
PRODUCT DETAILS
Extension Board
› HARDWARE OVERVIEW
- The X1100 connects a 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD to the Raspberry Pi 5 via a USB 3.0 interface, supporting drives up to 5TB. This is ideal for “reliable SATA storage for large datasets”—think home media centers, NAS setups, or data logging systems where stable, high-capacity storage is key. SATA drives are widely available, cost-effective per terabyte, and more durable than microSD cards for constant use.
- It leverages USB 3.0’s 5 Gbps theoretical bandwidth, delivering real-world speeds of ~300-400 MB/s (depending on the drive). This outperforms microSD (~50-100 MB/s) and is competitive with USB 3.0 SSDs, making it suitable for streaming large files or handling big datasets efficiently.
- Mounted under the Pi 5 with a USB 3.1 jumper (no extra cables needed), it’s sleek and leaves GPIO free for HAT stacking. This suits permanent builds—like a NAS or server—where space and expandability matter. It also supports OS booting from the drive (with firmware tweaks), speeding up app launches and file operations.
- Offers a straightforward way to attach affordable 2.5” drives (e.g., a 4TB HDD) to the Pi 5. The built-in LED for read/write status and mounting holes for drive protection add reliability for long-term use.
- Cost-effective for large datasets with a tidy, integrated build. It’s purpose-built for SATA reliability and Pi compatibility.
› APPLICATIONS
The X1100 shield is ideal for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts looking to build their own network-attached storage (NAS) system, media center, or a personal cloud server. Its compatibility with both HDDs and SSDs allows for flexible storage solutions, ranging from high-capacity, cost-effective HDDs for archiving, to high-speed SSDs for applications requiring fast data access. With the added storage capabilities, users can also experiment with more complex projects that require extensive data storage, such as home surveillance systems with 24/7 video recording, multi-user file sharing servers, or even hosting a web server with a large database. The shield's design allows for easy customization, enabling users to add additional cooling solutions or enclosures to fit their specific project needs.
› DOCUMENTATION
Below are the relevant documentation resources for this product. Expand this section to view the links.