Enttgo Raspberry Pi 5 NVME SSD Expansion Review

Introduction

As a Raspberry Pi enthusiast, I was on the lookout for a reliable way to expand my storage capabilities. The enttgo PCIE to NVME SSD+2.5G Ethernet HAT caught my attention with its straightforward design and impressive specifications. This accessory is ideal for users who need fast storage solutions and improved network capabilities without compromising the GPIO functionality of their Raspberry Pi 5. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a developer, or someone running lightweight server tasks, this expansion board might just be what you need.

Key Features

• Dual Storage Expansion: Supports 2230, 2242, and 2280 M.2 NVMe SSDs, giving you flexibility in choosing your storage capacity and speed.

• 2.5Gbps Ethernet Capability: Features an RTL8125 Ethernet chip, enabling faster and more reliable network connections for efficient data transfer.

• Do Not Affect GPIO Pins: Designed to utilize the PCIE without obstructing the 40-pin GPIO header, allowing for additional hardware compatibility.

• High-Speed Data Transfer: Offers up to 400MB/s read/write speeds thanks to the PCIE X1 Gen2 interface, ensuring quicker access to your data.

• Simple installation: Easily integrates with the Raspberry Pi 5, making it a user-friendly choice for expanding both storage and network capacity.

Benefits

• Increased Storage Capacity: Easily add larger SSDs to the Raspberry Pi for more storage.

• Enhanced Network Speed: 2.5G Ethernet enables faster file transfers and internet browsing.

• Future-Proofing: Allows for easy upgrades to storage solutions as technology advances.

• Flexible Compatibility: Works with a range of SSD sizes, catering to diverse user needs.

Real-World Use Cases

• Media Server Deployment: Using the enttgo board with a 1TB SSD, I set up a media server for my home, allowing quick access to large files.

• Development Testing: As a developer, the faster read/write speeds help in testing applications that handle large datasets.

• IoT Projects: For IoT projects requiring quick data logging and retrieval, this expansion board provides the necessary speed and storage.

Pros and Cons

Comparison

• Raspberry Pi SSD Adapter: While similar, most other adapters do not support the 2.5G Ethernet and may restrict GPIO access.

• PiGen SSD Expansion Board: PiGen requires additional power sources for optimal performance, while this board uses the onboard power efficiently.

Conclusion

Overall, my experience with the enttgo PCIE to NVME SSD+2.5G Ethernet HAT has been overwhelmingly positive. It provides the necessary upgrades for anyone serious about enhancing their Raspberry Pi 5 capabilities. I would definitely recommend this expansion board for those who need improved storage options and faster networking in a compact and straightforward installation.