Raspberry Pi 5 Case Red Aluminum Mini Tower - Active Cooling

In this review the ElectroCookie Raspberry Pi 5 Case in red is presented as a compact, well-built enclosure for Raspberry Pi 5 owners who want a mini PC aesthetic and improved thermal control. The main reason to buy is the combination of a premium aluminum shell and a large active cooler with an RGB-lit PWM fan that manages heat passively and actively as needed, making it a practical choice for single-board computer projects that run heavier workloads or need a durable desktop presence.

Key Features

• Premium aluminum build: The all-metal mini tower design provides a sturdy enclosure that also helps dissipate heat while giving a sleek, modern look on a desk or wall mount.
• Large active cooler: The internal heat dissipation structure paired with an RGB-lit PWM fan automatically adjusts speed to reduce CPU temperature under load.
• Accessible ports: GPIO pins, SD card slot, USB, Ethernet, power, and micro HDMI remain fully accessible for easy connectivity and maintenance.
• Soft-touch power button: A smooth, responsive soft-click power button offers convenient power control without awkward switches or pin access.
• M.2 expansion ready: The case supports an M.2 HAT NVMe SSD shield (sold separately) for users who want to add ultra-fast storage to their Raspberry Pi 5 setup.

Who It's For

This case is aimed at Raspberry Pi 5 users who need a durable, attractive enclosure with improved cooling for light servers, media centers, hobbyist desktops, or embedded projects. The red aluminum finish and mini PC form factor suit makers, home lab builders, and anyone who prefers a tidier, rack-like look rather than exposed boards.

People who should look elsewhere include Raspberry Pi 4 owners, since USB and Ethernet port placement differs and the case is not compatible, and users who require programmable lighting or guaranteed fan behavior without an operating system controlling PWM, because the lighting is not programmable and fan activity depends on the board or OS.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid, attractive aluminum construction that improves durability and passive heat transfer.
• Effective cooling with a large heatsink and PWM fan that adjusts to CPU temperature.
• Keeps all main ports and GPIO accessible for expansion and daily use.
• Easy assembly and a satisfying soft-touch power button reported by users.

Cons

• Not compatible with Raspberry Pi 4 due to different port placement, limiting cross-model use.
• RGB lighting is not programmable and the fan may not behave when no OS or bootable drive controls PWM.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The ElectroCookie red aluminum mini tower is a smart choice for Raspberry Pi 5 users who want a durable, stylish case with real cooling improvements and easy access to ports. It offers clear value for those adding heavier workloads or storage via an M.2 shield, while owners of older Pi models or those needing programmable RGB should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this fit a Raspberry Pi 4?
No. This case is not compatible with Raspberry Pi 4 because the USB and Ethernet port placement differs.

Is the fan speed adjustable?
The fan uses PWM and will automatically adjust based on CPU temperature, but behavior may vary if no OS or bootable drive is present to control it.

Can I add NVMe storage?
Yes, the case supports an M.2 HAT NVMe SSD shield sold separately to expand storage.