Add super-fast NVMe storage to your Raspberry Pi 5 with the Pimoroni NVMe Base. This PCIe extension board mounts underneath your Pi and accepts M-key NVMe SSDs in 2230 to 2280 form factors, delivering lightning-fast boot times and high IOPS for file servers, media centres, and NAS applications.

Designed following the official Raspberry Pi PIP PCIe connector standard, ensuring long-term compatibility with Raspberry Pi OS updates. The Pi 5 runs at PCIe 3.0 x1 speeds (experimental), achieving around 700–800 MB/s read and 350–450 MB/s write at peak.

Key Features

• M.2 NVMe Slot (M-Key) – Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 SSDs
• PCIe x1 Connection – Via flat flex cable to Raspberry Pi 5
• Mounts Underneath – Compact form factor with rubber feet
• HAT Pass-Through – Long bolts included for stacking with a HAT
• PIP Standard Compliant – Official Raspberry Pi PCIe design guidelines

Setup

For the most hassle-free experience, ensure Raspberry Pi OS is up to date and firmware is version 2023-12-06 or newer.

[all]
dtparam=pciex1_gen=3

Boot from NVMe:

1. Update firmware to 2023-12-06 or newer
2. Format the drive using Raspberry Pi Imager
3. Run sudo raspi-config
4. Select NVMe/USB boot under Advanced Options > Boot Order
5. Reboot

Tested Compatible Drives

• AData Legend 700 / 800 / XPG SX8200 Pro
• Crucial P2 / P3 / P3 Plus
• Kingston KC3000
• Kioxia Exceria / Exceria G2
• Lexar NM620 / NM710
• Netac NV2000 / NV3000
• Sabrent Rocket 4.0 / Rocket Nano
• Samsung 980 / 980 Pro (500 GB / 1 TB)
• Team MP33
• WD Black SN750 SE

Ideal For

• NAS and file server builds
• Fast boot from NVMe storage
• Media centres and reverse proxies
• High IOPS workloads

Package Contents

• 1× NVMe Base PCB with M.2 Slot (M-Key)
• 1× PCIe Pipe Flat Flex Cable
• 4× Rubber Feet
• 1× M2 Bolt + 2× Nuts (SSD mounting)
• 4× 7 mm M2.5 Standoffs (base mounting)
• 8× Short M2.5 Bolts (base mounting)
• 4× Long M2.5 Bolts (HAT pass-through mounting)

Resources

• Getting Started with NVMe Base
• Benchmark Results (pibenchmarks.com)
• Dimensional Drawing (PDF)
• 3D Model: PNG / STEP
• Raspberry Pi PCIe Connector Standard (PDF)