Add HackerGadgets PoE + NVMe HAT

[geerlingguy]

HackerGadgets is selling a NVME and PoE+ HAT for Pi 5, for $42.99. I have just received one and will be testing it soon.

It fits inside the official Pi 5 case, and supports 2230 and 2242-size NVMe SSDs. There is also a pass through to mount the case fan, or you can use that space for better airflow with an active cooler.

Another cool party trick: It integrates a USB-C PD circuit that will accept more standard USB-C PD adapters, and convert the power to 5V 5A suitable for the Pi (so you can use something like a laptop charger or other 3rd party chargers more easily with the Pi 5).

[geerlingguy]

It's on the site here: https://pipci.jeffgeerling.com/hats/hackergadgets-poe-nvme-hat.html

[geerlingguy]

Benchmark with PCIe Gen 3 enabled on a MakerDisk 512GB 2242 M-Key M.2 SSD:

Benchmark	Result
iozone 4K random read	60.73 MB/s
iozone 4K random write	296.61 MB/s
iozone 1M random read	813.66 MB/s
iozone 1M random write	756.96 MB/s
iozone 1M sequential read	815.91 MB/s
iozone 1M sequential write	760.68 MB/s

[geerlingguy]

A few notes from use:

• Temps are good, the hottest IC is right next to the fan cutout, so I don't think cooling is an issue.
• Coil whine: Faintly audible in a quiet room, but it's there.
• LEDs are a nice touch, for PoE vs PD power, and board power plus NVMe activity
• PCIe FFC cable was a slight bit off center, but it worked fine at PCIe Gen 3 speeds
• Comes with two longer screws to attach the Pi Case Fan straight to the PoE HAT (nice touch)
• Can't use the heatsink that came with the case when using the fan attached underneath
• Top fits on over the HAT, which makes it look great

[geerlingguy]

I wouldn't recommend running inside the official Pi 5 case if you want good thermals—just like when running without PoE, the case's airflow is not amazing, meaning the fan ramps up often (when doing regular activity) and the Pi will throttle after just a few seconds maxed out (with the fan whirring away the whole time).

The airflow tends to favor blowing through the ports: