Fractal, take my money! (Pi 5 Cases)

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Cases and other things mentioned in this video:
- Raspberry Pi 5 Case: www.raspberrypi.com/products/...
- Fractal North (sadly, not the Baby): www.fractal-design.com/produc...
- Pironman 5: www.sunfounder.com/products/p...
- EDATEC Fanless cases: edatec.cn/en/ac/pi5-case.html
- Argon 40 Pi 5 cases: argon40.com/collections/rpi-c...
- 3D Printed Pi 5 cases: www.printables.com/search/mod...
- Acrylic tray cases: amzn.to/3L1kTYr (affiliate link)
- Argon 40 THRML coolers: argon40.com/search?q=THRML&op...
- 52Pi Ice Tower cooler: 52pi.com/products/ice-tower-c...
- 52Pi Armor Lite V5 cooler: 52pi.com/products/armor-lite-v5
- Michael Klements' custom Pi enclosure: • My Raspberry Pi Case N...
- Flirc fanless Pi 5 Case: flirc.tv/products/raspberry-p...
Note that a few of the cases were sent to me for testing, while others I've purchased in the months following the Pi 5's launch. Fractal sent me a copy of the Baby North after I asked them about it watching other people's Computex coverage on KZbin. So far they don't seem to have plans for selling it!
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Contents:
00:00 - The saltine of Pi cases
00:39 - Fractal Baby North
01:37 - Pironman 5
02:34 - EDATEC fanless cases
03:28 - HAT compatibility
04:31 - Argon One V3 and Neo 5
05:57 - 3D printed cases
06:24 - My favorite case is none at all!
07:01 - Pi coolers, more and more extreme
07:22 - Thank the sponsor!

[@JeffGeerling]

Fractal didn't take the case to production-but they did the next best things, and released the 3D files so you could build your own! Check it out here: www.fractal-design.com/north-pi-3d-files/ A video on the 3D print will come soon over on Level2Jeff :)

[@mattybbg6850]

Make it fractal!

[@webfleet1]

Yesssss I wantttt itttttt 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@AerialWaviator]

This phrase could work on a Jeff-T too. (a punny slogan)

[@jonathanzj620]

Shut up and take my money

[@joonasfi]

Make it fractal!

[@sillydillybar]

I would buy a raspberry pi just for this

[@Kitteh.B]

I clicked this video fully intending to click an affiliate link to buy the Baby North. Fractal, my wallet is already open. Make it happen, please!

[@Lumilan]

SERIOUSLY! I already have a North case, and would actually drop $70 if this was a real product!

[@user-qh3lr4wp6m]

it doesn't happen often that a case has made me want to buy a computer..... OMG Fractal

[@johnjurmu5669]

Wood grain, expect a review on LGR too

[@DonaldMcdowel]

Gamers Nexus covered this, I really wanted it but they said they didnt want to sell it. How can they tease us....

[@JeffGeerling]

Exactly, I think if enough of us keep asking... maybe it could happen!

[@ssl3546]

@@JeffGeerling It would be so cheap to make at scale - injection mold two clamshell pieces, the wood pieces could just snap into place. The profit margins would be insane and the potential volumes crazy - there have been 61 million raspberry pis sold to date.

[@dakoderii4221]

@@ssl3546 There are 3D printers galore. There is profit to be made. Someone will be incentivized to do it. It is worth investing their time into if so many people want one. Major business opportunity.

[@bestworks7574]

​@@JeffGeerling You can find my idea of this design for free on printables. Thanks for the teardown, maybe I will try to modify my design accordingly.

[@JeffGeerling]

@@bestworks7574 I saw it! Looks great, and a few tweaks and the thing would be an amazing DIY alternative (still would love to see Fractal make a production version of Baby North with their nice wood finish and all).

[@BlackHoleForge]

On the serious side, a real-time clock shouldn't be something that's "also included", like an add-on piece, it should be one of the bare minimums like Ethernet.

[@JeffGeerling]

To be fair, the Pi itself now has an RTC built in, just needs a battery plugged in for it. It'd be cool if they had a little slot so you could pop on a 1632 battery cell or something, but at least they have a JST header now. It's a weird size though.

[@BlackHoleForge]

@@JeffGeerling I agree it is a little weird. I can understand why they don't have a cr2032, because of how big it is, but at least there is a header.

