1. Introduction
The Waveshare PCIe to M.2 Adapter Board (D) is designed to enhance the performance of your Raspberry Pi 5 by enabling the use of NVMe Protocol M.2 Solid State Drives. This adapter supports various M.2 SSD sizes (2280, 2260, 2242, 2230) and offers high-speed reading and writing capabilities, significantly improving system efficiency compared to traditional TF card slots. It supports both Gen2 and Gen3 modes and allows booting the Raspberry Pi 5 directly from the NVMe SSD.
Image 1: Overview of the Waveshare PCIe to M.2 Adapter Board (D). This image displays the adapter board with its various components, highlighting its compact design and M.2 slot.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all items listed below are included in your package:
- PCIe TO M.2 Board (D) x1
- 16P-Cable-40mm x1
- Standoff pack x1 (includes necessary screws and standoffs)
Image 2: Contents of the Waveshare PCIe to M.2 Adapter Board (D) package. This image shows the adapter board, the 16-pin PCIe cable, and the standoff pack.
3. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to properly install the PCIe to M.2 Adapter Board (D) with your Raspberry Pi 5:
- Prepare the Raspberry Pi 5: Ensure your Raspberry Pi 5 is powered off and disconnected from all peripherals.
- Attach the Standoffs: Secure the provided standoffs to the Raspberry Pi 5 board as indicated in the installation diagram.
- Connect the 16PIN PCIe Cable: Carefully connect the 16PIN PCIe cable between the Raspberry Pi 5 and the adapter board. Ensure the cable is oriented correctly, with the triangles on both connectors aligned on the same side to prevent damage.
Image 3: Proper connection of the 16PIN PCIe cable. This image illustrates the correct orientation for connecting the cable between the Raspberry Pi 5 and the adapter board, showing a green checkmark for correct alignment and a red cross for incorrect alignment.
- Install the M.2 SSD: Insert your NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive into the M.2 slot on the adapter board. The board supports 2280, 2260, 2242, and 2230 size M.2 SSDs. Secure the SSD with the provided screw.
Image 4: NVMe SSD compatibility and M.2 key types. This image shows the various supported M.2 SSD sizes and clarifies that only NVMe Protocol Solid State Drives (M Key and B&M Key) are supported.
- Mount the Adapter Board: Align the adapter board with the standoffs and secure it to the Raspberry Pi 5 using the remaining screws.
- Power Supply: The adapter supports power supply via the PCIe cable by default. For insufficient power, an optional 3PIN cable can be used.
Image 5: Detailed installation steps for the adapter board on a Raspberry Pi 5. This image provides an exploded view of the components and an assembled view, illustrating how the adapter board, SSD, and fan are integrated with the Raspberry Pi 5.
Video Guide: Waveshare PCIe to M.2 Series Overview
Video 1: This official Waveshare video provides an overview of various PCIe to M.2 adapter boards, including the Board (D) model, demonstrating their features and connection methods with the Raspberry Pi 5.
4. Operating Instructions
Once installed, the adapter board allows your Raspberry Pi 5 to utilize the NVMe SSD for storage and booting, significantly improving performance.
Performance Enhancement
The NVMe SSD connected via this adapter offers superior reading and writing speeds compared to the Raspberry Pi's TF card slot. The theoretical transmission speed in Gen3 mode can reach up to 8Gbps, with measured reading/writing speeds approximately 800MB/s.
Image 6: Illustration of improved reading/writing speeds. This image highlights the performance benefits of using an NVMe SSD with the adapter, showing theoretical and measured speeds.
Power Supply Methods
The adapter board supports two power supply methods:
- PCIe Cable: This is the default power supply method.
- 3PIN Cable: Can be used in cases where the PCIe cable does not provide sufficient power.
Image 7: Diagram showing the two power supply options. This image points out the PCIe connector and the 3PIN power supply connector on the adapter board.
Onboard LED Indicators
The adapter board features dual LED indicators for monitoring its working status:
- ACT Status Indicator: Keeps blinking while the SSD is actively reading or writing data.
- PWR Indicator: Lights up when the board receives power.
Image 8: Explanation of the onboard LED indicators. This image highlights the ACT and PWR LEDs and describes their functions for monitoring the SSD's activity and power status.
5. Specifications
Key technical specifications for the Waveshare PCIe to M.2 Adapter Board (D):
- Model Number: PCIe TO M.2 Board (D)
- Compatibility: Raspberry Pi 5
- Supported SSDs: NVMe Protocol M.2 Solid State Drives
- Supported M.2 Sizes: 2280, 2260, 2242, 2230
- PCIe Versions: Supports Gen2 and Gen3 modes
- Boot Support: Supports booting Raspberry Pi 5 from NVMe SSD
- Power Supply: Via PCIe cable (default) or 3PIN cable (optional)
- Indicators: Onboard ACT (activity) and PWR (power) LED indicators
- Process: Anti-oxidation immersion gold process for better electrical connection
- Dimensions: Approximately 85.00 x 56.50 mm (refer to diagram for detailed outline)
Image 9: Outline dimensions of the adapter board. This image provides a technical drawing with measurements in millimeters.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Waveshare PCIe to M.2 Adapter Board (D), consider the following:
- No Power/LEDs Off:
- Ensure the Raspberry Pi 5 is receiving adequate power.
- Check the 16PIN PCIe cable connection for proper seating and orientation. Refer to the installation section for correct alignment.
- If using the 3PIN power cable, ensure it is correctly connected to both the adapter board and the Raspberry Pi 5.
- SSD Not Detected:
- Verify that the M.2 SSD is securely seated in its slot and the retaining screw is tightened.
- Confirm that your SSD is an NVMe Protocol M.2 drive. SATA M.2 SSDs are not compatible.
- Check the Raspberry Pi OS configuration to ensure PCIe is enabled and configured correctly for NVMe booting, if applicable.
- Slow Performance:
- Ensure your Raspberry Pi 5 firmware and OS are up to date.
- Verify that the PCIe interface is operating in Gen3 mode if your SSD supports it, as this may require specific configuration in the Raspberry Pi OS.
7. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your adapter board:
- Keep the board clean and free from dust. Use a soft, dry brush or compressed air for cleaning.
- Avoid exposing the board to extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Handle the board with care to prevent physical damage to components or connectors.
- Ensure proper airflow around the Raspberry Pi 5 and adapter board, especially if using a fan, to prevent overheating.
8. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Waveshare website. Waveshare provides comprehensive Wiki resources and support for their products.
If you require further assistance, please contact Waveshare customer support directly through their official channels.
