Retro Raspberry Pi 5 Case (snap fit)

A retro case that's simple and functional. Designed for use with pi's active cooler.

I was aiming for a retro, Art Deco vibe, and also tried to capture the classic look of an RTX or Radeon reference GPU. 

Print Instructions:

• Settings:
  • ~38g of filament which takes my slow SOVOL SV06 four hours to print with:
    • .4 nozzle
    • .2mm layer height
• Setup and Orientation:
  • I used various PLA filaments, but I don't see why you can't use something else that makes sense.
  • Print the models oriented with the most surface area facing down on the bed. No supports are necessary.
  • I use print bed glue to prevent any of the corners from warping, which happens to my machine sometimes.
• Slicer Added Effects (optional):
  • Try printing the top separately and set a filament color change at layer ~16 (check your slicer's preview) for that accent color effect! (see pictures)
  • Try using a shell pattern for some cool effects! (e.g. concentric lines / increasing the ‘Extra Skin Wall Count’ parameter, Hilbert Curve, etc.)

Features:

• Simple: 
  • The case is two pieces that snap together, with an optional power button.
  • No supports, additional parts, or screws are needed.
  • Very minimal clean-up, if any.
• Secure: 
  • The pi should seat in nicely on the four pegs, but you may need to press gently on the pi around them to “snap” it in the first time. 
  • There are two smaller pegs which provide an even base to prevent the pi from tipping toward its USB. 
  • The lid holds the pi firmly in place on its pegs and minimizes rattling.
• Minimalistic: 
  • Lid is flush with bottom and the case has a clean, understated look with no unnecessary contours. 
  • My “logo” will be concealed by the pi once it is seated.
• Functional: 
  • Case allows for access to the IO pins from both sides, ribbon connections, SD card, as well as the power button and LED.
  • There is enough headroom to tape the RTC battery on top of the ethernet port (the best place I found for it so far).
  • Intended to be used with the official active cooler, and appears to be 10°C cooler than the pi's official case. Many thanks to phattmatt for providing the results of his thermal test!
• IO Versions:
  • There are versions with and without access to IO pins/ribbons. You can mix and match any top and bottom.

Known/Potential Issues and Additional Remarks:

• Lid:
  • The lid can be partially opened more easily than I would like on the USB side (but it will not open on its own). This is actually a benefit you when you want to remove the lid…
• Using Screws:
  • You can also (theoretically) cut off the top of the pegs and use screws/bolts instead - I purposefully allowed for this but have not tested it. You may need to use self-tapping screws and I did not test the size/depth of the underside's bolt recesses. 

I am continuing to make adjustments to the model, but I feel like its in a good place right now overall. If anything doesn't fit right, please let me know and I can see about adjusting the model. I am also open to other suggestions, if you have any.

If you'd like, please support my work by purchasing a physical print from me on Etsy!

Update 1/12/24: 

• Added a power button! You can elect for a flat (flush against the wall) or raised button.

Update 1/14/24:

• Missing Layers Fixed: I've updated the top half to fix the missing layers issue in the cone.