[@OriNachum]

@@JeffGeerlingwhy do we need to commit to a battery if usually (not always, I know), we have internet and can sync? Internet support has far greater value, so that’s a must for the main series, and missing on Zero series. (Only WiFi makes sense as it is smaller) It’s interesting what they could pop in if they skipped Ethernet, but I don’t think a battery is the best alternative

[@treahblade]

@@OriNachum I agree I have used PI's since the original B and I have never really needed a RTC on the pi. Having a software clock works just fine and having it go out and sync with a internet time server has never been an issue.. Its nice there is a header but I am unsure what the real point of such a thing is.

[@headerahelix]

​@@OriNachumRedundancy. Most people won't need it, some will.

[@NearCry91]

🌲/5 actually works, atleast in Finnish. Spruce is "kuusi" and six is also "kuusi". So you read that as "six out of five".

[@JohnPernock]

You got me so excited since I have pi's and I have the regular north case. I was immediately looking for a link like - 'Shut Up and Take My Money'

[@CoffeeOnRails]

If fractal brings the baby north to market I’d not only buy it but also a north to replace my current case.

[@MichaelKlements]

That Fractal Design case is fantastic, I love the wood accents and the feet to match the full size version. Hopefully they’re listening and get them into production! I appreciate the mention too!

[@user-iu1yk8kg8s]

@MichaelKlements I'm awaiting your video where you have printed it!!!

[@mojoxerspootykat594]

I have the Pironman. Love all the features that come with it for the price - IceTower cooler, NVMe hat, breakout board to move the HDMI connectors to the rear of the case AND make them full sized, the mentioned RTC battery and OLED display, plus the obvious RGB speed fans, and last but not least, it adds an easy to use power button. It's not super cheap, but I think it's a pretty good value when you add up all the included bits. Bonus points for looking old school gamer-y!

[@JeffGeerling]

Yeah; it's not the 'every budget' case, but it is nice, and if you add up the price of all the individual parts (and don't want to 3D print your own thing), it's not a bad value.

[@Dygear]

"Would / Wood out of Five." LMAO. Great pun.

[@MarcusTheDorkus]

OMG THE BABY NORTH IS SO CUTE. Please, Fractal we *need* this!

[@hellterminator]

Hey, the Pi 5 case _actually working_ is a huge upgrade from the Pi 4 case which overheated the Pi even at idle. It's like this time, someone actually tried using it for 20 minutes before greenlighting mass production (or maybe not and they just got lucky).

[@asm2750]

Baby North with the Pironman port configuration would be perfect.

[@walrusbyte263]

I've got the adult version of the Fractal North case for my gaming PC. Happy with it so far!

[@randaldavis8976]

I built one a year ago, happy but it was a bit tight in places. Also wished I had thought of my dvd burner needs for backup

[@walrusbyte263]

@@randaldavis8976 I kinda miss my old computer's SD card slot a bit too, but it hasn't been too bad without it

[@randaldavis8976]

@@walrusbyte263 I think my card reader is an accessory, but data backup is important

[@bakrtech7727]

"NOT me the pie " 😂😂😂

[@MartinHiggs84]

Fractal case looks great 👍 I'd buy one 😊 if could mount nvme hat

[@JeffGeerling]

Most of the top HATs would fit okay. A bottom HAT would make it too tall for the port holes, but could be hacked in. I think if they took this to production they could figure out some solutions (and maybe re-orient the Pi for a little easier use of things like the power button?).

[@MartinHiggs84]

@JeffGeerling Depending on stand-offs available they could leave room underneath so holes line up or have a board there. I don't have a Pi 5 yet is external power button still an option?.

[@Tomydirium]

I'd wait for your review nevertheless 😅

[@MartinHiggs84]

I may drive to the raspberry pi store tomorrow 😬

[@JeffGeerling]

@@MartinHiggs84 Yeah; the problem is the baked-in holes cut into the top and back for ports on the Pi-you'd have to re-cut those somehow so the Pi would fit with a HAT underneath (HAB?). The power button can be run through GPIO, but the physical power button traces go to a couple through-hole pads so you'd have to solder to it or use a good POGO pin to get good contact for an external power button.

[@venilc]

I don't even own a raspberry pi, but I was willing to buy it. Do it, Fractal!

