Raspberry Pi 5 + Pimoroni NVMe Base – Rear-Port Case with SD card slot

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). Now includes full size SD card to front panel using SD extender (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001223850665.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.11.26391802KlVtxX).

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

✔ Front Panel SD Card slot

✔ 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.

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”)

Attach SD card slot to front panel using two small screws

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.