Pi 5 Plug In Case with M.2 HAT Installation Instructions

Watch the installation video

Follow our complete installation guide for the M.2 HAT and Plug In Case:

The video demonstrates M.2 HAT installation, NVMe SSD mounting, case assembly, and storage configuration.

Product overview

The Raspberry Pi 5 Plug In Case with M.2 HAT enables high-speed NVMe SSD storage expansion via the Pi 5's PCIe interface. This combination provides:

• M.2 NVMe SSD support (2230, 2242, 2260, or 2280 form factors depending on HAT design)
• PCIe Gen 2 or Gen 3 speeds (up to 500+ MB/s depending on configuration)
• Protective case designed to accommodate the M.2 HAT
• Bootable storage option (requires Raspberry Pi OS configuration)

Compatible with: Raspberry Pi 5 only (requires PCIe interface)

Note: M.2 NVMe SSD is typically sold separately unless your kit includes one.

Installing the M.2 HAT

1. Power off: Ensure your Raspberry Pi 5 is powered off and disconnected from all cables.
2. Prepare the HAT: Remove the M.2 HAT from packaging. If your SSD is not pre-installed, insert the M.2 NVMe SSD into the HAT's M.2 slot at a slight angle (typically 30 degrees), then press down and secure with the included screw or clip.
3. Connect the HAT: Align the M.2 HAT with the Raspberry Pi 5's HAT connector (the flat flexible cable connector or PCIe slot, depending on HAT design). Gently press the HAT into place until it's fully seated.
4. Secure the HAT: Use the provided standoffs and screws to secure the M.2 HAT to the Pi 5's mounting holes. Ensure the HAT sits flat and stable.

Important: Handle the SSD and HAT carefully. Electrostatic discharge can damage components. Ground yourself before handling.

Case assembly

1. Place Pi in case base: With the M.2 HAT installed, carefully place the Raspberry Pi 5 (with HAT attached) into the Plug In Case base. Ensure all ports align with case openings.
2. Verify clearance: Check that the M.2 SSD and HAT have adequate clearance within the case. The case should be designed to accommodate the HAT's height.
3. Attach the top cover: Place the case top cover over the Pi and HAT assembly. Secure with screws or clips as designed. Some cases have cutouts for cooling or additional access.
4. Reconnect cables: Connect power, HDMI, USB peripherals, and Ethernet (if used).

Setting up M.2 storage

After hardware installation, configure the M.2 SSD in Raspberry Pi OS:

1. Boot from microSD: Initially, boot your Pi 5 from a microSD card with Raspberry Pi OS installed.
2. Enable PCIe Gen 3 (optional): For maximum speed, enable PCIe Gen 3 mode. Edit /boot/firmware/config.txt:

   sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt

   Add this line under [all]:

   dtparam=pciex1_gen=3

   Save and reboot. Note: Gen 3 mode may require additional cooling.

3. Verify SSD detection: Check that the SSD is detected:

   lsblk

   Your NVMe drive should appear as nvme0n1.

4. Format the SSD: Use the SD Card Copier utility (under Accessories) or manual partitioning with gparted or fdisk to format the SSD.
5. Copy OS to SSD (optional): Use Raspberry Pi Imager or SD Card Copier to clone your OS to the NVMe SSD, then configure boot order in raspi-config under Advanced Options → Boot Order → NVMe/USB Boot.

Performance: NVMe SSDs provide significantly faster read/write speeds compared to microSD cards, improving boot times and application responsiveness.