Raspberry Pi 5 + Pimoroni NVMe Base – Rear-Port Case

This enclosure is purpose-built for the Raspberry Pi 5 combined with the Pimoroni NVMe Base (https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/nvme-base?variant=41219587178579), with all I/O relocated to the rear using the Waveshare Pi5-Connector-Adapter (https://www.waveshare.com/wiki/Pi5-Connector-Adapter).

The design goal was to produce a compact, clean, OEM-style unit that looks like a finished consumer device rather than a hobby enclosure - while remaining fully printable and requiring no additional hardware.

Not tested with any other SSD base but likely to work - let me know!

Key Features

✔ Rear-Facing I/O Layout

All primary ports are routed to the rear of the enclosure via the Waveshare adapter, creating a conventional desktop-device layout and eliminating front cable clutter.

Rear access includes:

• USB ports

• Dual full-size HDMI

• Ethernet

• USB-C power

This configuration gives the unit a professional, appliance-like appearance.

✔ Official Cooler Compatible

The case is designed specifically to accommodate the official Raspberry Pi 5 active cooler:

• Dedicated side vent aligned with the cooler

• Additional front ventilation slots for airflow

• No additional fans required

Airflow is managed while maintaining a clean exterior profile.

✔ Integrated Front Power Button

The front panel includes a discreet mechanical actuator aligned to the Raspberry Pi 5 standby button:

• Direct mechanical engagement

• Positive tactile feedback

• Clean, minimal front aesthetic

✔ Hardware-Free Assembly

• Five printed parts

• Snap-fit design

• Secured using integrated 3D-printed clips

• Reuses hardware from NVMe base

  • No extra screws

  • No inserts

  • No additional hardware required

Designed for clean alignment and repeatable assembly.

Current Limitations / Planned Update

• The microSD slot is not currently externally accessible.

• Waiting on an SD extender to create a redesigned front panel with a full-size SD card slot.

Print Recommendations

• FDM printing

• 0.2 mm layer height recommended

• 15% infill sufficient

• PLA suitable - although if you are going to be regularly taking it apart, consider printing the frame as PETG for more resilient clips

• No Support 

Assembly Instructions

The enclosure consists of five printed parts and requires no additional hardware.

1. Install the Power Button Actuator

Insert the printed “Poker” into the guide tunnel on the front edge of the internal frame.
Ensure it moves freely and returns smoothly when pressed.

2. Install the Electronics Stack

Assemble the board stack as follows:

• Attach the Pimoroni NVMe Base beneath the Raspberry Pi 5

• Install your 2280 NVMe drive

• Fit the Waveshare Pi5-Connector-Adapter on top of the Pi

Lower the assembled stack into the internal frame, ensuring:

• Rear ports align correctly

• The power button aligns with the actuator (“Poker”)

3. Attach the Front Panel

Clip the front panel onto the frame.
Check that pressing the front button cleanly actuates the Raspberry Pi 5 standby switch.

4. Install into the Outer Shell

Slide the assembled inner chassis into the runners inside the outer case body.
Push fully home until seated.

5. Secure with Rear Panel

Clip the rear panel into place to lock the assembly within the outer case.

No screws or inserts are required — all retention is via integrated snap-fit features.

Ideal Applications

• NVMe boot Raspberry Pi builds

• Compact Linux desktops

• Home servers

• Media systems

• Clean lab or office installs

This design is particularly suited to builds where appearance matters just as much as performance.