3rd Party PoE HATs for Pi 5 add NVMe, fit inside case

Jeff Geerling recently tested three new Power over Ethernet (PoE) HATs designed for the Raspberry Pi 5, each offering PoE+ power and an NVMe SSD slot with distinct features. The GeeekPi P33 HAT supports standard NVMe sizes up to 2280 and includes an Active Cooler fan, but has some design flaws, such as awkward FFC connector placement and a tendency to reset power upon shutdown. The HackerGadgets HAT uniquely allows for mounting inside the official Raspberry Pi 5 case, providing a full 25W power supply and good thermal management, although it struggles with airflow when enclosed. The n-fuse HAT supports various M.2 and mini PCIe configurations but lacks an isolation transformer, raising concerns about safety in certain conditions. All three HATs have their pros and cons, with the HackerGadgets model being the most flexible despite its thermal issues when used in a closed case. Other manufacturers are also releasing new PoE+ HATs, indicating a growing market for these accessories.

- Three new PoE HATs for Raspberry Pi 5 tested, each with unique features.

- GeeekPi P33 offers good power output but has design flaws.

- HackerGadgets HAT can be mounted inside the Pi case but has airflow issues.

- n-fuse HAT lacks isolation transformer, raising safety concerns.

- Growing market for PoE+ HATs with more options expected.