Add super-fast NVMe storage to your Raspberry Pi 5 for lightning-fast boots, snappy applications, and NAS builds. NVMe Base is a PCIe extension board that mounts under your Pi for a compact, high-performance storage solution. Simply install an M-key NVMe SSD (2230 to 2280 sizes supported) and connect via the included PCIe flat flex cable. Following Raspberry Pi's official PIP design guidelines, NVMe Base ensures long-term compatibility with Raspberry Pi OS updates. Key Features PCIe Storage – Add fast NVMe storage with speeds up to 800MB/s read M.2 M-Key Slot – Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 SSDs Compact Design – Mounts under your Pi 5 with included standoffs HAT Compatible – Includes pass-through bolts for stacking with HATs Boot Support – Boot directly from NVMe for faster startup Ideal For File servers and NAS builds Media centres (Plex, Jellyfin) High-IOPS applications and databases Anyone wanting faster storage than microSD Package Contents 1× NVMe Base PCB with M.2 Slot (M-Key) 1× PCIe Pipe Flat Flex Cable 4× Rubber feet 1× M2 bolt and 2× nuts for SSD mounting 4× 7mm M2.5 standoffs for base mounting 8× Short M2.5 bolts for base mounting 4× Long M2.5 bolts for pass-through HAT mounting Tested Compatible Drives AData Legend 700/800, XPG SX8200 Pro Crucial P2, P3, P3 Plus Kingston KC3000 Kioxia Exceria, Exceria G2 Lexar NM620, NM710 Netac NV2000, NV3000 Sabrent Rocket 4.0, Rocket Nano Samsung 980, 980 Pro (500GB/1TB) Team MP33 WD Black SN750 SE Avoid: Kingston OM8SEP4256Q-A0, Transcend 110Q, WD Green/Blue/Red/Black (except SN750 SE), Samsung 980 Pro 250GB, PNY CS1030 250GB. Check compatibility before purchasing. Getting Started Update firmware to 2023-12-06 or newer via sudo raspi-config → Advanced Options → Bootloader Version → Latest For PCIe 3.0 speeds, add dtparam=pciex1_gen=3 to /boot/firmware/config.txt Format drive using Raspberry Pi Imager Enable NVMe boot via sudo raspi-config → Advanced Options → Boot Order → NVMe/USB Note: Always power off and disconnect power before installing or removing the NVMe Base. The Pi 5 runs at PCIe 3.0 x1 speeds (up to ~800MB/s read, ~450MB/s write). Resources Getting Started Guide (Pimoroni) Installation Video Dimensional Drawing (PDF) Benchmark Results (pibenchmarks.net)
