Cooler Master Enters The Raspberry Pi Case Arena

Cooler Master Pi 40
(Image credit: Cooler Master)

Cooler Master, better known for its range of PC cases and cooling accessories has dipped its toe into the world of the Raspberry Pi, by releasing its first case designed for the Raspberry Pi 4. Rather than offering the case for general retail, Cooler Master has taken the unusual route of setting up a Kickstarter to support the case.

Cooler Master Pi 40

(Image credit: Cooler Master)

The Pi Case 40 is a passively cooled aluminum case for the Raspberry Pi 4, designed to enclose the Raspberry Pi 4 in an aluminum shell which draws the heat away from the board. The Raspberry Pi 4 will throttle the CPU if the temperature goes above 80°C (176°F). and while in normal operation this is rarely an issue, overclocking the Raspberry Pi 4 or heavy work loads will generate enough heat to hit the throttle trigger.

Cooler Master Pi 40

(Image credit: Cooler Master)

As the case is designed exclusively for the Raspberry Pi 4, all of the ports are cut to match the new layout. A hatch on the side of the case provides access to the GPIO, but it does prevent the use of HATs. An often-requested feature for the Raspberry Pi is a power button and this case has a configurable power button to safely power up and down the Pi.

Cooler Master has not released any details on price, but you can sign up to the waitlist to secure your case with 25% off the final retail price. 

Les Pounder

Les Pounder is an associate editor at Tom's Hardware. He is a creative technologist and for seven years has created projects to educate and inspire minds both young and old. He has worked with the Raspberry Pi Foundation to write and deliver their teacher training program "Picademy".

  • bit_user
    The Raspberry Pi 4 will throttle the CPU if the temperature goes above 80°C (176°F) and while in normal operation this is rarely an issue
    This is BS. Please don't actively spread misinformation.

    Heavy workloads will easily throttle a Pi 4, even without overclocking.
    Reply
  • jojesa
    bit_user said:
    This is BS. Please don't actively spread misinformation.

    Heavy workloads will easily throttle a Pi 4, even without overclocking.
    Wow! only a link of a product release was posted by the OP.
    If there is misinformation, then that's on CM.
    You should let them know, of your research and foundling, on their website and when their Kickstarter launches...that way people won't be fooled by CM claims. ;)
    Reply
  • bit_user
    jojesa said:
    If there is misinformation, then that's on CM.
    What?
    No, I don't blame Cooler Master. Toms Hardware is responsible for their articles. This is on the editors and the author, Les Pounder. Les injected a statement of fact that was both unnecessary and untrue.
    Reply
  • CooliPi
    Haha I've just imagined now how would inserting our CooliPi 4B coolercase into a pocket looked like :)
    They use the same 90degree riser as we do, but the pins are recessed, to be hidden. We have them routed outwards, to allow direct connection of HATs from a side. Maybe we've inspired them ;)
    Reply