Pineboards, known for its innovative HatDrive! range of M.2 NVMe boards, has once again outdone itself with the release of the HatDrive! PoE+. This clever board offers a compelling alternative to the long-awaited Raspberry Pi PoE HAT+, providing a robust and versatile solution for powering and enhancing the Raspberry Pi 5.
The HatDrive! PoE+ stands out with its ability to deliver a whopping 25 Watts of power (5V at 5A) to the Raspberry Pi 5 via Power over Ethernet (PoE), eliminating the need for a separate USB-C power supply. This means a single Ethernet cable provides both data and power, streamlining setup and simplifying installations, especially in remote locations.
The benefits extend beyond power delivery. The HatDrive! PoE+ ingeniously incorporates a 2230 to 2280 M.2 NVMe SSD slot, capable of operating at PCIe Gen 3 speeds. This translates to a significant performance boost, enabling users to take full advantage of the Raspberry Pi 5's processing power with lightning-fast storage access.
The Raspberry Pi 5, renowned for its impressive capabilities, demands a powerful power supply to operate optimally. The official 27W PSU, providing 5V at 5 Amps, is essential for unlocking the Pi's full potential. The HatDrive! PoE+ matches this power delivery, ensuring the Raspberry Pi 5 runs at peak performance, unhindered by power limitations.
The board's construction reflects its commitment to quality. The PoE module, manufactured in the United Kingdom, has undergone rigorous testing to guarantee it meets exacting standards. The module operates cool, even under heavy workloads, preventing performance degradation and ensuring reliability. The high-quality impedance control of the FFC (Flat Flex Cable) connecting to the M.2 connector guarantees ample power for any connected PCie or NVMe devices.
The HatDrive! PoE+ seamlessly integrates with the Raspberry Pi 5, fitting snugly on top with a passthrough for the GPIO pins. However, a header extension might be needed to utilize HATs if necessary. The included metal standoffs provide essential clearance between the board and the Pi, ensuring optimal airflow and preventing overheating. The Raspberry Pi Active Cooler, with its ample clearance, should effectively keep the Pi 5 cool, minimizing fan noise.
Pineboards has considered the needs of users working with the new Raspberry Pi AI Camera. The board features a cutout designed to accommodate the dual cameras/displays, making it ideal for projects requiring camera functionality in remote locations.
The HatDrive! PoE+ represents a significant step forward in Raspberry Pi power and connectivity. It caters to the increasing need for streamlined setups and robust performance, especially in demanding applications requiring fast storage and reliable power. While Raspberry Pi is developing its own PoE HAT+, Pineboards has delivered a compelling solution that addresses the immediate needs of Raspberry Pi 5 users.
The HatDrive! PoE+ is not simply a generic low-cost product. Pineboards, a company built on a foundation of engineering expertise and passion, has carefully designed a board that prioritizes performance and quality, creating a product they would proudly use themselves.
The HatDrive! PoE+, with its unique combination of features, delivers a powerful and convenient solution for anyone seeking to maximize the potential of the Raspberry Pi 5. It offers a reliable, high-performance, and aesthetically pleasing option for various projects, from home automation to industrial applications.
If you're looking for a way to elevate your Raspberry Pi 5 experience, the HatDrive! PoE+ deserves serious consideration. It's an impressive piece of engineering that bridges the gap between power, connectivity, and performance, making it a valuable addition to the Raspberry Pi ecosystem.
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