[@TinTalon]

I emailed as well a couple weeks ago. They asked me if I was interested in them possible making it that I could email their development dept. I did! Multiple times. lol. The Pironman 5 is the best case in my opinion. All of SunFounder cases are a cut above. The Argon40 cases are a very close 2nd. Excellent quality. But just glad there are so many options available for your use case either purchasing or printing or crafting. :). Great video Jeff. Thanks

[@Flauscheloni]

I don’t own a pi, I have no real interest in pi, and I only clicked because of that fractal case… I would definitely buy this case and a pi and then figure out what to do with it, if it becomes available. Good lord this thing is cute. I do own a regular size north and fell in love with it the instant I saw it. It replaced my first pc case I bought, lo and behold, a fractal define s. And I just moved my system into a fractal terra recently. I’m a bit of a fractal fan, it seems….

[@Vicshade]

I have the pironman 5 case but it cost less because I was on some kind of mailing list. I like that they put all the plug ins coming out the back unlike the 4 version. The case isn’t necessary but it’s kind of cool to play with.

[@MillerWissen]

Absolutely would buy this case, fractal needs to get on it.

[@yesterdaybread9712]

fractal go go go! just remember to price it resonably so its accessable

[@asphere8]

I'm a big fan of the Flirc case for my Pis. Easy, quick assembly and keeps the thing cool under high load.

[@marcolebdech]

I am thrilled that they released it to public like this. It probably wouldn't be viable to manufacture these being as is. I can also imagine being it a topic at a four-hour-long meeting (in tandem with another 4-hour-one to decide a name). That is just a not-far-from-the-truth joke based on my observation working in a tech company. But oh boy, I will print myself one, maybe even two! Finally a worthy case for a PI.

[@CheapSushi]

The tiny Fractal case made me actually want to get a Raspberry Pi; never had one before.

[@gustavrsh]

Jeff, I'm using the GeekPi Metal Case, I paid $22.80 on amazon for it, comes with the official heatsink/fan and supports their line of nvme hats. Looks great and sturdy.

[@JeffGeerling]

I saw that one while searching for taller cases, looks like a solid case!

[@ernestgalvan9037]

Geekworm also makes cases that accept their HAT’s and Bases. I have the 580 case and the X1002 Bottom MVMe base.

[@programmablefox]

i need something FRACTAL for my pi

[@Ox4d]

Regarding the V3 m.2: mine didn’t work out of the box, had to install the argon stuff to then tinker on the bootloader from there. Now it works like a charm. Used the argon one m.2 for pi 4 and the upgrade to nvme on the pi 5 is great

[@briangoldberg4439]

it's good to see that Raspberry Pi Foundation's marketing department is still alive and well

[@aaron_ente8489]

They uploaded files to 3D print the case 😊😊

[@romayojr]

you had us in the first half not gonna lie 6:42

[@Vipervire]

It's so cute! Fractal, I'd buy three for a cluster

[@nikobellic570]

Thing i like about the official case is it's plastic so it doesn't get hot to touch like the passive, metal ones do. It also comes in all black

[@zoey101dogwablog]

I have been DYING for a case like this for YEARS!

[@EDATEC]

Thank you so much for testing EDATEC's fanless cooling cases of Raspberry Pi 5! We are committed to the use of Raspberry Pi in industrial applications and will continue to do more with Raspberry Pi!

[@JeffGeerling]

I'm glad you have so many enclosures-I have yet to test a couple of the touchscreen ones, but I have plans for those as well :)

[@EDATEC]

@@JeffGeerling WOW, that's a good news! We're looking forward to seeing that!!

[@zadtheinhaler]

Fractal definitely needs to pull the trigger on that case, it is SO DOPE.

[@tommythorn]

I have the OG North and would buy the Fractal case (and get a Pi 5 to fit in it). I'd love to see more beautiful cases and the more wood the better.

[@fins5150]

My Argon M2 is chugging along just fine!

[@CanoTheVolcano]

I did buy a pironman 5 and I love it so far. May end up using it as a portable light desktop.

[@Atom224]

I love my Fractal Define R6. Fractal is simply the best computer case manufacturer, period.

[@ericg7490]

The Pironman 5 case is a great fun case. I ordered mine the day it was available to order. It took 12 days to get to me.

[@awatson16]

Oh as someone already using the matching case for my main desktop, the fractal would be the excuse i needed to finally get my first pi 🤣

[@-rhys]

Thanks Jeff. Entertaining and informative as always.

