Products at a Glance
How we picked the best Raspberry Pi SSD case
Selecting the best Raspberry Pi SSD case involves a meticulous process where multiple factors are weighed. Initially, we analyze the compatibility and ease of installation of the SSD within the case, ensuring that it facilitates a seamless and efficient setup.
Publicly available benchmarks and user reviews play a pivotal role in gauging the case’s performance and reliability. Through these, we can ascertain the case’s effectiveness in aspects such as heat management and overall impact on system performance.
If this selection isn’t quite what you’re looking for, why not check out our guide to the best Raspberry Pi keyboard or the best Raspberry Pi OS.
Product Reviews
- Generous accommodation for two 2.5” SSDs.
- Broad compatibility.
- User-friendly design.
- Absence of cooling features.
- Limited aesthetic variety.
The UCTRONICS SSD case for the Raspberry Pi is a remarkable addition for enthusiasts aiming to expand their Pi’s capabilities, seamlessly merging storage enhancement with design ingenuity. The case is meticulously crafted to be compatible with a multitude of Pi models, including the Pi 5, 4, and 3B/3B+, among other B models, ensuring broad usability. Its dimensions, 5.67 x 4.17 x 2.05 inches, have been optimized to accommodate the essential components without being cumbersome. The structure is fabricated from metal, providing a sturdy and durable enclosure.
This case is designed to elegantly mount two 2.5” SSDs. This feature plays a pivotal role in augmenting the Raspberry Pi’s functionality, given the Pi’s inherent lack of onboard storage. With such an enhancement, the UCTRONICS case effortlessly transforms the Pi CPU into a more powerful and versatile single-board computer, opening doors to a multitude of applications and uses that necessitate additional storage.
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- Exceptional access.
- Aesthetic design.
- Lack of an integrated cooling solution.
- Limited protection.
The Pimoroni Pibow Coupe is a remarkable case that brings together functionality and aesthetics, offering a unique user experience for Raspberry Pi 4 enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the case’s design, which prioritizes accessibility, particularly concerning the GPIO ports.
The specifications outline an open-top case, ensuring that the GPIO pins are entirely unobstructed. This design philosophy extends to other elements, such as the CSI ports and the microSD Card slot, facilitating seamless user interaction with the essential components of the Raspberry Pi device.
A key benefit of this design is its inherent compatibility with various HATs, enhancing the Pi’s functionality and customization. This is further augmented by the ease with which cables can be managed, enabling connections to both camera and display CSI ports without hassle.
- Capable of housing up to eight Raspberry Pis.
- Robust cooling solution.
- Broad compatibility.
- Acrlylic build
The GeeekPi Raspberry Pi Cluster Case is an innovatively designed enclosure that caters specifically to users who operate multiple Raspberry Pi units simultaneously, such as in a cluster configuration. Its compatibility range is impressive, accommodating various models including the Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+/3B/2B/B+.
Structurally, the case is akin to a set of shelves, allowing the housing of up to eight Raspberry Pis, which makes it particularly suitable for more extensive, intricate setups like NAS servers or clustered computing environments.
Crafted from acrylic, it couples durability with a degree of aesthetic appeal, and it incorporates a 120mm 5V RGB LED cooling fan, ensuring that temperature regulation is robust and effective. One of the notable benefits of the GeeekPi case lies in its cooling efficiency. The substantial 120mm fan, coupled with RGB lighting, not only maintains an optimal operational temperature but also adds a visually appealing aspect to the setup.
- Exceptional passive cooling.
- Stylish design.
- Compatible with HATs, and CSI/DSI modules.
- The cover must be removed to use HATs.
- Premium price.
The Argon Neo case, standing out for its elegant aesthetics, is a fashionable and functional choice for Raspberry Pi 4 users. Crafted meticulously, it ensures that users have easy access to GPIO, CSI ports, and the microSD card.
The specifications of the case include passive cooling features, with the option for active cooling, ensuring that the Raspberry Pi consoles work optimally. Its stylish design is complemented by practical features such as a sliding magnetic cover which offers protection while maintaining ease of access, and compatibility with HATs and CSI/DSI modules, enhancing its utility and versatility.
An apparent advantage of the Argon Neo is its exceptional passive cooling system. This feature ensures that the Raspberry Pi operates efficiently without overheating, thus enhancing its performance and durability. An included thermal pad bonds the CPU and RAM to the metal in order to do this.
Features and Considerations
When exploring the Best Raspberry Pi SSD case, several features and considerations come to the forefront. Foremost is the case’s compatibility and accommodation of an SSD. A suitable case should seamlessly integrate the SSD, ensuring that it aligns well with the Raspberry Pi’s connectors and ports.
Design
Another consideration is the design and functionality. The ideal case should be user-friendly, allowing for straightforward assembly and disassembly, which facilitates easier maintenance and modifications.
Ports
It should also provide adequate port access, ensuring that the user can connect all necessary peripherals without any hindrance. There is a wide variation in the type of ports on Raspberry Pi cases. Some models have micro HDMI options, whereas some stick to the full-sized HDMI ports. Some cases have ethernet ports. Think about which kind would benefit your set-up.
Case material
Think about case material. Aluminum cases offer passive cooling, whereas a plastic case requires a fan to help the Pi cool.
FAQ
What is the best way to connect SSD to Raspberry Pi?
After writing or cloning the OS, you can connect the SSD to the Raspberry Pi via a USB port. Doing this allows the Raspberry Pi to automatically detect and boot the OS from the SSD, ensuring a smoother and faster operating experience.
Our Verdict
Best Raspberry Pi SSD case – overall, versatile and cluster
In conclusion, each Raspberry Pi SSD case review brings a unique set of features and conveniences to the table. The UCTRONICS case stands out as our Editor’s Choice due to its solid build, ease of setup, and wide compatibility with various Raspberry Pi models. Its dedicated slots for two 2.5” SSDs make it a commendable option for users who prioritize external storage connectivity.
Meanwhile, the Pimoroni Pibow Coupe shines with easy access to GPIO ports, and its colorful design adds a touch of vibrancy to your setup. The GeeekPi case offers excellent cooling solutions and the capacity to house up to eight Raspberry Pis, ideal for clustering.