Raspberry Pi 5 Clear Case with Fan Instructions

Watch the installation video

Follow our complete installation guide with video instructions:

The video demonstrates unboxing, case assembly, Pi installation, fan connection, and PWM fan configuration for optimal cooling.

Package contents

Your Vilros Raspberry Pi 5 Clear Case package includes:

Clear acrylic case panels (top, bottom, sides)
PWM fan (typically 30mm or 40mm)
Fan mounting screws
Standoffs and screws for Pi mounting
Heatsinks (optional, depending on kit version)

Verify all components are present before beginning assembly.

Assembly steps

Prepare the bottom panel: Remove protective film from both sides of the acrylic bottom panel. Install the standoffs using the provided screws.
Install heatsinks (optional): If included, apply heatsinks to the Raspberry Pi 5's main chips before case installation.
Mount the Pi: Carefully place the Raspberry Pi 5 onto the standoffs, aligning the mounting holes. Secure with screws from the top.
Install side panels: Remove protective film and attach the acrylic side panels. These typically slide or clip into place.
Mount the fan: Attach the PWM fan to the designated mounting location (usually top panel or side vent). Secure with the provided fan screws. Ensure the fan orientation directs airflow correctly (intake or exhaust as designed).
Connect the fan: Connect the fan's power cable to the Raspberry Pi 5's dedicated fan header (4-pin connector near the GPIO). The Pi 5 supports PWM fan control automatically.
Close the case: Attach the top panel, removing protective film first. Secure all panels and ensure proper fit.

Fan configuration

The Raspberry Pi 5 includes built-in support for PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) fan control. When connected to the official fan header, the fan speed automatically adjusts based on CPU temperature:

Below 50°C: Fan off or very low speed
50-60°C: Low speed
60-67.5°C: Medium speed
67.5-75°C: High speed
Above 75°C: Maximum speed

Manual configuration (optional): You can customize fan behavior in /boot/firmware/config.txt by adding these lines:

[all]
dtparam=cooling_fan_temp0=50000
dtparam=cooling_fan_temp1=60000
dtparam=cooling_fan_temp2=67500
dtparam=cooling_fan_temp3=75000

Temperature values are in millidegrees Celsius (50000 = 50°C). Adjust as needed, then reboot.

Monitor temperatures: Use vcgencmd measure_temp in Terminal to check current CPU temperature.