Freenove PC Case Kit for Raspberry Pi 5 - SSD, Camera, Audio

In this review of the Freenove PC Case Kit for Raspberry Pi 5 the bottom line is simple: this kit is for Pi 5 owners who want a ready-made upgrade path that turns a board into a compact, cooled, multimedia-capable mini desktop. It combines an integrated M.2 NVMe slot (128 GB SSD included), a 5 MP camera, built-in stereo speakers plus optical and 3.5 mm outputs, an OLED status screen and an active cooling system, so the main reason to buy is the convenience of combining storage, cooling and audio without hunting for individual modules.

Key Features

• M.2 NVMe SSD slot: Provides much faster system and storage performance than a microSD card and supports booting the Raspberry Pi 5 from the included 128 GB SSD.
• 5 MP camera: The bundled 5 MP camera (2592 x 1944) enables higher-resolution imaging for projects that need a better sensor than the Pi's basic camera modules.
• Built-in audio system: Stereo speakers plus 3.5 mm and optical S/PDIF outputs let the Pi 5 serve as a media player or desktop audio source without extra DACs.
• Active cooling: An active cooler for the Pi and two case fans that auto start/stop by temperature keep thermals under control during sustained loads.
• 0.96 in OLED screen: The small single-color OLED gives quick status readouts and simple UI without using the main display.
• Exposed GPIO and interfaces: The case preserves access to the Pi 5 GPIO and ports so the kit works with existing HATs and peripherals.

Who It's For

This kit is aimed at Raspberry Pi 5 hobbyists and tinkerers who want a polished, all-in-one enclosure that adds fast NVMe storage, cooling and audio in a single package. It is especially useful for those planning to use the Pi 5 as a lightweight desktop, media player, or camera-enabled project where SSD speed and reliable cooling matter.

It is not for users of older Raspberry Pi models because compatibility is limited to the Pi 5 only, and it does not include the Pi itself or a touchscreen option in this purchase. Beginners who need a full starter bundle including the Pi board and paper instructions should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good build quality and straightforward assembly make the kit approachable for makers.
• Included 128 GB NVMe SSD boosts read/write performance and supports booting the Pi 5 from SSD.
• Comprehensive feature set (camera, OLED, audio, cooling) reduces the need to buy multiple add-ons.
• Audio outputs and built-in speakers expand multimedia use without external sound hardware.

Cons

• Design received mixed feedback from some users, so aesthetic or layout preferences may vary.
• Does not include the Raspberry Pi 5 or printed tutorial; a download is required for setup instructions.

Specifications

Compatibility	Raspberry Pi 5 only
M.2 NVMe SSD	128 GB included, PCIe SSD slot (supports boot)
Camera	5 MP sensor, 2592 x 1944 pixels
OLED screen	0.96 in, 128 x 64 pixels, single-color
Audio	Built-in stereo speakers, 3.5 mm and optical S/PDIF outputs
Cooling	Active cooler for Pi plus two temperature-controlled case fans

Our Verdict

The Freenove PC Case Kit for Raspberry Pi 5 is a practical value proposition for makers who already own a Pi 5 and want integrated NVMe storage, cooling and audio in one enclosure. It simplifies assembly, improves performance over microSD, and adds useful multimedia and camera features; just be aware the Pi is not included and setup requires following the downloadable tutorial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the kit include the Raspberry Pi 5?
Answer. No, the Raspberry Pi 5 and its accessories are not included; this case kit is compatible only with the Pi 5.

Can the included SSD be used as the system drive?
Answer. Yes, the M.2 NVMe SSD (128 GB included) supports booting and provides much faster read/write performance than a typical memory card.

Is active cooling automatic?
Answer. Yes, the case includes an active cooler for the Pi and two fans that automatically start and stop based on temperature.