Argon NEO 5 M.2 NVME PCIE Case for Raspberry Pi 5 | Aluminum case with Built-in Fan
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AI Verdict
This aluminum case with a 30mm PWM fan lets your Raspberry Pi 5 boot from M.2 NVMe drives up to 2280 size, keeping both cool.
This case is a strong fit if you prioritize M.2 NVMe storage and robust cooling for your Raspberry Pi 5, leveraging the PCIe slot for speed. However, the assembly quirks and potential NVMe compatibility issues mean it's not a plug-and-play solution for everyone. The aluminum construction and dual cooling methods are definite advantages for performance-oriented tasks.
If you need easier access to internal ports or guaranteed NVMe compatibility, look for cases with a more open design or an officially supported NVMe drive list.
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Pros
- Enables Raspberry Pi 5 to boot from M.2 NVMe for faster speeds and expanded storage capacity.
- Features a built-in heatsink specifically for the M.2 NVMe drive, aiding in thermal management.
- Combines active cooling with a 30mm PWM fan and passive cooling from the aluminum case body.
- Supports M.2 NVMe drives with an M-Key up to 2280 size, offering broad compatibility.
- Includes an FPC impedance controlled cable for consistent and reliable data transfer to the NVMe drive.
- The aluminum alloy construction provides a robust enclosure for the Raspberry Pi 5.
Cons
- Access to camera, display, and PCIe connectors can be tight with the case lid installed, sometimes requiring tools or dexterous fingers.
- Routing the 30mm PWM fan cable during assembly can be tricky and may require multiple attempts to seat correctly.
- Removing the SD card requires complete disassembly of the case.
- Some users have reported compatibility issues with specific brands or models of NVMe drives, lacking an official compatibility list.
- Requires an official 27W Raspberry Pi power supply to ensure sufficient power for the Pi, case, and NVMe drive.
Dimension Scores
The combination of a 30mm PWM fan, aluminum case acting as a heatsink, and a dedicated NVMe heatsink provides effective active and passive cooling for the Raspberry Pi 5 and its NVMe drive.
The PWM fan only activates when necessary and can turn off for silent passive cooling, with users reporting minimal to no audible fan noise during typical operation.
Constructed from aluminum alloy, the case feels robust and durable, providing substantial protection for the Raspberry Pi 5.
Routing the internal fan cable during assembly is described as tricky and can require multiple attempts to properly seat it within the designated channel.
Best For
- Users looking to significantly increase storage capacity and data transfer speeds on their Raspberry Pi 5 via M.2 NVMe.
- Projects requiring sustained performance from the Raspberry Pi 5 and its NVMe storage, benefiting from active and passive cooling.
- Environments where a robust, aluminum enclosure is preferred for protecting the Raspberry Pi 5.
Not Recommended For
- Users who frequently need to access the Raspberry Pi 5's camera, display, or PCIe ports without disassembling the case.
- Beginners seeking the simplest possible assembly process for a Raspberry Pi 5 case.
- Setups where a specific, potentially incompatible, M.2 NVMe drive is already owned without verifying compatibility.
Watch Out For
- No official NVMe compatibility list exists, and some users have experienced issues with certain drive brands/models.
- The fan cable routing during assembly is fiddly; it took one reviewer four attempts to correctly position it.
- Accessing the camera, display, and PCIe ports is difficult with the lid on, often needing a plastic tool to lever open the plastic lock.
- You have to take the entire case apart to get to the SD card, which is a pain if you swap cards often.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0CRH8V95R |
| Brand | Argon Forty |
| Color | black |
| Series | Argon NEO 5 M.2 NVME PCIE |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Case Type | Raspberry Pi |
| Model Name | Argon NEO 5 M.2 NVME PCIE |
| Item Weight | 6.4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Argon Forty |
| Cooling Method | Active, using built-in 30mm PWM Fan, Passive, using aluminum case as heatsink |
| Item model number | A23-015 AR-NEO5-NVME |
| Product Dimensions | 2.87 x 3.82 x 1.57 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.87 x 3.82 x 1.57 inches |
| Motherboard Compatability | Mini ITX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Rear Mount |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Business, Gaming |
What Buyers Say
The Argon NEO 5 M.2 NVME PCIE Case is a solid choice if you're serious about getting NVMe speeds and keeping your Raspberry Pi 5 cool, but be ready for a bit of a wrestling match during setup. Many users highlight the effective cooling for both the Pi and the NVMe drive, which is a big win for performance. However, the assembly process, especially with the fan cable, can be frustrating, and you might find yourself struggling to access certain ports once it's all put together. The lack of a clear NVMe compatibility list also means you might be gambling a bit on your drive choice.
