That’s the quiet revolution behind the latest HackberryPi CM5 — a thinner, aluminium-enclosed single-board computer designed by open-source innovator Zitao Liu. It’s not just a cosmetic facelift. This redesign aims to fix what Raspberry Pi users have griped about for years: thermal throttling, limited onboard connectivity, and, yes, the boxy plastic shells.
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Image for representational purposes only (source: https://www.hackster.io/)
Unveiled on Hackster.io, the new HackberryPi CM5 shrinks the footprint but upgrades the muscle. It retains compatibility with Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) standards but wraps it in a machined aluminium chassis that doubles as a heatsink.
“The thinner form factor and the full-aluminium body improve thermal dissipation while reducing bulk,” notes Zitao.
Aluminium on the Inside (and outside, of course)
Gone are the traditional plastic enclosures that choke heat. The CNC-machined aluminium body of the CM5 is not just a shell; it’s a heat-management system. Unlike Pi cases where fans are mandatory, the aluminium here passively cools the processor during intensive tasks — whether that’s machine learning at the edge or acting as a local server.
Zitao’s decision to go aluminium isn’t just aesthetic or thermal — it’s strategic. In the world of SBCs (single-board computers), where size, power, and endurance define usability, material science is emerging as the new frontier.
Specs that punch above weight
The CM5 design supports CM4 modules and integrates:
All this in a slab that’s roughly 20 per cent thinner than previous iterations.
This compact board now suits embedded systems, IoT applications, and AI on the edge, which often need durable hardware in tight enclosures.
What it signals for aluminium in tech
The CM5 may not be the first to use aluminium in embedded devices—but it represents a growing trend. From Apple’s MacBook chassis to this Raspberry Pi challenger, aluminium is the go-to choice for high-performance, thermally stable, lightweight enclosures.
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And with the aluminium casings now CNC-machined in small batches, even indie developers like Zitao are embracing high-grade fabrication. This is opening a new niche for custom aluminium component suppliers — a space where demand is agile, not just high-volume.
In the crowded world of Raspberry Pi alternatives, HackberryPi CM5 makes aluminium its secret weapon. It’s thinner, cooler (literally), and speaks to a generation of developers that want hardware that performs and endures.
As demand for edge computing rises, expect to see more aluminium creeping into your circuit boards—not just your smartphones.
Pricing anticipation
As of now, the official pricing for the HackberryPi CM5 hasn’t been publicly disclosed. However, insights from the community and related product listings provide some context.
A Reddit user mentioned purchasing a HackberryPi variant for USD 135, noting that the top case is metal while the rest is 3D printed, with a battery life of approximately 3 to 4 hours. Given the enhanced features and aluminium chassis of the CM5, it’s reasonable to anticipate a slightly higher price point.
For comparison, the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) itself is available in India, with prices ranging from INR 5,310 to INR 14,337, depending on the configuration. A comprehensive development kit, including the CM5 module, IO board, case, cooler, antenna kit, power supply, and cables, is listed at INR 20,999.
Considering these figures, the HackberryPi CM5, with its custom aluminium enclosure and integrated features, might be priced in the vicinity of USD 150 to USD 200. However, this is speculative, and for the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to monitor official announcements or join the HackberryPi Discord community, where the creator typically shares updates.
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