GeeekPi N04
PCIe Gen2/Gen3 Compatibility | Multi-Format SSD Support | Integrated Power Management
Introduction
The GeeekPi N04 M.2 NVMe to PCIe Adapter represents a critical advancement in storage expansion for single-board computer enthusiasts. Designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 5, this adapter bridges the gap between consumer-grade NVMe storage and compact computing platforms. Its introduction addresses growing demands for faster boot times, improved data throughput, and enterprise-grade storage reliability in DIY and embedded systems.
Product Overview
This PCIe x1 interface adapter enables direct integration of M.2 NVMe SSDs with the Raspberry Pi 5, supporting drive lengths from 2230 to 2280. The device targets makers, educators, and professionals seeking to enhance their Raspberry Pi-based projects with NVMe storage capabilities. Its compact HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) design maintains compatibility with standard Raspberry Pi cases while providing essential cooling and power regulation features.
Key Features
PCIe Gen2/Gen3 Compatibility
The adapter supports both PCIe 2.0 and 3.0 specifications, delivering theoretical bandwidth up to 8 GT/s. This flexibility ensures compatibility with various NVMe drive generations while maintaining backward compatibility with older PCIe standards.
Multi-Format SSD Support
Four SSD form factors (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280) are supported through adjustable mounting points. The inclusion of CNC-machined screws and spacers accommodates different drive lengths without requiring additional hardware.
Integrated Power Management
A 3.3V voltage regulator with 3A output capacity provides stable power delivery to connected SSDs. This exceeds basic M.2 specifications, ensuring compatibility with power-hungry NVMe drives while maintaining Raspberry Pi 5 power constraints.
Performance Analysis
Sequential Speeds
Real-world testing demonstrates sequential read/write speeds reaching 900/700 MBps respectively when using PCIe 3.0-compatible SSDs. These figures represent a 15x improvement over traditional microSD card solutions and triple the performance of SATA-based SSD alternatives.
Random Performance
4K random read operations achieve 120,000 IOPS at queue depth 32, comparable to entry-level desktop NVMe solutions. Write latency remains under 150μs during sustained workloads, making the adapter suitable for database applications and real-time data logging.
Thermal Management
The perforated steel chassis and 2mm ventilation gaps facilitate passive cooling, maintaining SSD temperatures below 70°C during continuous operation. Thermal testing shows 8-10°C reductions compared to enclosed NVMe enclosures under identical workloads.
Compatibility
Raspberry Pi 5
Full compatibility with Raspberry Pi 5's PCIe FPC interface. Requires Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm (or later) with enabled PCIe bus support. The HAT design preserves access to GPIO pins and camera/display connectors through precision-cut PCB openings.
Desktops and Laptops
Limited compatibility with x86 systems through PCIe x1 slots. While physically compatible, performance may bottleneck high-end NVMe drives. Recommended for secondary storage or backup solutions in traditional computing environments.
Advantages and Limitations
Strengths
Plug-and-Play Installation: Pre-configured mounting hardware and ribbon cable eliminate need for soldering or custom fabrication.
Power-Efficient Design: Integrated voltage regulation prevents overloading Raspberry Pi 5's power delivery system.
Constraints
Platform Exclusivity: Functionality limited to Raspberry Pi 5 due to specific PCIe interface requirements.
SSD Compatibility: Some Gen4 NVMe drives may experience initialization issues despite backward compatibility.
Conclusion
The GeeekPi N04 establishes itself as an essential upgrade for Raspberry Pi 5 users requiring enterprise-grade storage performance. Its balanced combination of speed, thermal efficiency, and hardware compatibility makes it particularly valuable for edge computing applications, media servers, and embedded database systems. While not a replacement for desktop NVMe solutions, it successfully bridges the performance gap between single-board computers and traditional storage architectures.
Works Cited
"Exploring the GeeekPi N04 M.2 NVMe to PCIe Adapter for Raspberry Pi 5." DevToys.io, 20 Feb. 2025, devtoys.io/2025/02/20/exploring-the-geeekpi-n04-m-2-nvme-to-pcie-adapter-for-raspberry-pi-5-a-comprehensive-guide/.
"52Pi N04 M.2 NVMe to PCIe Adapter Product Specifications." 52Pi.com, 11 Dec. 2023, 52pi.com/products/n04-m-2-2280-pcie-to-nvme-top.
"Raspberry Pi 5 NVMe Storage Performance Benchmarking." DNSmichi.at, 5 May 2024, dnsmichi.at/2024/05/05/raspberry-pi-5-52pi-nvme-hat-samsung-evo-ssd-hat-faster-for-ollama-llms/.
