RESEARCH: Best Raspberry Pi 4B Case (Optimized for Makers and Hackers)
The new Raspberry Pi 4B was introduced in June 2019 with the choices of RAM of 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB. As of March 2020, 4GB and 2GB models were a runaway success despite of relatively higher price point compared to the previous $35 price point for a Rpi. Rpi 4B 1GB model was the entry point, but it did not show a clear distinction between the previous Rpi 3B+ model which has slightly slower CPU and same size RAM (well.. actually, 4B model had Gigabit ethernet which was big). Later Rpi 4B 1GB model was discontinued and the price point of the 2GB model was lowered to $35 as a new entry point.
Due to the faster CPU (and overclock option), faster ethernet, and more RAM, the Rpi 4B models were reported to have overheating issues. I wanted to find a rugged case that offered passive cooling as well an active fan cooling option as my use case for these 4B models require more computation. Following are a few cases that I ordered from the Amazon.
iUniker Raspberry Pi 4 Case, CNC Metal Case Aluminium Alloy, Cooling Heatsink for Raspberry Pi 4 Model/Pi 4
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZQ2F6DB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
PROS: A solid/heavy metal case that enclose the entire Rpi unit. Kind of feels like a solid bar of soap. Passive cooling works well for my Rpi 4B 1GB model running light tasks.
CONS: No direct access to the GPIO pins without opening the case (however it does have openings to run cables out of the case). Passive cooling might not be enough for computational intensive tasks that will create lots of heat over a long duration.
Conclusion: I really like the solid feel of this case with no moving parts to break as my use case will be to carry it around in my project case to drive my electronic projects/demos.
GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Armor Case with Fan, Passive Aluminum Alloy Case with Cooling Fan (3510 Fan)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083XV78RD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
PROS: A solid/heavy metal case with a fan to provide active cooling. This unit feels like the passive cooling unit described above. The fan was very quiet and the case remained cool after running YouTube for an hour on my 2GB unit. GPIO pins are accessible for the frequent use.
CONS: No cover or protection for the accessible GPIO pins.
Conclusion: I really like this solid case that provides both passive and active cooling. Having access to the GPIO pins make it a great unit to carry around to drive my electronic projects and demos that requires GPIO access. If I have to pick one for portable use, this will be my pick for my use case.
Argon NEO Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Heatsink Case, GPIO and PoE Pins are Accessible
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WMG27T7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
PROS: WIP - Awaiting delivery
CONS: WIP - Awaiting delivery
Conclusion: WIP - This one is very stylish passive cooling case which provide access to the GPIO pins. Compared to the first one which has the fins (heat sink), this one may not be as effective in cooling the unit. I will have to try it out when it arrives.
Argon ONE Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Case with Cooling Fan and Power Button
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WP8WC3V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
PROS: WIP - Awaiting delivery
CONS: WIP - Awaiting delivery
Conclusion: WIP - This one is highly rated due to the stylish case with active cooling fan, access to the GPIO fan, and Rpi In/Out ports all routed to the back of the unit. I plan to house my 4GB unit that will stay at my lab, so the form factor works well. I will have to try it out once it arrives.
WORK IN PROGRESS BELOW—————————————————————
Workaround for a Raspberry Pi not working on some HDMI (e.g. connecting to Samsung TV)
Note for Raspberry Pi4B
because Rpi 4B now has two HDMI ports, HDMI commands now can be applied to either or both ports. Syntax is <command>:<port>
Port 0 is default (if no port is specified, the default is set)
Once your uncomment the #hdmi_safe=1 (to have the Rpi’s HDMI to work with most types of displays), you may have the situation of the picture from both port 0 and 1, but sound only from the port 0. This maybe a bug that is not configured to apply to sound in port 1 (which is new as of Rpi 4B).
Additional reference
Issue with Raspberry Pi 4B connecting to wifi 5Ghz
I was able to connect to 2.4 GHz with no issue, but 5GHz will not connect my Rpi even though I was able to see the SSID. After messing around, I tried to re-image the OS to the SD card again and re-installed the OS.
I was using Raspbian OS Buster - I was being careful with the initial setup especially with the wifi configuration (only configured using 5GHz). It did not see any SSID during the initial setup, but was able to manually select the SSID (it did see both 2.4 & 5GHz) and enter the passphrase. Initially, I had issue with the connection being made and getting disconnected. After a while, the connection was maintained.
As the 5 GHz range is shorter than 2.4 GHz, I am assuming the issue has to do with the 5 GHz channel with my router. The situation probably was worsen with the heavy metal ‘passive + fan cooling’ case I have on this Rpi 4B with 2GB. I will have to see if this issue returns.
Safe Shutdown button
I never really liked using software/script based shutdown button due to the instability/reliability of its functionality. However, I wanted to have this simple shutdown button for the prototypes I will be building that will be used by many users.
PROJECT: RetroPie - Retro-Gaming on the Raspberry Pi (2020 Update)
WORK IN PROGRESS
The update to the new RetroPie OS and the NESPi Case+ is complete
However, new RetroPie OS based on Raspbian Buster (beta) just got release - So I will have to test the new version
PROJECT: 2020 Update of the RetroPie - Retro-gaming System
Case used: NESPi Case+ (note: + model supports power shutdown)
Gamepad: Logitech Gamepad F310
RetroPie OS: 2017 version was outdated and the lastest March 2020 version was installed.
Coming Soon : Lessons learned for the install etc (+ Buster based OS as well)
Retropie ROM
Research - Raspberry Pi project
Raspberry Pi Projects
Raspberry Pi Add-on boards
Astro-Pi
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/buy-the-sense-hat-as-seen-in-space/
https://astropicase.com/product/replica-astropi-case-standard-kit/
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/how-you-an-adult-take-part-in-european-astro-pi-challenge/
Raspberry Pi vs Beaglebone
Raspberry Pi 3B+ vs 3B