Vilros CNC-crafted case for Raspberry Pi 5

About the Duo Deluxe case

The Vilros Duo Deluxe Raspberry Pi 5 case is a CNC-crafted aluminum enclosure designed to deliver premium aesthetics and maximum cooling performance. It combines passive heat dissipation with an integrated PWM fan to keep your Pi 5 running at optimal temperatures under sustained load.

This is Vilros's highest-end case for Raspberry Pi 5—designed for users who need reliable cooling, professional appearance, and quiet operation.

Key features

• CNC-crafted aluminum: Precision-machined for a premium look and feel
• Passive cooling via chip contact: The case top makes direct contact with the main chip via thermal pad, dissipating heat through the aluminum body
• Built-in 10,000 RPM PWM fan: Automatically adjusts speed based on temperature
• Fan connector to Pi 5's fan port: The fan is software-controlled by Raspberry Pi OS—powers on/off and adjusts RPM as needed
• Optional SD card and GPIO hole covers: Clean appearance when not accessing ports
• Compact dimensions: 3.80 × 2.5 × 1 inches
• Anodized finish: Durable, scratch-resistant surface

Passive and active cooling

The Duo Deluxe case provides dual cooling: passive aluminum heat dissipation plus active fan-driven airflow.

Passive cooling

The case top contacts the Pi 5's main chip directly via a thermal pad. Heat transfers to the aluminum body and radiates outward. For light workloads, passive cooling alone is often sufficient—the fan stays off and the system remains silent.

Active cooling

When temperatures rise under sustained load, the built-in PWM fan activates automatically. The fan connects directly to the Pi 5's fan port, so Raspberry Pi OS controls its speed based on CPU temperature. As temperatures increase, fan speed ramps up; as temperatures drop, the fan slows or stops.

This temperature-responsive cooling ensures your Pi 5 never throttles under heavy use—compiling code, running emulators, AI inference, or 24/7 server workloads all stay cool.

Do you need additional heatsinks?

The case contacts the main chip only. Vilros testing found that additional heatsinks are not necessary when using this case—the combination of passive and active cooling is sufficient for the main chip, and other components stay cool enough without direct heatsinks.

If you prefer extra cooling for all chips, you can add the Vilros 6-Piece Heatsink Set for Raspberry Pi 5 to cover the remaining chips.

Installation

The Duo Deluxe case includes detailed instructions, but here's the general process:

1. Apply the thermal pad to the Pi 5's main chip
2. Place the Pi 5 board into the case bottom
3. Connect the fan cable to the Pi 5's fan port
4. Align the case top so it makes contact with the thermal pad
5. Secure the case with the included screws
6. (Optional) Attach SD card and GPIO covers

The fan will activate automatically once the Pi boots and temperatures rise. No additional software configuration is required—Raspberry Pi OS handles fan control by default.

For visual step-by-step guidance, see the Vilros Duo Deluxe installation instructions.

When to choose this case

Consider the Duo Deluxe if you:

• Need maximum cooling: Running AI, emulation, Docker, or 24/7 servers
• Want a premium look: CNC-crafted aluminum with professional finish
• Prefer quiet operation: PWM fan only runs when needed, stays off during idle
• Value build quality: Precision manufacturing and durable materials

If you need passive cooling without a fan, consider the EDATEC Aluminum CNC cases. If you prefer lower cost with good cooling, the standard plastic cases with fans work well.

But for the best cooling performance and premium aesthetics, the Duo Deluxe is Vilros's top recommendation.