[@MSThalamus-gj9oi]

The official case does cool better if you leave the lid off. I've taken to gluing window screen material to the underside of the inner top to keep crud from falling in. It looks fine (none of my Pis are visible typically anyway) and the fan doesn't have to work nearly as hard.

[@oliworld3887]

I‘m using an Argon2 case for my Pi4 with 1TB of SATA M.2 for 6-7 months now. I agree the assembling wasn‘t that easy, however I cloned the micro SD to the SSD and running my private Nextcloud and Pihole on it and it runs perfect since then. CPU temperature below 50 Celsius even on hot summer days. I like the Argon case.

[@bader51500]

6:45 You caught me off guard with this one 😂

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

The woodgrain,... OMG yes please! And the one direct after would look great as an office PC replacement.

[@fred290e]

I totally want that Pironman 5 case. It's not that bad for $79.99. Im going to order one.

[@JeffGeerling]

I have one to test, just got it last week! I will probably post about it on Level2Jeff.

[@treahblade]

I also have that nvme base board on my pi5 and i also am just running it bare like you have in your rack there Jeff. I really do wish there was some case for the thing that would fit as I do not have a 3d printer to print me off one. I have considered making one from acrylic and some wood though so that fractal case is a good inspiration.

[@JeffGeerling]

I think Pineboards is working on a case that will be compatible with the Pimoroni board and all of Pineboards' bottom boards too. Hopefully they can start selling it and/or publish some files for it soon!

[@Iskelderon]

It's probably a rite of passage for many makers to design your own Pi case. 😁

[@adamharcourt7696]

The pimoroni NVMe base can fit as a hat in the official pi 5 case if you use 20mm standoffs. I’ve been running one as a mini plex server for months.

[@dadjake]

It wouldn't be small and practical, but having that Mini-North a bit bigger, so all the cables are hidden would be cool

[@Call_Me_David]

I like the clever use of a small grow tent for your 3D printer at home.

[@JoeyJazeSmith]

I bought the Neo 5 M.2 and haven't been able to get it running stably. At least I know I'm not the only one. I'm gonna give the Pironman a try

[@logangrmnr]

Thought that this was the premiere for the baby north for sale. Got really excited. Just have to keep waiting

[@RehctubNomis]

Surprised with the mention of Pimoroni you didn't mention the Pibow cases. All my pi's have been in them, from the first where they used Lazer cut recovered wood, to the plastic of the later versions for my 2, 3 and 4 models, even one for a pi zero. Great case, look the part, modular enough to adjust for hat needs and not badly priced (I even buy my pi's through Pimoroni to grab the case and save on shipping)

[@JohnPMiller]

I'm a big Fractal fan, even bigger than their 140mm models.😉

[@justanobody4983]

If fractal makes this, it will be sold out in seconds! Want one!

[@NeutralSmith]

What I really miss with Pi cases are holes to hang it on a wall (or on the bottom of a desk). Just 2 little keyhole slots for screws.

[@JeffGeerling]

Yeah of all these cases I think only the Neo 5 had that. A lot of 3D printed designs are actually better for that!

[@blackhatfreak]

All I've ever wanted was a nice-looking pi case that doesn't look cheap. Come on Fractal!!!

[@redsmanc]

I’ve the V3 by Argon40. And now I swear by it. Its an amazing design. One needs to upgrade the firmware on pi before attaching it to the board. The board is effective but the only downside was the temperatures ranging jn 45-56 ‘C and making it hot.

[@vinstaal0]

Jeff, you might want to check if your webstore follows the international rules for shipments. Like that you don't charge no vat, but 0 vat because your sales are under 10k, that you have a privacy policy with what happens to user data etc.

[@rahulskumar3062]

Hey, you have RTL-SDR connected to one of your PIs in the rack. Make a video sometime about how to set-up a pi with rtl sdr and remotely operate it. Also share your experience about your setup and what do you use it for.

[@Kw1161]

Jeff enjoy your Saltines while you’re still able to…my doctor now no Saltines for me😢! Thanks for the information and update video. Have a great day!

[@JeffGeerling]

Oof! So far I am unharmed by the saltines :)

[@alistairblaire6001]

Funny I came to the same conclusion of a piece of acrylic. My Pi 5 is just a file server but I have the Ice tower cooler on it and a bottom mount M.2 card with a SATA card installed. So it has 5 SATA cables coming out the bottom, which made me want to turn the entire thing upside down which actually looks kind of neat. I just connected 3 standoffs together for each of the 4 PCB holes because of the tower cooler, put an acrylic piece under that and it's all running like a champ upside down with SATA cables coming out the top.

