Build the Hardware
Case, Parts & Tools
Collect every part needed for the tested four-bay Raspberry Pi 5 server before starting the physical assembly.
The 3D-printed enclosure and original assembly method belong to the MakerWorld creator. This page adapts the creator’s parts list for the tested Home Server Guide build and clearly identifies the parts we changed.
Case files and assembly video
Download the printable case files from MakerWorld and keep the creator’s video open while building. The next page explains exactly where this guide differs from the video.
3D-printed parts
Print every part supplied with the MakerWorld model. Any decent PLA filament should work for this build.
The reference server was printed in SUNLU PLA because it was inexpensive and printed successfully. SUNLU is not required; use any reputable PLA that prints reliably on your printer.
- All case panels and frame pieces from the MakerWorld download
- Four hard-drive trays
- Any brackets, covers and cable-management pieces included with the model
Any reputable PLA is suitable; SUNLU PLA was used for the reference build.
Main electronics and storage
| Part | Quantity | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 5 | 1 | 4GB or 8GB will work; the reference build uses 8GB. | Buy at Pi Hut ↗ |
| Radxa Penta SATA HAT | 1 | Provides the four SATA connections and powers the Pi through the HAT. | Buy ↗ |
| 40-pin GPIO extender | 1 | Required by the case/HAT arrangement shown in the creator’s build. | Buy ↗ |
| Hard drives | 4 | The reference build uses four 6TB WD Red drives for RAID5. | Buy ↗ |
| MicroSD card | 1 | Used for Raspberry Pi OS. | Buy ↗ |
| CY SATA III 3.0 7+15 22-pin SATA male-to-female data and power extension cable, 30cm (red) | 4 | One cable for each hard drive. Each cable carries both SATA data and drive power, so a separate SATA power splitter is not required. | Buy ↗ |
| Barrel-jack extension | 1 | Extends the Radxa Penta SATA HAT power connection to the outside of the enclosure so the 12V power supply can be connected after assembly. | Buy ↗ |
Cooling and power — use these instead of the video parts
| Use in this guide | Do not use from the video | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Noctua NF-A8 5V PWM fan Buy ↗ | 80mm × 15mm Molex fan and Raspberry Pi Active Cooler | The Noctua fan connects to the Raspberry Pi PWM header and can be controlled according to temperature. It must be connected before the Pi is fitted into the case. |
| Recommended 12V power supply Buy ↗ | The lower-capacity supply used in the original build | The reference build powers the Radxa HAT, Raspberry Pi and four drives from one supply. |
Keep the link for reference for now. It will be replaced when a suitable in-stock model has been tested and confirmed.
Screws, spacers and inserts
| Part | Quantity | Purpose | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| M3 screws for the hard drives | 16 | Four screws per drive. | Buy ↗ |
| M2.5 × 18mm standoffs | 2 | Raspberry Pi mounting. | Buy ↗ |
| M2.5 × 8mm standoffs | 2 | SATA HAT mounting. | Buy ↗ |
| M3 heat-set inserts | 12 | Installed into the printed case where shown in the video. | Buy ↗ |
| M3 × 10mm button-head screws | 12 | Case assembly. | Buy ↗ |
| M3 × 16mm button-head screws | 2 | Used where shown in the creator’s assembly. | Buy ↗ |
Tools
- 3D printer, or access to a printing service
- Small screwdriver and the correct hex keys for the screws
- Soldering iron or heat-set-insert tool for fitting the M3 inserts
- Small side cutters or scissors for cable ties
- Cable ties for keeping wires clear of the fan blades
Work slowly and keep each insert straight. An insert fitted at an angle can damage the printed part or make the case difficult to assemble.
Before continuing
- Every printed part from MakerWorld is ready.
- You have all four 30cm CY SATA data-and-power extension cables and all drive-mounting screws.
- You have the Noctua PWM fan, not the Molex fan shown in the video.
- You are not planning to install the Raspberry Pi Active Cooler.
- You have the 12V power supply and the barrel-jack extension required by the case.
- You have watched the physical assembly section once before starting.
Do not begin the case assembly until every required part is present. Missing one spacer or cable can force you to dismantle the case later.