 features and scenarios.
	Technical diagrams for SharePoint 2013	See architecture choices at a glance in these large-format diagrams.
	Planning worksheets for SharePoint 2013	Record planning decisions for later references with these spreadsheet templates.
	Video demos and training for SharePoint 2013	Watch or download videos about how to plan for, install, and manage SharePoint 2013.