DeskPi Lite Pi5 Case with PCIe and Active Cooler - Compact NVMe

In this review the DeskPi Lite Pi5 Case is evaluated as a compact, expandable enclosure built specifically for the Raspberry Pi 5. The bottom line: this case is best for Pi 5 users who need PCIe expansion and NVMe storage in a tidy desktop package, because it combines a PCIex1 to M.2 path, an active cooler, and convenient rear connector routing to turn a single board computer into a more capable small workstation.

Key Features

• Compatibility: Designed for the Raspberry Pi 5, the case fits the board and exposes essential ports for everyday use.
• PCIe Expansion: The built-in PCIex1 expansion allows users to add an M.2 NVMe SSD in sizes 2230, 2242, 2260, or 2280 for much larger local storage.
• Active Cooling: The Armor Lite V5 Active Cooler helps maintain lower operating temperatures under sustained load to protect performance and longevity.
• Display Connectivity: A PCB daughter board provides a MicroHDMI to standard HDMI adapter so full-size HDMI displays connect without extra dongles.
• Power & Reset: A front power button and a reset push button make it easier to control and restart the Pi 5 without unplugging cables.
• GPIO Access: The included GPIO expansion board and dust cover allow access to pins while keeping them protected when not in use.

Who It's For

The DeskPi Lite is ideal for hobbyists, makers, and developers who want added storage or an on-device NVMe drive for applications like media servers, local databases, or compact edge compute tasks. Its PCIe expansion and M.2 support make it useful for projects that need faster local I/O than typical SD cards.

It is less suitable for complete beginners who expect plug-and-play clarity: some customers reported mixed assembly experiences and unclear instructions, and those who cannot tolerate occasional cable connection fiddliness may prefer a simpler case without expansion hardware.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supports full-size HDMI via a PCB adapter, making monitor hookup straightforward.
• PCIex1 to M.2 path supports 2230/2242/2260/2280 NVMe drives for serious local storage.
• Active Armor Lite V5 cooler provides tangible thermal management under load.
• Power and reset buttons plus rear USB-C reroute improve daily usability and cable management.

Cons

• Assembly quality and instructions received mixed feedback, so expect some hands-on fitting and patience.
• Some users reported cable connection issues, so tight or finicky cabling may require adjustment.

Specifications

Designed for	Raspberry Pi 5
Expansion	PCIex1 with M.2 NVMe M-Key support
Supported M.2 sizes	2230, 2242, 2260, 2280
Cooling	Armor Lite V5 Active Cooler
Video output	MicroHDMI to full-size HDMI adapter (PCB daughter board)
Power controls	Power switch button and reset push button
GPIO	GPIO expansion board with dust cover

Our Verdict

The DeskPi Lite Pi5 Case is a practical upgrade for Raspberry Pi 5 owners who need PCIe expansion and NVMe storage in a compact desktop form. It offers meaningful cooling, full-size HDMI convenience, and better cable routing, making it good value for users who want to turn a Pi 5 into a more capable system, provided they accept some assembly and possible cable fiddling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install an NVMe SSD directly in the case?
Yes. The case supports M.2 NVMe M-Key SSDs in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 sizes via the PCIex1 expansion.

Does the case include cooling?
Yes. It ships with an Armor Lite V5 Active Cooler to help keep the Pi 5 and attached components cooler during use.

Will my HDMI monitor connect directly?
The included PCB daughter board provides a MicroHDMI to standard HDMI adapter so you can use full-size HDMI cables with typical displays.