[@plica06]

Can you post a link to a photo of this? Curious to see.

[@eliteschw31n64]

I use huge heatsink cases without fans. Dust is no problem and the io access is also kunda good

[@gr-os4gd]

Argon's cases are awesome, my PiHole runs in their Argon ONE V2 M.2 case. 👍👍

[@bravado2809]

There are so many good cases for raspberry pis already.

[@tonysheerness2427]

Pi's must be selling in large volumes for all these alternative cases to be designed and sold.

[@Marbeary]

All of the tech tubers that went to review fractal booth in computex were already begging fractal to sell this. It would be great for audiophiles for a DAC.

[@PepijndeVos]

My PoE Pi is indeed sitting on just a bottom tray because I couldn't find a way to combine a pi + heatsink + PoE + case

[@alangreenwell1848]

There is a 3D printable one on printables.

[@armisis]

I got my pironman 5 case irs brilliant and has a control web page! I am now waiting on my second one. 😂

[@scoops2016]

I noticed your RTL-SDR good to see you are still tinkering with HAM stuff.

[@JeffGeerling]

Still a total noob at radio but learning more every week!

[@the-floofy-mew]

i'll wait for the review of pironman, as rpi5 would be great with that case. as all my other ones come in cases costing 60-80 bucks per. 3b+ to 4b. not enough trackion for use of 5b

[@CoryMT]

I also run my pi naked sometimes ... but the pi is in a Flirc case.

[@TheOleHermit]

I love all 3 of my Argon One M.2 cases, one with a built-in audio line output HAT. Even modified one with an NVMe SSD via USB3 adapter. But, those were pre-CM4 (my personal fave) & Pi5, w/PCIe.

[@ilovefunnyamv2nd]

I loved the fractal case, just need to make it bigger so hats can fit as well

[@jonevansauthor]

Wait, they printed a box, but they're not selling it? I mean, they printed the actual cardboard box for one, but won't sell it? It's crazy.

[@bonaventura_AKA_ben]

I too have a weakness for these cute lil cases. Cue the Fry take my money meme. BTW how cool is it to simply walk into a Micro Center and buy a PI, just about any PI? I hope my local mc stocks more pimorni hats. Gotta get more hats

[@computersales]

Thought it was hotdogs on front of the case for a second.

[@cdennis505]

love the STL stickers!

[@PeterTchernegovski]

Now I am considering buying Pironman case, just as it looks so awesome. Can we expect a video on different coolers for the Pi 5? Would love to see comparisons on a bunch

[@crunchyeater]

I would happily buy a Fractal Pi case.

[@knifekitty_ls]

that pironman case looks epic xD

[@ZenAdm1n_]

Do it, Fractal!

[@bdhaliwal24]

My SUATMM (Shut Up and Take My Money) cases would be if someone released a case that looked like a Cray YMP or a SGI Onyx. I have nostalgia for both of these back in the day.

[@JeffGeerling]

Mmm... also that project with the PicoCray cluster.

[@ScottBot2000]

I love wood grain. Woodwork is one of my other hobbies. I would buy one!!!!

[@Arek_R.]

If you don't mind your NVMe hat attached with double-sided tape instead of screws I think you could design a very tiny hat that will fit in most of the cases

[@JeffGeerling]

HackerGadgets and now Pineboards both have a 'tiny hat' design that fits most cases. At least if there's vertical space!

[@jorge69696]

The mini tower coolers look hilarious.

[@GareWorks]

I need that Fractal case. I was looking for it locally before even watching the video. Imagine my disappointment when it turned out it's only a prototype!

[@PatricSjoeoe]

Finally a case that looks awesome :)

[@An.Individual]

Any news on the Compute Module 5? I am hoping for SATA ports as I want to build a NAS using 3.5" HDDs

[@DrB934]

Michael Klements gets a mention! Well done!

[@dabunnisher29]

I will thank you again. I love my GMK tec for gaming and for the price you cannot beat it.

[@JeffGeerling]

It's a tidy little box!

[@avp2501]

Fractal are the only nice looking modern cases. As a bonus they are really practical too

[@user-me5eb8pk5v]

Still need the the dual dphy for the imx585. The quad dphy does like 500mhz, sure because it's the imx415, but it's supposed to be 20gbit camy.