ZDNET Key Takeaways
- Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+ for Pi 5 is available for pre-order now from CanaKit, PiShop.USAnd Sparkfun for around $12.
- A simple way to add M.2 devices to the Raspberry Pi 5.
- May cause overheating in certain circumstances.
THE Raspberry Pi 5 is undoubtedly the best Raspberry Pi nowadays. Unlike its predecessor, it is quite easy to acquire and provides a solid and sturdy platform for construction projects. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi 5's single-lane PCI Express 2.0 interface makes it easy to connect M.2 devices such as NVMe drives and AI accelerators.
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A Raspberry Pi HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) that I was eager to test is the M.2 HAT+. Having now had the chance to use it, I must say I am impressed. This add-on could allow the Pi 5 to be used in interesting projects.
Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+
- PCIe interface: PCIe 2.0 (can be set to 3.0 by user)
- M.2 compatibility: Key M 2230 and 2242
- Power: Up to 3 amps
- Performance: Up to 450 MB/s
- GPIO: Pass-through via included 16mm stacking header
- Dimensions: 65mm x 56.5mm
- Equipment provided: 16mm stacking header, standoffs and threaded screws, and double-flange thumbscrew to secure and support the M.2 device
The M.2 HAT+ attaches to the 0.5mm pitch 16-pin FPC connector on the Pi 5 board with a short flat cable:
This cable connects the HAT to the Pi 5.
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This connector is normally easily accessible, but since all of my Pi 5s are in cases, I had to remove the card to install the PCIe cable:
Removing the Pi 5 from the case to install the PCIe cable.
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Someone with smaller hands or more patience might be able to install the cable with the card in the case, but I have big hands and little patience.
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If you need to use – or think you need – the GPIO pins, don't forget to install the stacking header to get the headers to the HAT:
Don't forget the stacking header.
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Once the cable is installed, it's time to attach the card to the risers, and we are then ready to install the M.2 device:
Once the HAT is installed, it's time to install an M.2 device.
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There are many M.2 devices available, from storage drives to AI accelerators. Here I will use an M.2 SSD. This is where the official Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+ differs from other M.2 HATs I've used – yes, there are some others out there — because the device worked out of the box and I didn't encounter any compatibility issues with any of the storage drives I tested.
For performance testing I used a Transcend M.2 PCIe Gen3x4 2230 NVMe 256GB Drive which combines good quality performance and reliability, at a competitive price.
Transcend M.2 PCIe NVMe drive installed on the M.2 HAT+.
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The reader is secured using a knurled screw:
The disk is secured on the M.2 HAT+.
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Setting up the drive is quite simple if you've worked with your Raspberry Pi before, and the process is well documented on the Raspberry Pi website.
I tested the performance of the M.2 HAT+ and got numbers hovering around 410 MB/s, which is more than acceptable, and I could probably optimize this number further given time. But for these tests, I kept everything in stock.
One thing I noticed during stress testing and benchmarking is that the M.2 HAT+ and SSD drive remained pretty cool in use. However, because the cooler was sandwiched between two cards, I noticed that temperatures climbed up to 60°C/140°F, and the hottest spot was in the HAT gap.
It's quite hot between the two boards.
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While not a problem, I could see this heat becoming an issue if the project is hosted in different cases, in higher temperature environments, or if the hardware is pushed harder.
But aside from this potential issue, this HAT and the Pi 5 worked perfectly.
ZDNET's purchasing advice
Need to add M.2 devices to your Raspberry Pi 5? Although you may be able to get away with using one of the a lot third–to party HAT that exist, I like the performance and reliability of it official M.2 HAT+. And for $12, it's an obvious choice.