Introducing the HatDrive! Top Lite – a streamlined variant of the HatDrive! Top designed for your Raspberry Pi 5 to enhance your experience with fast and reliable NVMe storage (NVMe SSD not included).

This version retains all the high-performance features of the original HatDrive! Top minus the 2×20 pin GPIO expansion header, making it a cost-effective solution for those not requiring board stacking capabilities.

The HAT supports M-key NVMe drives in M.2 format sizes 2230 and 2242 and includes dual LED indicators, dedicated I2C EEPROM memory and advanced power supply monitoring and diagnostics.

Raspberry Pi 5 and NVMe device not included.

Will my NVMe SSD work with this board?

Pineboards maintain an NVMe compatibility list showing which drives work with their NVMe boards.

Other NVMe drives may work however the link above shows all fully tested options – including the Pinedrive 2242 NVMe SSD we stock in the store.

PCIe FPC Bundles now available

In case you are thinking about integrating this board into your custom project, don’t overlook the optionalPineboards PCIe FPC Bundle. Utilising the 100mm ribbon cable will provide you with added flexibility during the installation process of our boards.

We now stock an XL version of the bundle too!

It fits our Layer Case!

This Lite version of the HatDrive! Top fits perfectly in our Layer Case:

Features

• Specially Designed for Raspberry Pi 5: Designed for the latest single-board computer, the Raspberry Pi 5.
• NVMe Drive Installation Capability: Supports NVMe (M-key) drives in M.2 format sizes 2230 and 2242, facilitating high-speed storage solutions.
• PCIe Interface Support: Compatible with PCIe x1 interface in both Gen2 and Gen3 standards, offering versatile connectivity.
• Dual LED Indicators: Equipped with 2 LED indicators for power supply voltage (PWR) and M.2 disk activity (ACT), providing essential operational insights.
• Compatible Form Factor: Maintains compatibility with original Raspberry Pi HAT dimensions of 65 x 56.50 mm, ensuring a cohesive fit.
• M.2 Standard-Compliant Power System: Integrates a voltage regulator capable of delivering up to 3A for the 3.3V power rail, in compliance with the M.2 (NGFF) standard.
• Easy and Quick M.2 Disk Installation: Facilitates swift installation of M.2 disks in 2230 or 2242 formats, courtesy of a custom CNC made metal bracket.
• M.2 Card Power Options: Provides power to the M.2 card directly from the FPC PCIe ribbon or through an alternative power method, adapted for the lite version.
• User-Friendly PCB Markings: Features clearly marked PCB for ease of installation and use.
• High-Quality Components: Built with premium electronic components and a 4-layer PCB for reliability and performance.
• All Necessary Accessories Included: Includes a dedicated FPC PCIe ribbon, spacer pins, M2.5 screws, and a spacer pin for M.2 card mounting, ensuring a complete setup out of the box.

Resources

• HatDrive! Top Lite documentation
• How to update the Firmware on your Raspberry Pi 5
• How to flash an NVMe boot drive with Raspberry Pi 5
• How to update your Raspberry Pi Kernel and install Kernel Headers

Package Contents

• 1x HatDrive! Top Lite board
• 1x 25mm PCIe FPC cable with controlled impedance
• 4x Standoffs
• 1x M.2 drive standoff
• 9x M2.5 screws

Raspberry Pi 5 and NVMe device not included.