Why It Matters
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has introduced the Pi 500 Keyboard PC, which cleverly combines the Raspberry Pi 5 with a compact keyboard. This design could revolutionize casual computing and light productivity tasks. However, its potential is somewhat limited due to the absence of NVMe M.2 storage support.
The decision to exclude NVMe support was made to keep the price down to an affordable $90. Instead, the device comes with a 32GB Class A2 microSD card, which should handle most tasks adequately. However, microSD cards are slower than NVMe, and upgrading to NVMe could greatly enhance performance.
Interestingly, the device includes what seems to be an M.2 slot, but it is missing the necessary socket to make it functional.
The resourceful Raspberry Pi community took on this challenge and found a solution.
It all started when a Pi 500 fan contacted Jeff Geerling, a developer and well-known tech YouTuber, with instructions on how to activate the unused PCB header of the device.
Geerling shared the details of this modification in a blog post on December 13. The process involves soldering tiny capacitors onto the PCIe lines connected to the M.2 slot. This task is not easy and requires precision, a good microscope, and advanced soldering skills.
After installing the capacitors, the next step is to fit the M.2 socket, which Geerling describes as “relatively straightforward.”
Another key step is to connect an external bench power supply to provide the extra voltage needed for the M.2 slot and its components, allowing the Pi 500 to use NVMe storage.
However, using an external power supply turned out to be unnecessary. By experimenting with the DC/DC converter on the PCB’s backside, the modder found a way to power the NVMe drive using the Pi 500’s internal power supply.
Just got the M.2 slot on my Raspberry Pi500 populated and working. I’m working on pulling together a Digikey list of the parts I needed to pull this off. @geerlingguy @Raspberry_Pi pic.twitter.com/DgJx7xIGtW
– Samuel Hedrick (@ChoptecOfficial) December 15, 2024
Indeed, another user, @ChoptecOfficial, successfully completed the entire circuit, showing that an NVMe SSD can run on the Pi 500’s internal power supply.
For those who want to try this modification, be cautious: you’ll need the right soldering tools and extensive experience with precision electronics repair and modification. However, unlocking the full potential of the Raspberry Pi 500 keyboard PC could make the effort worthwhile.
If you’re up for the challenge, Geerling’s blog offers a step-by-step guide to assist you.
Image credit: Jeff Geerling
