HatDrive! Dual for Raspberry Pi 5

Introducing the HatDrive! Dual, a new expansion board by Pineboards engineered to augment the Raspberry Pi 5 with dual NVMe storage/device capabilities (NVMe devices not included) – such as the Raspberry Pi 2230 SSD.

Designed for professionals and enthusiasts who demand enhanced storage solutions for their Raspberry Pi 5 projects.

The HAT supports TWO M-key NVMe devices in M.2 format sizes 2230 or 2242 and includes RAID-1 support for data redundancy, ASMedia PCIe Switch Integration and independent buck converters for each NVMe slot for efficient and stable power delivery.

You can even use the Hailo 8L module from the Raspberry Pi AI Kit in one of the slots, alongside another device – just make sure you add dtoverlay=pineboards-hat-ai to config.txt and you’re golden!

Note: Make sure you have the latest bootloader from Raspberry Pi to ensure you can boot from NVMe, as this wasn’t possible previously due to the PCIe switch but has since been resolved.

We also stock a layer case for this HAT!

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 optional Pineboards 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!

Features

• Designed for Raspberry Pi 5: Custom-designed to seamlessly integrate with the Raspberry Pi 5, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance.
• Dual NVMe Drive Slots: Supports two NVMe drives, significantly increasing storage capacity and speed for data-intensive applications.
• ASMedia PCIe Switch Integration: The board incorporates an ASMedia PCIe Switch (Gen2 variant), facilitating reliable and efficient data transfer between connected devices.
• Optimized for NAS Projects: Excelling in NAS setups, especially with RAID-1 support for data redundancy, the HatDrive! Dual is ideal for critical data storage and backup solutions, safeguarding against drive failure.
• Independent Buck Converters: Each NVMe slot is equipped with its own independent buck converter, guaranteeing stable and efficient power delivery across various drives. This feature is critical for maintaining performance and reliability, even under varying load conditions.
• Durable and Reliable Construction: Constructed with high-quality materials and components, the HatDrive! Dual is designed for durability and reliability, meeting the needs of continuous and demanding operations.
• User-Friendly Installation: Engineered for convenience, it provides a straightforward installation process for NVMe drives, reducing setup complexity and time.

Resources

• HatDrive! Dual 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! Dual board
• 1x 40mm PCIe FPC cable with controlled impedance
• 4x Standoffs
• 3x M.2 drive standoffs (one spare) combined with a nut and a bolt
• 9x M2.5 screws

Raspberry Pi 5 and NVMe device not included.