# Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+: specs

> Adapter board that joins the PCIe connector of a Raspberry Pi 5 to one M.2 M key slot, for NVMe drives and other PCIe accessories.

[HTML version](https://soldr.ai/docs/boards/raspberry-pi-m2-hat-plus)

[Docs](https://soldr.ai/docs) / [Boards](https://soldr.ai/docs/boards)

Adapter board that joins the PCIe connector of a Raspberry Pi 5 to one M.2 M key slot, for NVMe drives and other PCIe accessories.

Every value cites its sourcePinout not published

[Buy on Compoden](https://compoden.com/products/official-raspberry-pi-m2-hat-nvme-ssd-add-on-board-for-pi-5)

## Specs

| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Host | Raspberry Pi 5 (PCIe connector is a 16-pin, 0.5 mm pitch FPC) | source Overview (p.2) |
| PCIe interface | Single-lane PCIe 2.0, 500 MB/s peak transfer rate | source Specification (p.3) |
| M.2 connector | M.2 M key edge connector | source Specification (p.3) |
| Supported drive sizes | M.2 HAT+ standard: 2230 and 2242. (The Compact variant takes 2230 only.) | source Specification (p.3) |
| Power to the M.2 device | Up to 3 A | source Specification (p.3) |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 50 degC (ambient) | source Specification (p.3) |
| Standard | Conforms to the Raspberry Pi HAT+ specification; Raspberry Pi OS detects it automatically | source Overview (p.2) |
| In the box | Ribbon cable, 16 mm stacking header, threaded spacers and screws, one knurled drive-attachment screw | source Specification (p.3) |
| Indicators | Power and activity LEDs | source Specification (p.3) |

## Power

| | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Supply | Powered through the Raspberry Pi 5; supplies up to 3 A to the connected M.2 device | source Specification (p.3) |

## Pinout
We don't publish a pin table for this part: no official source we could verify gives one. Check the labels printed on your module, and see the notes below.

The PCIe ribbon cable connects the board to the Raspberry Pi 5 PCIe connector; the maker's product brief gives no pin table for the board.

## Build with it
Project ideas for the Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+. Each link opens Soldr with the prompt filled in; Soldr assigns the pins, checks power and shows how to wire every part.

- [Pi 5 file server](https://app.soldr.ai/?prompt=I%20want%20to%20build%20a%20small%20home%20file%20server%20on%20a%20Raspberry%20Pi%205%20that%20boots%20from%20an%20NVMe%20SSD): The Raspberry Pi SSD is an M.2 2230 drive, which the standard M.2 HAT+ accepts. Raspberry Pi documentation says boot from PCIe storage is enabled by changing BOOT_ORDER in the bootloader configuration. Use the official 27 W supply so the Pi 5 and the drive have enough power.
- [Sensor database on SSD](https://app.soldr.ai/?prompt=I%20want%20to%20build%20a%20room%20climate%20recorder%20on%20a%20Raspberry%20Pi%205%20that%20keeps%20readings%20in%20a%20database%20on%20an%20NVMe%20SSD): The HAT+ comes with a 16 mm stacking header, so the GPIO pins stay reachable for an I2C sensor module on the Pi's 3.3 V pins. Learning project for databases and long-running writes.
- [Boot speed comparison](https://app.soldr.ai/?prompt=I%20want%20to%20build%20a%20boot-time%20and%20file-copy%20comparison%20between%20a%20microSD%20card%20and%20an%20NVMe%20SSD%20on%20a%20Raspberry%20Pi%205): The same Pi 5 can boot from either medium by changing the boot order. The PCIe link runs at Gen 2.0 speed by default (500 MB/s peak per the product brief). Learning project.

## Common mistakes

- Fitting a 2280 drive. The standard M.2 HAT+ takes 2230 and 2242 drives only (source: [link](https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/m2-hat-plus/raspberry-pi-m2-hat-plus-product-brief.pdf), Specification p.3).
- Installing it with the Pi powered. Disconnect the Raspberry Pi from power before installation, and update the firmware first: a bootloader dated 6 December 2023 or later is needed (source: [link](https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/accessories/m2-hat-plus.html), Prepare your Raspberry Pi).
- Using it under the lid of the Raspberry Pi case. The standard M.2 HAT+ only fits that case if the lid and the included fan are removed; the Compact variant is the one made for the case (source: [link](https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/accessories/m2-hat-plus.html), About).

## Not covered by the official source

- The product brief gives no pin table for the board and no typical current figure.
- The product name has no size suffix; the brief covers both the standard and Compact boards and this page uses the standard board's figures.

## Sources

- [link](https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/m2-hat-plus/raspberry-pi-m2-hat-plus-product-brief.pdf) (Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+ product brief, published September 2025)
- [link](https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/accessories/m2-hat-plus.html) (Raspberry Pi documentation, M.2 HAT+)
- [link](https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/raspberry-pi.html#pcie) (Raspberry Pi documentation, PCIe connector)