HatDrive! Bottom for Raspberry Pi 5 [Discontinued]

Get ready to add full-size NVMe drives to your Raspberry Pi 5 with the Pineboards HatDrive! Bottom. This variant of the HatDrive! is specifically designed for users who require extra storage without any compromises, allowing the use of compact 2230-format M.2 NVMe SSDs, up to longer 2280-format NVMe drives.

The HAT supports M-key NVMe drives in M.2 format sizes 2230, 2242, and 2280 and includes dual LED indicators and versatile M.2 powering options, along with the additional features listed below.

We also stock a layer case for this HAT!

Raspberry Pi 5 and NVMe device not included.

Will my NVMe SSD work with this board?

Pineboards maintain an NVMe compatibility list showing which drives work with their NVMe boards.

Other NVMe drives may work however the link above shows all fully tested options – including the Pinedrive 2280 NVMe SSD we stock in the store.

PCIe FPC Bundles now available

In case you are thinking about integrating this board into your custom project, don’t overlook the optional Pineboards PCIe FPC Bundle. Utilising the 100mm ribbon cable will provide you with added flexibility during the installation process of our boards.

We now stock an XL version of the bundle too!

As seen on Explaining Computers!

Christopher Barnatt checked out the HatDrive! Bottom when it was first released (some minor changes to the board design since then), and shows you how to set it up for OS booting:

Features

• Designed for Raspberry Pi 5: Specially dedicated to the latest Raspberry Pi 5 single-board computer.
• Expanded NVMe Drive Compatibility: Supports NVMe (M-key) drives in M.2 format sizes 2230, 2242, and 2280.
• PCIe x1 Interface Support: Compatible with PCIe x1 interface in both Gen2 and Gen3 standards.
• Dual LED Indicators: Equipped with 2 LEDs to indicate power supply voltage (“PWR”) and M.2 disk activity (“ACT”).
• Enhanced Form Factor: PCB size of 90 x 56 mm, expanded by 5mm to accommodate the longer M.2 2280 slot, while remaining compatible with the original Raspberry Pi 5 dimensions.
• Compliant Power System with M.2 Standard: Integrated voltage regulator capable of delivering up to 3A for the 3.3V power rail, in line with the M.2 (NGFF) standard.
• Easy M.2 Drive Installation: Quick installation for M.2 drives (sizes 2230, 2242, or 2280) using a dedicated metal bracket (custom CNC made).
• Versatile M.2 Card Powering Options: Can power the M.2 card directly from the FPC PCIe ribbon (port providing at least 5W of continuous power) or through an optional 4-pin cable bundle for redundant power supply (up to 2A at 5V).
• User-Friendly PCB Markings: Clearly marked PCB for ease of use.
• Premium Quality Components: Built with high-quality electronic components and a robust 4-layer PCB.
• Unique Market Positioning: A distinct bottom variant, enabling the mounting of long SSDs in the 2280 format.
• Complete Accessory Kit Included: Comes with a dedicated FPC PCIe ribbon, spacer pins, M2.5 screws, and a spacer pin for M.2 card mounting.

Resources

• HatDrive! Bottom documentation
• How to update the Firmware on your Raspberry Pi 5
• How to flash an NVMe boot drive with Raspberry Pi 5
• How to update your Raspberry Pi Kernel and install Kernel Headers

Package Contents

• 1x HatDrive! Bottom board
• 1x 40mm PCIe FPC cable with controlled impedance
• 4x Standoffs
• 1x M.2 drive standoff
• 9x M2.5 screws

Raspberry Pi 5 and NVMe device not included.