Raspberry Pi 5: M.2 HAT+ Compact brings NVMe SSDs to the official case
06. November 2025 | Planegg
With the M.2 HAT+ Compact, Raspberry Pi is expanding its accessory portfolio with an innovative, compact solution for powerful PCIe applications on the Raspberry Pi 5.
The adapter was developed specifically for users who do not want to forego fast NVMe SSDs even in the official Raspberry Pi 5 case. While the previous M.2 HAT+ model was primarily designed for open setups or larger cases, the M.2 HAT+ Compact now fits perfectly into the original case – including the fan.
TECHNICAL INNOVATION: FLEX-RIGID INSTEAD OF FPC
A key feature of the new version is the Flex-Rigid circuit board. It replaces the previous FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) cable, which served as the connection between the Raspberry Pi 5 and the M.2 adapter.
The combination of flexible and rigid conductor tracks creates a robust and extremely space-saving solution – perfect for the tight space between the fan and USB ports. This design not only ensures a more stable connection, but also improves heat dissipation and reduces cable clutter in the case.
BALANCING PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN
The new adapter supports M.2 PCIe cards in the 2230 format (30 mm length) and can be used with both official Raspberry Pi NVMe SSDs and other compatible PCIe devices. The result is a significant increase in I/O speed – without compromising on case design.
This makes the M.2 HAT+ Compact ideal for anyone who wants to implement fast storage solutions, professional projects, or compact development environments on the Raspberry Pi 5.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICE
The M.2 HAT+ Compact is available now for $15 USD. It combines high performance, elegant design, and easy installation—another step toward making the Raspberry Pi 5 an even more versatile tool for developers, engineers, and makers.
CONSULTING AND SALES
As an authorized reseller of Raspberry Pi, Astradis Elektronik is happy to assist with questions, projects, and orders. Contact us here.
