GeeekPi P31 M.2 NVMe PoE+ HAT for Raspberry Pi 5 - NVMe Storage Boost

In this review the GeeekPi P31 M.2 NVMe PoE+ HAT for Raspberry Pi 5 is evaluated for users who need highspeed local storage and simplified power delivery on a Pi 5. The bottom line: it is a practical addon for projects that demand fast NVMe throughput and convenient Power over Ethernet; the single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a native PCIe M.2 interface for NVMe SSDs and integrated PoE+ power that removes a separate power cable. This review focuses on real use cases, setup considerations, and the limits to expect.

Key Features

• High-speed NVMe SSD Support: Provides direct support for M.2 NVMe SSDs so storageheavy applications can take advantage of low latency and high throughput.
• M.2 PCIe Interface: Uses the Pi 5 PCIe link for direct communication with the SSD, enabling faster read/write performance than USB storage options.
• PoE HAT Design: Delivers power over Ethernet so the Pi can run without a separate power adapter, reducing cable clutter for networked deployments.
• 802.3at PoE Support: Accepts power from compatible 802.3at switches to provide up to 30W, which is useful for Pi projects with additional peripherals.
• Active Cooler Included: Ships with an official active cooler to help manage thermals when the NVMe SSD and Pi are under sustained load.

Who It's For

The GeeekPi P31 is best for makers, developers, and small server builders who want to run a Raspberry Pi 5 as a compact NAS, media server, or edge compute node and need the speed of an NVMe SSD plus convenient PoE power. It is especially useful where a single Ethernet cable should provide both data and power.

Those who should look elsewhere include users with only light storage needs who prefer microSD or USB drives, or hobbyists without an 802.3at PoE source; also avoid using this HAT if you plan to power the Pi 5 simultaneously via the USB-C port while the HAT is supplying PoE power, as that may cause damage.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Direct NVMe over PCIe connection gives noticeably faster storage performance than USBbased solutions.
• PoE+ HAT design simplifies deployment in rack or wallmounted installations by removing a separate power adapter.
• Includes an active cooler to help control temperatures during sustained SSD and CPU activity.
• Supports common M.2 2230 and 2242 form factors for compact NVMe drives.

Cons

• Requires a compatible 802.3at PoE switch or injector to realize PoE+ power; otherwise a separate supply is needed.
• Warning about not connecting USBC power while the HAT supplies PoE means extra care during setup.

Specifications

Product Type	M.2 NVMe PoE+ HAT for Raspberry Pi 5
Supported M.2 Sizes	2230, 2242
Interface	M.2 NVMe over PCIe
PoE Standard	802.3at PoE (PoE+)
Maximum PoE Power	Up to 30W provided by 802.3at source
Cooling	Official active cooler included

Our Verdict

The GeeekPi P31 M.2 NVMe PoE+ HAT is a sensible upgrade for Raspberry Pi 5 owners who need fast local NVMe storage and want the convenience of Power over Ethernet. It offers good value for networked storage and edge compute projects, provided you have an 802.3at PoE source and follow the powerconnection warning during installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this HAT power the Raspberry Pi 5 by itself?
Yes, when connected to a compatible 802.3at PoE switch or injector the HAT can supply power, but do not also connect USBC power while PoE is active.

What M.2 sizes does it accept?
It supports M.2 NVMe SSDs in 2230 and 2242 sizes as specified by the manufacturer.

Is active cooling required?
An official active cooler is included to manage thermals under sustained load, which is recommended for heavy NVMe use.