The Raspberry Pi 5, released on October 23, 2023, has garnered significant attention for its enhanced performance and capabilities. To complement this powerful single-board computer, various manufacturers have developed innovative cases that offer protection, cooling solutions, and additional functionalities. In this article, we will explore some of the top Raspberry Pi 5 cases available, highlighting their features, specifications, and benefits.
Official Raspberry Pi 5 Case
The official Raspberry Pi 5 Case is a four-part, clip-together enclosure designed to keep your Raspberry Pi 5 at a comfortable operating temperature, even under heavy load. It includes an active cooling fan and provides access to all major ports and GPIO pins. The case is made from ABS (base, frame, lid) and PC (fan assembly) materials and will remain in production until at least January 2036.
Argon ONE V3 M.2 NVMe PCIe Case
The Argon ONE V3 Case has been upgraded for compatibility with the Raspberry Pi 5, featuring a sleek black finish and enhanced features. The active cooling system now boasts a blower-type PWM programmable 30mm fan, strategically repositioned within the case for quieter operation. It also supports M.2 NVMe SSDs via the PCIe slot on the Raspberry Pi 5, allowing for faster and higher storage access.
9-Layer Acrylic Stacked Case
This 9-layer acrylic stacked case is specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi 5 model, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable heat dissipation. The kit includes an adjustable-speed fan suitable for the Raspberry Pi 5, a high-quality copper heat sink, and a screwdriver for quick and easy assembly.
Comparison of Raspberry Pi 5 Cases
To assist in selecting the most suitable case for your Raspberry Pi 5, the following table provides a comparison of the key features of the cases discussed:
| Feature | Official Raspberry Pi 5 Case | Argon ONE V3 M.2 NVMe PCIe Case | 9-Layer Acrylic Stacked Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | ABS and PC | Aluminum | Acrylic |
| Cooling System | Active cooling fan | Blower-type PWM programmable fan | Adjustable-speed fan |
| Storage Expansion | N/A | M.2 NVMe SSD support | N/A |
| Assembly | Clip-together design | Requires assembly | Quick assembly |
| GPIO Access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Raspberry Pi 5 Case
When selecting a case for your Raspberry Pi 5, consider the following factors:
- Cooling Requirements: Depending on your usage, adequate cooling may be necessary to prevent thermal throttling. Cases with active cooling solutions, such as fans or heatsinks, can help maintain optimal performance.
- Material and Build Quality: The durability and aesthetics of the case are influenced by the materials used. Aluminum cases offer robust protection and can aid in heat dissipation, while acrylic cases provide a lightweight and visually appealing option.
- Accessibility: Ensure that the case design allows easy access to the GPIO pins, ports, and other interfaces you plan to use. Some cases offer removable lids or panels to facilitate this.
- Additional Features: Consider any extra functionalities offered by the case, such as support for additional storage (e.g., M.2 NVMe SSDs), built-in power buttons, or compatibility with HATs and other accessories.
Selecting the right case for your Raspberry Pi 5 is crucial for protecting the hardware, ensuring proper cooling, and enhancing the overall user experience. The official Raspberry Pi 5 Case, Argon ONE V3 M.2 NVMe PCIe Case, and the 9-Layer Acrylic Stacked Case each offer unique features tailored to different needs and preferences. By considering factors such as cooling requirements, material quality, accessibility, and additional features, you can choose the case that best suits your project and ensures optimal performance of your Raspberry Pi 5.