EP-0265: Difference between revisions
(Created page with "==5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion for Raspberry Pi 5== '''SKU: EP-0265''' ==Description The 5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion for Raspberry Pi 5 is a compact storage expansion board designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 5. By utilizing the Raspberry Pi 5 PCIe interface, the board expands the system with 4 onboard SATA ports and 1 external eSATA port, allowing users to connect up to five storage devices simultaneously. The 5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion for Raspberry Pi 5 is...") |
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==5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion for Raspberry Pi 5== | ==5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion for Raspberry Pi 5== | ||
'''SKU: EP-0265''' | '''SKU: EP-0265''' | ||
==Description | ==Description== | ||
The 5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion for Raspberry Pi 5 is a compact storage expansion board designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 5. | The 5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion for Raspberry Pi 5 is a compact storage expansion board designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 5. | ||
By utilizing the Raspberry Pi 5 PCIe interface, the board expands the system with 4 onboard SATA ports and 1 external eSATA port, allowing users to connect up to five storage devices simultaneously. | By utilizing the Raspberry Pi 5 PCIe interface, the board expands the system with 4 onboard SATA ports and 1 external eSATA port, allowing users to connect up to five storage devices simultaneously. | ||
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--- | --- | ||
==Features== | |||
===Storage Expansion=== | |||
* Supports up to **5 storage devices** | * Supports up to **5 storage devices** | ||
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* **1 × eSATA port** for external storage expansion | * **1 × eSATA port** for external storage expansion | ||
=== Raspberry Pi 5 Native PCIe Connectivity=== | |||
* Direct PCIe connection to Raspberry Pi 5 | * Direct PCIe connection to Raspberry Pi 5 | ||
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* Optimized for NAS and data-intensive applications | * Optimized for NAS and data-intensive applications | ||
=== Flexible Power Input=== | |||
* 12V DC 5525 barrel jack input | * 12V DC 5525 barrel jack input | ||
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* Can power both the storage board and Raspberry Pi 5 simultaneously | * Can power both the storage board and Raspberry Pi 5 simultaneously | ||
=== Compact Stacked Design=== | |||
* HAT-style mounting structure | * HAT-style mounting structure | ||
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* Suitable for DIY NAS projects | * Suitable for DIY NAS projects | ||
=== Easy Integration === | |||
* Includes PCIe FPC cables | * Includes PCIe FPC cables | ||
* Includes GPIO stacking header | * Includes GPIO stacking header | ||
* Tool-free drive replacement structure, only removes several screws | * Tool-free drive replacement structure, only removes several screws | ||
=== Reliable Operation === | |||
* Stable power distribution for multi-drive systems | * Stable power distribution for multi-drive systems | ||
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* Supports active cooling solutions | * Supports active cooling solutions | ||
=== Technical Specifications === | |||
| Specification | Details | | | Specification | Details | | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Application Scenarios=== | |||
=== Home NAS Server=== | |||
Build a personal NAS system using software such as: | Build a personal NAS system using software such as: | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Media Server=== | |||
Create a multimedia center using: | Create a multimedia center using: | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Backup Server=== | |||
Use multiple hard drives for: | Use multiple hard drives for: | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Development & Testing Platform=== | |||
Suitable for: | Suitable for: | ||
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--- | --- | ||
===IoT Data Logging=== | |||
Store large amounts of: | Store large amounts of: | ||
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--- | --- | ||
== Gallery== | |||
--- | --- | ||
==Package List== | |||
| Item | Quantity | | | Item | Quantity | | ||
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--- | --- | ||
== 6. Installation Steps== | |||
=== Step 1 – Install the Standoffs=== | |||
1. Power off the Raspberry Pi 5. | 1. Power off the Raspberry Pi 5. | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Step 2 – Install the GPIO Header=== | |||
1. Insert the included 2×20 female GPIO header onto the Raspberry Pi 5 GPIO pins. | 1. Insert the included 2×20 female GPIO header onto the Raspberry Pi 5 GPIO pins. | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Step 3 – Connect the PCIe Cable=== | |||
1. Open the PCIe FPC connector lock on the Raspberry Pi 5. | 1. Open the PCIe FPC connector lock on the Raspberry Pi 5. | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Step 4 – Mount the Expansion Board=== | |||
1. Align the 5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion board with the GPIO header. | 1. Align the 5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion board with the GPIO header. | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Step 5 – Install Storage Devices=== | |||
1. Insert SATA SSDs or HDDs into the SATA slots. | 1. Insert SATA SSDs or HDDs into the SATA slots. | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Step 6 – Connect Power=== | |||
Choose one of the following power methods: | Choose one of the following power methods: | ||
==== Option A – DC Power Input==== | |||
* Connect a 12V DC adapter to the 5525(means 5.5mm x 2.5mm) barrel jack. | * Connect a 12V DC adapter to the 5525(means 5.5mm x 2.5mm) barrel jack. | ||
==== Option B – Molex Power Input==== | |||
