1. Introduction
The Waveshare PCIe to M.2 Adapter Board (C) is designed for the Raspberry Pi 5, enabling the use of NVMe protocol M.2 solid state drives for enhanced storage and high-speed data transfer. This adapter improves the working efficiency of your Raspberry Pi 5 by providing faster reading and writing capabilities.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all items listed below are included in your package. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact customer support.
- PCIe TO M.2 Board (C) x1
- PCIe-Cable-50mm x1
- PH2.0 3PIN cable (~5cm) x1
- Transparent acrylic mounting plate x1
- Standoff pack x1
3. Features
- Designed specifically for Raspberry Pi 5.
- Supports NVMe Protocol M.2 Solid State Drives for high-speed reading and writing.
- Compatible with 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 size M.2 Solid State Drives.
- Supports PCIe Gen2 and Gen3 modes.
- Enables booting Raspberry Pi 5 directly from the Solid State Drive.
- Supports power supply via PCIe cable or 3PIN cable.
4. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to properly install the PCIe to M.2 Adapter Board (C) with your Raspberry Pi 5.
4.1 Connecting the Adapter Board
The adapter board connects to the Raspberry Pi 5 via a 16PIN PCIe interface cable.
4.2 Mounting with Acrylic Plate
The adapter board comes with a transparent acrylic mounting plate that adopts a side-mounting solution. This design helps save space above the Raspberry Pi 5, allowing for better airflow or additional components.
4.3 NVMe Drive Installation
The adapter supports M.2 NVMe SSDs of various sizes: 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280. Ensure your SSD is compatible and install it into the appropriate slot on the adapter board.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Power Supply Methods
The adapter board can be powered via the PCIe cable by default. In cases of insufficient power, you can add a 3PIN cable for additional power supply.
5.2 Booting from NVMe SSD
The adapter board supports booting the Raspberry Pi 5 directly from the installed NVMe SSD. Refer to the Raspberry Pi documentation for specific steps on configuring your Raspberry Pi OS to boot from an NVMe drive.
5.3 Onboard LED Indicators
The board features dual LED indicators to monitor its working status:
- ACT Status Indicator: This LED blinks when the SSD is actively reading or writing data.
- PWR Indicator: This LED lights up when the board is powered on.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Waveshare |
| Model Number | PCIe TO M.2 Board (C) |
| Hardware Interface | Solid State Drive (NVMe M.2) |
| Compatible Devices | Raspberry Pi 5 |
| Supported M.2 SSD Sizes | 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 |
| PCIe Modes Supported | Gen2, Gen3 |
| Operating System | Raspberry Pi OS |
| Item Weight | 0.15 Pounds |
6.1 Outline Dimensions
7. Troubleshooting
- SSD Not Detected: Ensure the PCIe cable is securely connected to both the adapter board and the Raspberry Pi 5. Verify that the M.2 NVMe SSD is correctly seated in its slot. Check Raspberry Pi OS for proper NVMe driver installation and configuration.
- Power Issues: If the PWR LED does not light up, check all power connections. If using a high-power SSD, consider connecting the optional 3PIN power cable to provide sufficient power.
- Slow Performance: Ensure your Raspberry Pi 5 firmware and OS are up to date. Verify that the adapter is operating in the expected PCIe Gen mode (Gen2 or Gen3) as supported by your setup.
8. Product Overview Video
Watch this official video for a visual overview of the Waveshare PCIe to M.2 adapter series, including connection and feature highlights.
9. Warranty and Support
This product comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty. For detailed warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please visit the official Waveshare website or contact their customer service department. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.
Waveshare Official Website: www.waveshare.com
