Determining the best way to keep your Raspberry Pi 5 cool can be a vital consideration. The Geek Pi/52 Pi heat sink case and the official Raspberry Pi 5 case stand out as two prominent options that cater to varying tastes and requirements. This comparison is designed to assist you in selecting the optimal solution for your setup.
Some of the features that are characteristic for the Geek Pi/52 Pi heat sink case include: it is cheap and has a passive cooling system. It has a large heat sink which encompasses the whole board and is simply to dissipate heat and there is no necessity of fans or other cooling equipment. In contrast, the Raspberry Pi 5’s case, which is official, comes with the best heatsink and fan to solve the temperature problems with this device. This case is designed with the specific Raspberry Pi 5 fond in mind.
To thoroughly assess the cooling solutions, Computers Explained conducted rigorous stress tests on the Raspberry Pi 5. For a 20-minute period, the device was subjected to intense usage while its temperature was continually monitored. This allowed for a detailed understanding of each cooling system’s performance under demanding conditions. For a comprehensive look at the testing process and outcome, check out the accompanying video.
GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 5 aluminium passive cooling case
- Pi 5 Aluminum Case
- Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5 8GB/4GB.
- Passive Cooling Design
- No need for an extra fan.
- The case itself acts as a heatsink.
- Built-in Heatsink Pillars for better heat dissipation.
- Includes a thermal pad for passive cooling.
- Capable of cooling the Raspberry Pi without a fan and without noise.
- Sturdy and Portable
- Made of high-quality aluminum alloy material.
- Durable construction.
- Provides strong and durable protection for the Raspberry Pi.
- Wireless Internet Access
- Open body design for reliable WiFi and Bluetooth reception.
- No concerns about WiFi signal interference.
- Packing List
- 1 x Raspberry Pi 5 Case.
- 8 x Thermal Pads (including 4pcs for backup).
- 1 x Screws Pack.
The testing revealed that the official active cooler exhibited impressive temperature-reducing capabilities, particularly when the case top was removed. This implies that the case might be hindering airflow. Furthermore, the fan’s audible noise in the official case was substantial, which could be a concern for those seeking a quiet working environment.
During his evaluation, Christopher Barnett examined the Geek Pi/52 Pi heat sink case. Installation was seamless, but it’s crucial to ensure a snug fit around the Raspberry Pi 5’s connectors. As a passive cooling solution, the case relies solely on the heat sink to regulate temperature, eliminating fan noise as a concern.
The testing highlighted that passive cooling solutions, although effective, often fall short of active cooling systems in maintaining optimal temperatures during demanding activities. However, the passive heat sink case’s complete silence can be a significant advantage in noise-sensitive environments. In contrast, the official active cooler successfully manages temperature while surprisingly generating less noise than expected. Its easy access to the Raspberry Pi’s connectors is a notable benefit. For their part, the Geek Pi/52 Pi heat sink case is ideal for users prioritizing a silent, fanless design. When selecting between these cooling options, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your Raspberry Pi 5 application.
Source: Raspberry Pi 5 cooling cases and fanless passive heatsinks compared