“Ugh, getting that tiny fan cable routed was a nightmare, almost threw the whole thing across the room, but now my Pi 5 boots so fast it's kinda worth it, I guess.”
Common Praise
- The case provides effective cooling for both the Raspberry Pi 5 and the M.2 NVMe drive.
- Users appreciate the ability to boot the Raspberry Pi 5 from an M.2 NVMe drive, leading to faster performance.
- The aluminum construction gives the case a robust and premium feel.
- The fan is generally quiet, often turning off when not under heavy load.
- The included heatsink for the NVMe drive helps maintain drive temperatures.
Common Complaints
- Assembly can be challenging, particularly routing the fan cable.
- Accessing the camera, display, and PCIe ports is difficult once the case is fully assembled.
- Removing the SD card requires disassembling the entire case.
- Some NVMe drives are reported to have compatibility issues, and there's no official list to check against.
Ownership Tips
- The fan's quiet operation holds up even after extended use, only spinning up audibly during intense tasks.
- Despite the initial assembly frustration, the case's cooling capabilities consistently keep the Pi 5 and NVMe drive at stable temperatures.
- You'll quickly learn to avoid needing to access the camera/display ports frequently, or you'll keep a small plastic tool handy.
- The lack of an official NVMe compatibility list means you might need to do some extra research or risk a return if your drive doesn't work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the case come with an M.2 NVMe drive?
No, the Argon NEO 5 M.2 NVME PCIE Case does not include an NVMe drive; you need to purchase one separately.
What size M.2 NVMe drives are compatible?
The case supports any M.2 NVMe drive with an M-Key up to 2280 size.
Is the built-in fan noisy?
The 30mm PWM fan is designed to turn off when not needed, allowing passive cooling to take over for quiet operation when the Pi 5 isn't under heavy load. One user reported never being aware of any fan noise.
Is this case compatible with Raspberry Pi 4?
No, this case is designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 5.
What kind of power supply is needed for this case?
You will need to use an official 27W Raspberry Pi power supply to ensure sufficient power for the Pi, the case, and the NVMe drive.
How easy is it to access the SD card?
The SD card slot is exposed, and there's an optional screw cover for protection. However, removing the SD card requires taking the entire case apart.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a case like this, you're basically deciding how much you care about speed and keeping your Raspberry Pi 5 from getting too hot. This case is all about letting you use a super-fast M.2 NVMe drive, which is way quicker than a microSD card for booting and storing stuff. You also get a fan and a big chunk of aluminum to soak up heat, so your Pi can work harder without throttling. Just remember, adding these features means a bit more work to put it together, and you need to make sure your NVMe drive will actually play nice with it.
M.2 NVMe Support (M-Key up to 2280)
This tells you the type and size of the solid-state drive (SSD) you can put in. M.2 NVMe drives are like tiny, super-fast hard drives that connect directly to your Pi's PCIe slot, making your Pi feel much snappier compared to using a traditional microSD card for storage.
Built-in 30mm PWM Fan
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) means the fan can adjust its speed based on how hot your Pi is. A 30mm fan is small, but with PWM control, it can ramp up when needed to cool things down, and slow down or even stop when your Pi is idle, keeping things quiet like a car's engine that only revs when you hit the gas.
Aluminum Case as Heatsink
Aluminum is a metal that's really good at conducting heat. By making the case out of aluminum, it acts like a giant radiator, pulling heat away from your Raspberry Pi's processor and NVMe drive, even without the fan running. Think of it like a cold drink can absorbing heat from your hand.
FPC Impedance Controlled Cable
This is the cable that connects your NVMe drive to the Raspberry Pi's PCIe slot. 'Impedance controlled' means it's designed to maintain a consistent electrical signal, which is crucial for high-speed data transfer. It's like making sure the highway lanes are perfectly smooth so your data cars can travel at top speed without crashing.
Alternatives
If this case doesn't fit, look for cases with tool-less access to ports if you frequently swap cables, or consider a simpler passive-only case if you don't need NVMe storage or maximum cooling performance.
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