Retro computing with a touch of modern and the home for all things, retroCombs (aka Steven Combs).
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UPGRADE: Raspberry Pi 2 case and heatsink
by Steven B. Combs, Ph.D.
Recently a group from our community made a trip to several Makerspaces in the Louisville area including: MakerMobile, Lvl1 and FirstBuild. During our visit to FirstBuild, I learned that they sold Arduino and Raspberry Pi development boards to visiting Makers, as well as many other supplies. On a whim, I asked our tour guide if they had the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B (Raspi 2) in stock. She wasn’t sure at the time; however, at the conclusion of our tour I was thrilled when she handed me a brand new, in box, Raspi 2. I expected a bit of markup; however, she gladly said, “$35 please.” Given the scarcity and online price markups, I was surprised to take one home that day at the retail cost.
That evening, I made a visit to Amazon to locate a case. Unlike my original Raspberry Pi, I will not use this Raspi 2 for physical computing development, but rather as a headless networked Linux box. The Raspi 2’s additional CPU speed combined with the additional memory should make the Raspi 2 a nice addition to our home network for server and Python related experiments. I will connect to the Raspi 2 using either SSH or VNC via an iPad, Chromebook or Mac.
My requirements for a case are:
- Build quality
- Port access, especially GPIO and microSD connectors
- Transparent design to view activity LEDs
- Access to inside components
- Moderate cost
After much review, I decided on the C4Labs’ Zebra Case - Raspberry Pi B+ and 2B (Black Ice). At a cost of $15, the case is in my price range and met all my requirements. Amazon reviews are extremely high at 4.7 stars. Sold!
During a review of my shopping cart, I noticed an impulse buy option for the Addicore Raspberry Pi B and B+ Heatsink Set. Since I will enclose the Raspi 2 in a case and will overclock (using raspi-config at the terminal), I thought it prudent to add this $5 option.
When the parts arrived, I made the decision to take time and snap images of the case and the heatsink during the install process. Those images are in the gallery below and I have included some additional thoughts at the bottom of each image. To sum up though, I am very pleased with the case. It was easy, and quite fun, to assemble. My Raspi 2 is completely protected and I have no fear that it will receive damage through normal usage. So far, I’ve run the Raspi 2 overclocked without issue. I believe my $20 purchase was well worth the protection my Raspi 2 now enjoys and I would highly recommend to others.