Modular Raspberry Pi Cases

NOTE: V6 is posted at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7284295, which allows for easier configuration using the OpenSCAD Customizer

This is a design for a modular version of my Raspberry Pi cases, that allow for a variety of HATs as well as an SSD. The basic difference from the legacy versions of the design is that the bottom of the case is now implemented as a bottom cover. This allows a module to be placed between the Pi case and the bottom cover, such as for an SSD or spacer. All previous cover options can be used for the top, where special modules will be developed for specific HATs over time. The different module 'layers' are connected typically by M3 screws. The layers of the modular Pi case are summarized as:

1. Top cover, which may be screw on (using M3 screws) or snap on. Some may support specific fan options and some may support specific display options (e.g. TFT or ePaper).

2. (Optional) A spacer or HAT module (as needed for specific HAT cards , e.g. Hifiberry Amp/DAC/DSP cards).

3. A case, where there is a short case option that might be used with some HATs, such as those from Hifiberry. When using a short case, you want to use covers and spacers above that don't have a lip, where the lip is used to cover the space above the Pi USB and network ports. The case options support Raspberry Pi 3, 4B and 5, where the case for Pi 4B can also be used with a Pi 5.

4. (optional) A spacer or module for a storage option (e.g. SSD).

5. A bottom cover. These may be screwed on using M3 screws.

Note that legacy (non-modular) cases are still provided that include a fixed bottom. The V3+ of these legacy cases allow for the use of snap on covers and have insets that allow for the use of the 3.5 inch TFT display HAT.

There are currently many cover options: No fan, 30mm fan and 40mm fan, where each may or may not have mounting posts or lips (i.e. flat). The combination of a cover, case and bottom cover can be held together using four M3 screws from the bottom of the case. There is also a snap on cover option (which is required for 3.5 inch display HAT). The new V3+ cases have slots to allow for the use of the snap on covers. The V4+ spacers, Amp24 and DAC/DSP modules also support snap on covers as well as screw on covers..

When using a HAT or a cover without mounting posts, three or four (depending upon the HAT) M3 screws are used to fasten from the top. The length of these screws may be 30mm-50mm in length depending upon the specific HAT and whether or not an SSD module is used underneath. The screws will thread themselves into different parts of the case covers and modules the first time they are applied. Be careful not to over tighten. There are currently these supported HAT options, with more to be added in the future:

1. 2.7 inch TFT display HAT with buttons

2. 2.7 inch ePaper display HAT with buttons

3. 3.5 inch TFT display HAT

4. HifiBerry Amp2, Amp4 and Amp4 Pro HATs (support added in V4 via amp24 module, see V5 notes below)

5. Various HifiBerry DAC and DSP modules (support aded in V4 via dacdsp module, see V5 notes below)

6. TBD??? (open for ideas)

There is also an option for an SSD to be mounted under the case. The X862 SSD module is placed underneath of a Pi 4B case and assumes the use of a Geekworm X862 V2.0 card. Given the dimensions of the X862, it would be recommended to use the 'bottomx' STL file for the bottom cover. Use four 25mm M3 screws to hold everything together. This currently can't be used with a Pi 5 due to the difference in USB part placement on a Pi 5 (2.1mm difference), where the USB connector for the X862 will not work.

When both an SSD and HAT are used, the bottom cover should be secured using 5mm screws, using the 4 mounting holes that do not line up with the screws used for the HAT. Note that where the bottom covers have 8 mounting holes, only 4 are needed, where the specific 4 used are chosen based on whether a HAT or SSD module is used. If feet are used (best printed using TPU), the bottom screws may need to be up to 10mm in length, where care is taken that the end of the screws do not touch the underside of electronic circuitry.

See the V4+ files for support of theHifiBerry Amp2/Amp4/DSP/DAC boards. There is an extension module (amp24) and a V4 version of the case that has an additional opening and more bracing for HATs. You will need four 50mm M3 screws.

The V5 files have an added capability for extension posts on spacer and HAT modules. These provide a better fit for HAT cards that are positioned on the top of the case.

There is also a V5 'short' case option, where the case is 5mm shorter than the regular case. This would best be used with the amp24-nl and dacdsp-nl (i.e. no lip) modules for a better header fit.

If just an SSD is used, you can secure the top cover (with posts), bottom cover and SSD to the case using four 25mm-30mm M3 screws from the bottom.

There are a variety of spacers, where some are intended for under the case (with 8 connection holes) and others (with 4 holes and optionally a USB lip) are intended for use above the case. These can be used to provide for added room for internal components or improved air flow as needed.

This is a compatible refactoring of my other Raspberry Pi case designs, where the most recent one is at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7076174.

Thanks to Dennis Heidner for the idea and motivation to make a modular case design with support for some commonly used HATs and an SSD.

The OpenSCAD file is provided, but will be updated in the future (e.g. V3->V4->V5...Vn) as support for more HAT or SSD options are implemented. Backward compatibility will be retained in new versions.