Raspberry Pi PCIe Installation Guide

Core Preparation

1. Hardware Check: Ensure you have a Raspberry Pi 5 motherboard, a compatible PCIe M.2 expansion board (HAT), and the corresponding hardware kit (standoffs, screws, FPC cable).
2. Power Off (Crucial Prerequisite): You must completely turn off the Raspberry Pi power and unplug all connected cables (including the power cable).

Detailed Installation Steps

M.2 HAT+ Standard Installation

1. Install GPIO Header and Standoffs: Use the four provided screws to install the standoffs. Firmly press the GPIO stacking header onto the top of the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins; orientation does not matter as long as all pins are fully seated. Disconnect the PCIe cable connection and insert one end into the Raspberry Pi's PCIe port. Lift the cable connector latch from both sides, then insert the cable with the metal contacts facing inward, towards the USB ports. Once the cable is evenly and fully inserted into the PCIe port, push the latch down from both sides to securely lock the cable in place.

2. Secure the Expansion Board: Place the M.2 HAT+ on top of the standoffs and use the remaining 4 screws to secure it in place.

3. Connect the Cable to the Expansion Board:

   • Flip up the cable slot latch on the expansion board from both sides.
   • Insert the other end of the cable, ensuring the metal contacts are facing upward.
   • After confirming even insertion, press the latch down firmly to lock it.

   

   

4. Install the NVMe SSD:

   • Remove the securing screw at the tail end of the expansion board.
   • Gently insert the M.2 NVMe SSD into the connector at a slight angle of about 20° (do not use brute force).
   • Press the tail end of the SSD down to align with the screw slot, and tighten the screw clockwise. Note: Tighten until secure, do not overtighten.

5. The assembled physical unit is shown below:

M.2 HAT+ Compack Installation

1. Install Standoffs: Use 3 screws to install the copper standoffs into the mounting holes on the Raspberry Pi motherboard.

2. Secure the Expansion Board: Align the PCIe expansion board with the standoffs, and use the remaining 3 screws to securely fasten it above the motherboard.

3. Connect the Cable:

   • Flip up the latches on the slots at both ends.
   • Connect the cable to the Raspberry Pi and the expansion board respectively, keeping the metal contacts facing inward. Insert smoothly, then press down the latches to lock them.

4. Install the NVMe SSD:

   • Remove the pre-installed tail screw.
   • Insert the M.2 SSD at a slight angle.
   • Press the tail end down flat and tighten the screw clockwise to secure it (avoid physical deformation).

Product Specifications and Packing List

Product Parameters

Packing List