* Connect a standard 4-pin Molex power source. | * Connect a standard 4-pin Molex power source. | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Step 7 – Boot and Verify=== | |||
1. Power on the system. | 1. Power on the system. | ||
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3. Verify storage detection: | 3. Verify storage detection: | ||
<pre> | |||
lsblk | lsblk | ||
</pre> | |||
or | or | ||
<pre> | |||
sudo fdisk -l | sudo fdisk -l | ||
</pre> | |||
4. Initialize and format the drives if necessary. | 4. Initialize and format the drives if necessary. | ||
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--- | --- | ||
== Important Notes == | |||
=== Power Requirements=== | |||
The startup current of HDDs can be significant. | The startup current of HDDs can be significant. | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Cooling=== | |||
For long-term operation: | For long-term operation: | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== PCIe Cable Installation=== | |||
* Verify cable orientation before power-on. | * Verify cable orientation before power-on. | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Data Protection=== | |||
* Always shut down the system properly. | * Always shut down the system properly. | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Hot Plugging=== | |||
Unless your operating system and storage configuration explicitly support hot swapping: | Unless your operating system and storage configuration explicitly support hot swapping: | ||
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--- | --- | ||
== Common Disk Application Examples and Recommendations== | |||
===Scenario 1 – Home NAS=== | |||
Configuration: | Configuration: | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Scenario 2 – Media Server=== | |||
Configuration: | Configuration: | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Scenario 3 – Surveillance Storage=== | |||
Configuration: | Configuration: | ||
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--- | --- | ||
=== Scenario 4 – SSD Development Server=== | |||
Configuration: | Configuration: | ||
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--- | --- | ||
===Scenario 5 – Backup Appliance=== | |||
Configuration: | Configuration: | ||
Revision as of 16:25, 9 June 2026
5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion for Raspberry Pi 5
SKU: EP-0265
Description
The 5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion for Raspberry Pi 5 is a compact storage expansion board designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 5. By utilizing the Raspberry Pi 5 PCIe interface, the board expands the system with 4 onboard SATA ports and 1 external eSATA port, allowing users to connect up to five storage devices simultaneously.
The 5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion for Raspberry Pi 5 is ideal for building:
- Home NAS servers
- Personal cloud storage systems
- Media streaming servers
- Backup appliances
- Development and testing environments
- IoT data logging platforms
The board adopts a stacked HAT design and connects directly to the Raspberry Pi 5 through the included PCIe FPC cable. A dedicated 12V power input provides stable power delivery for multiple hard drives while also supplying power to the Raspberry Pi 5 through the GPIO header.
---
Features
Storage Expansion
- Supports up to **5 storage devices**
- **4 × SATA ports** for internal HDD/SSD connections
- **1 × eSATA port** for external storage expansion
Raspberry Pi 5 Native PCIe Connectivity
- Direct PCIe connection to Raspberry Pi 5
- High-speed storage access
- Optimized for NAS and data-intensive applications
Flexible Power Input
- 12V DC 5525 barrel jack input
- 4-pin Molex power connector
- Can power both the storage board and Raspberry Pi 5 simultaneously
Compact Stacked Design
- HAT-style mounting structure
- Space-efficient installation
- Suitable for DIY NAS projects
Easy Integration
- Includes PCIe FPC cables
- Includes GPIO stacking header
- Tool-free drive replacement structure, only removes several screws
Reliable Operation
- Stable power distribution for multi-drive systems
- Designed for 24/7 storage applications
- Supports active cooling solutions
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details | | ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------- | | Product SKU | EP-0265 | | Product Name | 5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion for Raspberry Pi 5 | | Storage Interfaces | 4 × SATA + 1 × eSATA | | Maximum Drives | 5 | | Host Interface | PCIe | | Compatible Board | Raspberry Pi 5 | | Power Input | 12V DC 5525 / 4-Pin Molex | | Form Factor | HAT | | Application | NAS, Backup Server, Media Server, Data Storage | | Operating Mode | 24/7 Continuous Operation Supported | ---
Application Scenarios
Home NAS Server
Build a personal NAS system using software such as:
- OpenMediaVault
- TrueNAS SCALE (experimental on ARM)
- CasaOS
- Samba Server
- Nextcloud
Applications:
- Personal cloud storage
- Family file sharing
- Photo and video backup
- Remote access
---
Media Server
Create a multimedia center using:
- Jellyfin
- Plex
- Emby
Applications:
- Movie libraries
- Music collections
- Home theater systems
- Multi-device streaming
---
Backup Server
Use multiple hard drives for:
- Automatic PC backups
- Mac Time Machine backups
- Mobile phone backups
- Security camera recordings
---
Development & Testing Platform
Suitable for:
- Database testing
- Storage benchmarking
- Docker volume storage
- Kubernetes persistent storage
- Software validation
---
IoT Data Logging
Store large amounts of:
- Sensor data
- AI inference logs
- Industrial monitoring records
- Smart home data
---
Gallery
---
Package List
| Item | Quantity | | ------------------------------------------ | -------- | | EP-0265 5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion Board | 1 | | PCIe FPC Cable | 2 | | 2×20-pin Female Header | 1 | | Acrylic Baffle | 2 | | M2.5×27+6 mm Brass Standoff | 4 | | M2.5×5+6 mm Brass Standoff | 4 | | Hand-tightened Brass Nut | 4 | | M3×4 mm Screw | 14 | | M2.5 Screwdriver | 1 | | eSATA 2-in-1 Data Cable | 1 |
