The Raspberry Pi Foundation has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible with single-board computers (SBCs).
Their latest accessory, the Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+ Compact, addresses a critical need for Pi 5 users: integrating fast, M.2 NVMe storage without sacrificing the use of the official case. But is this smaller HAT the ultimate storage solution for your compact computing projects?
This in-depth analysis will explore the specifications, installation process, and performance potential of the M.2 HAT+ Compact, providing the context and expert insight needed to optimize your Raspberry Pi 5 setup.
What is the Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+ Compact? Specifications and Design
The Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+ Compact is a new, smaller-format Hardware Attached on Top (HAT) board designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 5. It serves as an interface, allowing you to connect an M.2 PCI Express SSD (Solid State Drive) directly to the Pi's PCIe 2.0 lane.
Form Factor: Significantly smaller than the standard M.2 HAT+, engineered to fit within the confines of the official Raspberry Pi 5 case.
Compatibility: Designed exclusively for the Raspberry Pi 5, leveraging its dedicated PCIe connector.
Supported Drives: Accommodates M.2 SSD modules in the 2230, 2242, and 2230 form factors (30mm, 42mm, and 30mm lengths, respectively). It is crucial to note that this HAT is designed for NVMe (PCIe) SSDs, not SATA-based M.2 drives.
Key Feature: Its compact design allows it to be positioned between the Raspberry Pi 5's USB connectors and an optional active cooler fan, creating a seamless, all-in-one unit.
Installation and Physical Integration: A Perfect Fit for the Official Case
The primary advantage of the M.2 HAT+ Compact is its elegant physical integration. How does it achieve this?
The standard M.2 HAT+ extends beyond the Pi's footprint, making it incompatible with the official case without modifications. The Compact version, however, is engineered with precise dimensions that allow a 30mm M.2 card to sit entirely within the case's footprint when the HAT is mounted.
This design philosophy aligns with Raspberry Pi's commitment to a cohesive ecosystem.
Installation is a straightforward process:
Attach the HAT to the Raspberry Pi 5's 40-pin GPIO header.
Secure the HAT using the provided standoffs.
Insert your compatible M.2 NVMe SSD into the slot and secure it with the included screw.
Place the assembled stack into the official case, with the HAT sitting neatly between the board and the fan shroud.
This plug-and-play approach eliminates the need for external cables or enclosures, reducing clutter and improving reliability—a significant benefit for embedded systems and media center applications.
Performance Expectations: PCIe 2.0 x1 Interface Explained
When considering an NVMe SSD for your Raspberry Pi, it's essential to manage performance expectations. The Raspberry Pi 5's PCIe 2.0 x1 interface has a theoretical bandwidth limit of approximately 5 Gbps (around 500 MB/s practical throughput).
While high-end NVMe drives can achieve speeds exceeding 3,500 MB/s, they will be bottlenecked by the Pi's interface. However, this should not be seen as a drawback. Even at these speeds, an NVMe SSD offers substantial advantages over microSD cards or USB-attached storage:
Lower Latency: Drastically improved input/output operations per second (IOPS).
Superior Reliability: NVMe SSDs are far more durable for constant read/write operations compared to microSD cards.
Faster Boot Times: Experience significantly quicker system startup and application loading.
For a home server, a lightweight database, or a Kubernetes node, this performance level is transformative.
M.2 HAT+ Compact vs. Standard M.2 HAT+: Which Should You Choose?
This is a critical decision for enthusiasts. The choice depends entirely on your project's requirements.
| Feature | M.2 HAT+ Compact | Standard M.2 HAT+ |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | Use with official Raspberry Pi 5 case | Projects without space constraints or using custom cases |
| Supported Drive Lengths | 2230, 2242 (up to 42mm) | 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 (up to 80mm) |
| Key Advantage | Seamless case integration, compact size | Support for longer, often higher-capacity 2280 SSDs |
| Price (USD) | $15 | $12 |
Conclusion: If you plan to use the official case and are satisfied with the capacity offered by 2230/2242 SSDs, the M.2 HAT+ Compact is the definitive choice. If you need the maximum storage capacity (often found in 2280 drives) and are not using the official case, the standard HAT+ offers better value and flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Section)
Q: Is the Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+ Compact compatible with the Raspberry Pi 4?
A: No. The M.2 HAT+ Compact requires the dedicated PCIe connector found only on the Raspberry Pi 5. The Raspberry Pi 4 does not have a native PCIe interface.
Q: Can I use a SATA M.2 SSD with this HAT?
A: No. The HAT+ Compact is designed specifically for PCIe (NVMe) M.2 SSDs. The physical keying and electrical interface are different for SATA drives.
Q: Do I need a separate power supply for the SSD?
A: No. The HAT draws power directly from the Raspberry Pi 5's GPIO header, which is sufficient for most M.2 NVMe drives. You should ensure you are using the official Raspberry Pi 5 power supply (27W USB-C) for stable operation.
Q: Where can I buy the Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+ Compact?
A: It is available starting today from official Raspberry Pi Approved Resellers. For authoritative sourcing, always check the official Raspberry Pi documentation and reseller list.
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário