Yahboom YB-EPA01-V1.0 PCIe to M.2 Adapter Expansion Board for Raspberry Pi 5 NVMe 2230-2280

Overview

This PCIe to M.2 adapter expansion board for Raspberry Pi 5 connects an M.2 NVMe SSD (M.2 interface) to the Raspberry Pi 5 PCIe 2.0 slot for storage expansion and optional system boot from the NVMe SSD. It supports multiple M.2 SSD lengths (2230/2242/2260/2280) and is designed to stack on the back of the Raspberry Pi 5 without blocking heatsink/case installation. The board supports Gen2/Gen3 modes and uses an FPC adapter cable connection.

Key Features

• Designed specifically for Raspberry Pi 5; supports stacking with Raspberry Pi 5.
• PCIe to M.2 NVMe SSD adapter (note: only supports NVMe SSD protocol).
• Supported M.2 sizes: 2230 / 2242 / 2260 / 2280.
• Supports Gen2/Gen3 modes and booting Raspberry Pi 5 from SSD.
• FPC elbow cable design with connection silkscreen prompts to help avoid incorrect wiring.
• Back-mounted stacking design intended to avoid impacting heat dissipation and case installation; supports installation of an active radiator (cooler) above the Raspberry Pi 5.
• Connection note: if the cable is connected in reverse, it will not work and may cause malfunction and damage.

Specifications

Performance reference (as shown)

• Official data: Raspberry Pi Gen2 mode theoretical bandwidth: 5Gbps
• Official data: Raspberry Pi Gen3 mode theoretical bandwidth: 8Gbps
• Measured (for reference only): SD card buffered disk reads: 75.32 MB/sec
• Measured (for reference only): M.2 NVMe buffered disk reads: 777.93 MB/sec

Note: The measured data is for reference only.

What's Included

Package contents vary by version selection:

• PCIe to M.2 Adapter: PCIe to M.2 adapter board, FPC adapter cable, screw copper pillar
• PCIe to M.2 Adapter + 256GB SSD (2280): PCIe to M.2 adapter board, 256GB SSD (2280), FPC adapter cable, screw copper pillar; system image file has been written; Raspberry Pi 5 official system image file is pre-installed for direct use

*Shipping list does not include Raspberry Pi 5 and active radiator.

Applications

• Raspberry Pi 5 storage expansion using M.2 NVMe SSD
• Projects requiring faster read/write speed than microSD storage (performance depends on SSD, configuration, and system settings)
• System boot from NVMe SSD (requires configuration)

For compatibility checks (SSD size/keying, boot configuration, or stacking/case fitment), contact https://rcdrone.top/ or email support@rcdrone.top.

Tutorial Video

Manuals / Tutorials

PCIE to M.2 expansion board

SSD boot operation method (as shown)

1. Enter the following command to modify the boot information:

   sudo rpi-eeprom-config --edit

   Modify:
   • BOOT_ORDER to: BOOT_ORDER=0xf416
   • Enable PCIE_PROBE: PCIE_PROBE=1
   Then save, exit and restart.
2. Install the NVMe system. Open the terminal and enter the following commands (as shown):

   sudo rpi-eeprom-config--edit
   sudo apt updates
   sudo apt install rpi-imager

   Then, by clicking the Raspberry Pi icon on the desktop > Accessories > Imager, install the system to the NVMe solid state drive.

Details

Add fast NVMe storage to Raspberry Pi 5 through its PCIe connection while keeping a compact, back-mounted stack.

Designed to support multiple M.2 lengths, faster I/O than microSD, and compatibility with stacking and active cooling setups.

An M.2 NVMe SSD mounts directly to the board, enabling storage expansion and optional boot from NVMe.

Choose the adapter by itself or a bundle that includes a preinstalled 256GB 2280 NVMe SSD and mounting parts.

The labeled FPC elbow cable helps align the Raspberry Pi 5 PCIe connection correctly during installation.

The low-profile, back-mounted layout leaves room for an active cooler above the Raspberry Pi 5.

Works with enclosure builds where the Raspberry Pi 5 and the NVMe expansion are mounted inside a chassis.

Multiple standoff positions support common M.2 NVMe lengths from 2230 through 2280.

The M.2 slot accepts M‑Key and B&M‑Key NVMe drives (NVMe protocol only).

Correct FPC cable orientation is required; reversing the cable can prevent operation and may cause damage.

On-board PWR and ACT LEDs provide quick status checks for power and drive activity.

The board matches the Raspberry Pi 5 footprint for clean, stacked mounting on the back side.

Follow the sequence for mounting the SSD and standoffs, then complete the stacked assembly with optional cooling.

A Yahboom tutorial link provides step-by-step guidance for installing and using the PCIe to M.2 adapter.

The Yahboom YB-EPA01-V1.0 PCIe to M.2 adapter uses an M.2 M-Key NVMe interface and compact 88×56×17 mm layout for Raspberry Pi 5 storage expansion.

The Yahboom YB-EPA01-V1.0 adapter board provides a compact M.2 mounting layout with a built-in USB-A connector for straightforward connections.