---
6. Installation Steps
Step 1 – Install the Standoffs
1. Power off the Raspberry Pi 5. 2. Install the four M2.5 brass standoffs onto the Raspberry Pi 5 mounting holes.
---
Step 2 – Install the GPIO Header
1. Insert the included 2×20 female GPIO header onto the Raspberry Pi 5 GPIO pins. 2. Ensure the header is fully seated.
---
Step 3 – Connect the PCIe Cable
1. Open the PCIe FPC connector lock on the Raspberry Pi 5. 2. Insert the PCIe cable with the correct orientation. 3. Connect the other end to the 5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion board. 4. Lock both connectors securely.
> **Important:** Incorrect cable orientation may prevent the board from being detected.
---
Step 4 – Mount the Expansion Board
1. Align the 5-Bay SATA Storage Expansion board with the GPIO header. 2. Carefully lower the board onto the header. 3. Secure the board using the supplied brass nuts.
---
Step 5 – Install Storage Devices
1. Insert SATA SSDs or HDDs into the SATA slots. 2. Tighten the acrylic side brackets if required. 3. Verify all drives are firmly seated.
---
Step 6 – Connect Power
Choose one of the following power methods:
Option A – DC Power Input
- Connect a 12V DC adapter to the 5525(means 5.5mm x 2.5mm) barrel jack.
Option B – Molex Power Input
- Connect a standard 4-pin Molex power source.
---
Step 7 – Boot and Verify
1. Power on the system. 2. Boot Raspberry Pi OS or your preferred NAS OS. 3. Verify storage detection:
lsblk
or
sudo fdisk -l
4. Initialize and format the drives if necessary.
---
Important Notes
Power Requirements
The startup current of HDDs can be significant.
Recommended power supplies:
| Drive Count | Recommended Power Supply | | ------------------- | ------------------------ | | 1~2 SSDs | 12V 36W or higher | | 2~3 HDDs | 12V 48W or higher | | 4~5 HDDs | 12V 60W or higher | | Mixed HDD/SSD Setup | 12V 72W or higher |
---
Cooling
For long-term operation:
- Use active cooling fans.
- Ensure adequate airflow around the drives.
- Monitor drive temperatures regularly.
Recommended HDD operating temperature:
- 30°C ~ 45°C
---
PCIe Cable Installation
- Verify cable orientation before power-on.
- Ensure connector locks are fully engaged.
- Avoid excessive bending of the FPC cable.
---
Data Protection
- Always shut down the system properly.
- Do not disconnect power during disk activity.
- RAID is **not** a substitute for backup.
- Maintain external backups of important data.
---
Hot Plugging
Unless your operating system and storage configuration explicitly support hot swapping:
- Do not insert drives while powered on.
- Do not remove drives while powered on.
---
Common Disk Application Examples and Recommendations
Scenario 1 – Home NAS
Configuration:
| Drive Type | Quantity | | ---------- | -------- | | 4TB HDD | 4 | | System SSD | 1 |
Recommended RAID:
- RAID 5
- RAIDZ1
Advantages:
- Good capacity utilization
- Single-drive fault tolerance
- Suitable for family storage
Capacity Example:
- 4 × 4TB HDD ≈ 12TB usable (RAID5)
---
Scenario 2 – Media Server
Configuration:
| Drive Type | Quantity | | ---------- | -------- | | 8TB HDD | 4 | | SSD Cache | 1 |
Recommended Software:
- Jellyfin
- Plex
Advantages:
- Large media library
- Fast metadata access
- Smooth streaming experience
---
Scenario 3 – Surveillance Storage
Configuration:
| Drive Type | Quantity | | ---------------- | -------- | | Surveillance HDD | 4~5 |
Recommended HDD Series:
- WD Purple
- Seagate SkyHawk
Advantages:
- Optimized for 24/7 recording
- Better write endurance
- Stable long-term operation
---
Scenario 4 – SSD Development Server
Configuration:
| Drive Type | Quantity | | ---------- | -------- | | SATA SSD | 5 |
Recommended Use Cases:
- Docker
- Kubernetes
- Databases
- CI/CD environments
Advantages:
- Low latency
- Silent operation
- Lower power consumption
---
Scenario 5 – Backup Appliance
Configuration:
| Drive Type | Quantity | | --------------------------- | -------- | | Large Capacity HDD | 4 | | External eSATA Backup Drive | 1 |
Applications:
- Daily backup
- Weekly snapshots
- Off-site synchronization
Advantages:
- High reliability
- Large storage capacity
- Easy expansion
---