{"product_id":"uctronics-raspberry-pi-cluster-case-4-layer-desktop-rack-compact","title":"UCTRONICS Raspberry Pi Cluster Case 4-Layer Desktop Rack - Compact","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the UCTRONICS Raspberry Pi Cluster Case, the bottom line is straightforward: it is best for tinkerers and small lab builders who want a compact metal rack that holds up to four Raspberry Pi boards and four 2.5' SSDs. The case stands out for its space-saving 4-layer design and built-in cooling fans, making it a practical choice for home clusters, small NAS builds, or compact development benches where tidy cable management and stackable expansion matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour-layer rack:\u003c\/strong\u003e The case supports up to four Pi installations, keeping multiple SBCs organized in a single compact enclosure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2.5' SSD support:\u003c\/strong\u003e It accepts up to four 2.5' SSDs up to 7mm thick so you can add substantial local storage for NAS or media projects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSide opening design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Side access makes it easy to route HDMI, audio and power cables without disassembling layers, improving daily usability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAluminum construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e The metal build is strong yet lightweight, so the case is durable while remaining easy to place on a desk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCooling fans included:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two cooling fans are fitted to help manage thermals when multiple boards and SSDs are under load.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUser-friendly assembly:\u003c\/strong\u003e M4 hand screws on the mounting plates simplify installing or removing a unit without using a screwdriver.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis enclosure is aimed at hobbyists, educators and small-scale professionals building Raspberry Pi clusters or compact NAS servers who need a neat, metal solution that fits four Pi boards and SSDs. Its stackable design and reserved SD card slot make it useful for projects where swapping storage or adding mini PoE hats is part of the workflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who need whisper-quiet operation, larger 2.5' drives thicker than 7mm, or very high-end thermal performance should consider alternatives, since customers report mixed impressions of fan loudness and overall perceived build quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact four-layer layout bundles multiple Pi units and SSDs in a small footprint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFront-access SD card slot and side openings simplify everyday cable and media access.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAluminum construction balances durability with a small desktop footprint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to assemble with M4 hand screws for quick maintenance or swapping units.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCooling fans can be noticeably loud under operation, which may be distracting in quiet rooms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome buyers reported mixed impressions of overall screw and finish quality compared with expectations for a metal rack.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatible boards\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaspberry Pi 4B+\/3B\/3B+\/2B\/B+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrive support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to four 2.5' SSDs, 7mm max thickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLayers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 layers (each layer 40mm \/ 4.57in high)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAluminum metal enclosure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCooling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncludes two cooling fans\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.13in x 4.84in x 7.12in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAssembly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM4 hand screws, not pre-assembled\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe UCTRONICS 4-layer Raspberry Pi cluster case is a practical, space-efficient option for builders who want to consolidate up to four Pi boards and 2.5' SSDs into a tidy metal rack. It delivers sensible access features, stackability and cooling, making it good value for labs and hobby clusters, though buyers who prioritize silent operation or premium finish may want to weigh fan noise and mixed build feedback first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it fit Pi 5?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe case listing specifies Raspberry Pi 4B+\/3B\/3B+\/2B\/B+ compatibility; confirm physical port alignment for newer Pi models before purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the maximum SSD thickness?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach 2.5' SSD must not exceed 7mm in thickness to fit the drive mounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I install PoE hats?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach layer has 40mm of height and enough clearance for mini PoE hats and the official PoE+ hat as described.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"UCTRONICS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48674200649947,"sku":"B0B3WTQSGL","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61zia_P6ZcL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778623205","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/uctronics-raspberry-pi-cluster-case-4-layer-desktop-rack-compact","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}