HatDrive! Top for Raspberry Pi 5

Introducing the Pineboards HatDrive! Top – the ultimate companion for your Raspberry Pi 5 designed to enhance your experience by allowing you to use fast and reliable NVMe storage with your Pi 5!

The HAT supports M-key NVMe drives in M.2 format sizes 2230 and 2242 (such as the Raspberry Pi SSD) and includes dual LED indicators, dedicated I2C EEPROM memory and advanced power supply monitoring and diagnostics.

The design is stackable when used with tall stacking GPIO headers, allowing the use of other HATs and add-ons. We also stock the HatDrive! Lite – a cheaper version which does not include the GPIO section.

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 2242 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!

Features

• Specially Designed for Raspberry Pi 5: Dedicated to the latest single-board computer, the Raspberry Pi 5.
• NVMe Drive Installation Capability: Supports installing NVMe (M-key) drives in M.2 format sizes 2230 and 2242.
• PCIe Interface Support: Offers support for PCIe x1 interface in both Gen2 and Gen3 standards.
• Dual LED Indicators: Features 2 LED lights for power supply voltage (“PWR”) and M.2 disk activity (“ACT”).
• Compatible Form Factor: Board format is compatible with the original Raspberry Pi HAT dimensions of 65 x 56.50 mm.
• 40-Pin Raspberry Pi HAT Connector Support: Supports the standard 40-pin Raspberry Pi HAT connector.
• Dedicated I2C EEPROM Memory: Compatible with HAT ID, allowing for advanced identification and configuration.
• Advanced Power Supply Monitoring and Diagnostics: Continuous monitoring and diagnostics of the power supply bus, measuring voltage, current, and power parameters in real-time via an I2C interface.
• M.2 Standard-Compliant Power System: Integrated voltage regulator delivering up to 3A for the 3.3V power rail, compliant with M.2 (NGFF) standard.
• Easy and Quick M.2 Disk Installation: Quick installation of M.2 disks in 2230 or 2242 format, thanks to a dedicated metal bracket (custom CNC made).
• M.2 Card Power Options: Capable of powering the M.2 card directly from the FPC PCIe ribbon (port providing a minimum of 5W continuous power) or through the 40-pin HAT connector.
• User-Friendly PCB Markings: Clear PCB markings for user convenience.
• High-Quality Components: Utilizes top-quality electronic components and a 4-layer PCB.
• Stackable Design: Allows for further connection of additional HAT boards in a stack.
• All Necessary Accessories Included: Comes with a dedicated FPC PCIe ribbon, spacer pins, M2.5 screws, a spacer pin for M.2 card mounting, and an optional 28-pin male-female HAT connector.

Resources

• HatDrive! Top 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! Top board
• 1x 25mm PCIe FPC cable with controlled impedance
• 1x 40 pin GPIO header
• 4x Standoffs
• 1x M.2 drive standoff
• 9x M2.5 screws

Raspberry Pi 5 and NVMe device not included.