GeeekPi N07 Minitower NVMe NAS Kit for Raspberry Pi 5 User Manual

1. Introduction

The GeeekPi N07 Minitower NVMe NAS Kit is a specialized enclosure designed for the Raspberry Pi 5. It provides a compact housing solution, integrates a low-profile Ice Tower for efficient cooling, and includes an N07 M.2 NVMe SSD M-key expansion board. This kit allows for the use of various M.2 NVMe SSD sizes (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280) connected via the Raspberry Pi 5's PCIe x1 interface, enabling faster storage and boot capabilities. The kit also features an integrated OLED display for real-time system monitoring.

2. Features

• Custom-fit Minitower case specifically designed for Raspberry Pi 5.
• Integrated low-profile Ice Tower for enhanced cooling performance.
• N07 M.2 NVMe SSD M-key expansion board for high-speed storage.
• Supports M.2 NVMe SSD sizes: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280.
• PCIe x1 interface connection for SSD expansion, offering fast data transfer.
• Compatibility with official Raspberry Pi OS, requiring PCIe configuration for disk access.
• Bootable from the connected PCIe disk for faster system startup.
• Integrated SSD1306-driven OLED display with a resolution of 128x64 pixels.
• Python library and code support for custom display configurations.
• Real-time system monitoring capabilities, displaying load, memory, disk space, and network information.
• Users can modify Python scripts to display additional information as desired.

3. Specifications

Dimensions of the assembled unit: Approximately 103mm (4.05in) x 68mm (2.68in) x 118mm (4.64in) (excluding OLED display height).

Diagram showing the dimensions of the Minitower case and the information displayed on the OLED screen (Load average, memory status, SD card information, WiFi transmissions).

4. Package Contents

Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package. Note: Raspberry Pi 5 is not included and must be purchased separately.

Visual representation of the package contents.

• Mini Tower Kit (includes Mini tower case with OLED display, Acrylic panel for Mini tower case)
• Ice Tower Cooler
• N07 M.2 NVMe SSD Adapter Board
• Edge GPIO Expansion Board (Note: 40pin parallel cable for this is not included)
• Hand-tighten M2.5x7+6mm copper nuts and posts
• Brackets for Ice Tower cooler and screws
• Screwdriver
• Thermal Pad
• FPC Cables (x2)
• Hard drive copper pillars M2*3 Ball head screw
• M2.5 x 6 mm Flat head steel screw
• M2.5 x 6 mm Ball head steel screw

5. Setup and Assembly

Follow these steps to assemble your GeeekPi N07 Minitower NVMe NAS Kit with your Raspberry Pi 5.

5.1 Hardware Assembly

1. Prepare Raspberry Pi 5: Ensure your Raspberry Pi 5 is ready for installation.
2. Install N07 NVMe Adapter: Carefully connect the N07 M.2 NVMe SSD adapter board to the Raspberry Pi 5's PCIe interface. Use the provided FPC cable(s) to establish the PCIe connection between the Raspberry Pi 5 and the N07 board.
3. Install M.2 NVMe SSD: Insert your M.2 NVMe SSD (2230, 2242, 2260, or 2280) into the N07 adapter board and secure it with the appropriate screw.
4. Install Ice Tower Cooler: Attach the thermal pad to the Raspberry Pi 5 CPU. Mount the Ice Tower cooler onto the Raspberry Pi 5 using the provided brackets and screws. Connect the cooler's fan cable to the appropriate fan header on the Raspberry Pi 5.
5. Assemble Case: Place the Raspberry Pi 5 with the installed N07 board and cooler into the main mini tower case. Secure the acrylic side panels using the hand-tighten copper nuts and posts.
6. Connect OLED Display: Connect the OLED display's FPC cable to the designated port on the Raspberry Pi 5 or N07 board, as per the specific design.

Diagram illustrating the various ports and components of the Minitower case, including the N07 M.2 PCIe to NVMe bottom.

Detail of the 5mm copper tube in the Ice Tower cooler for efficient heat dissipation.

5.2 Software Configuration

1. Enable PCIe for NVMe SSD: For the Raspberry Pi 5 to recognize and utilize the NVMe SSD, you must enable PCIe in the Raspberry Pi OS configuration. Refer to the official Raspberry Pi documentation for detailed steps on enabling PCIe.
2. Boot from NVMe SSD (Optional): To boot your Raspberry Pi 5 directly from the NVMe SSD, you will need to configure the boot order in the Raspberry Pi OS. This typically involves updating the EEPROM settings. Consult official Raspberry Pi guides for this advanced setup.
3. OLED Display Setup: The integrated SSD1306 OLED display requires specific Python libraries and custom code to function.
• Install necessary Python libraries (e.g., luma.oled, smbus, RPi.GPIO).
• Download and run the provided Python scripts (or custom scripts) to display system information.
• Refer to the technical support link for detailed instructions and example code for the OLED display.

6. Operation

6.1 System Monitoring with OLED Display

Once configured, the OLED display will show real-time system metrics such as CPU load average, memory usage, SD card information, and network activity (WiFi transmissions). You can customize the displayed information by modifying the Python scripts.

6.2 NVMe SSD Usage

The NVMe SSD provides high-speed storage for your Raspberry Pi 5. It can be used for the operating system, data storage, or running applications that benefit from faster I/O performance. Ensure the SSD is properly mounted and formatted within Raspberry Pi OS.

The Minitower kit in operation, connected to a portable screen, demonstrating its use as a compact computing solution.

7. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Periodically clean the case and fan of the Ice Tower cooler to prevent dust buildup, which can hinder cooling performance. Use a soft, dry cloth and compressed air for hard-to-reach areas.
• Airflow: Ensure the case has adequate airflow and is not obstructed, especially around the heat dissipation holes.
• Software Updates: Keep your Raspberry Pi OS and any related drivers or software for the NVMe board and OLED display updated to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

8. Troubleshooting

• NVMe SSD Not Detected:
  • Verify all FPC cable connections between the Raspberry Pi 5 and the N07 board are secure.
  • Ensure PCIe is enabled in the Raspberry Pi OS configuration.
  • Check if the M.2 NVMe SSD is properly seated in its slot.
• OLED Display Not Working:
  • Confirm the OLED display's FPC cable is correctly connected.
  • Ensure all required Python libraries are installed and the display scripts are running.
  • Check for any error messages in the Raspberry Pi's console output related to the display.
• Overheating:
  • Ensure the Ice Tower cooler fan is spinning.
  • Check that the thermal pad is correctly placed between the CPU and the cooler.
  • Clean any dust from the fan and heat sink.
• General Instability:
  • Ensure a stable and sufficient power supply is used for the Raspberry Pi 5.
  • Check all internal connections for looseness.

9. User Tips

• Optimal Cooling: For demanding tasks, ensure the Ice Tower cooler is running efficiently. Consider monitoring CPU temperatures via the OLED display or software to ensure it stays within safe operating limits.
• Software Updates: Regularly update your Raspberry Pi OS and firmware to benefit from performance improvements, bug fixes, and enhanced compatibility, especially for PCIe functionality.
• Backup Data: Always back up important data on your NVMe SSD, just as you would with any storage device.

10. Technical Support

For further technical assistance, detailed guides, and troubleshooting resources, please refer to the official 52Pi Wiki:

ZP-0187 - 52Pi Wiki

11. Product Overview Video