I made a mini desktop Raspberry Pi case

Want your Raspberry Pi case to look like a mini desktop PC? Here is my 3D printed attempt, which can house the Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi 4.

During those Covid lockdowns, time was plentiful. So, among other things, I put all my energy into making YouTube videos, building a wooden café and 3D printing. Yes, I took the plunge and bought a Prusa MK3S+ after ten years of wanting a 3D printer.

When it turned up and I built the thing, a thoroughly enjoyable process, I then decided it was time to build something. So I set about creating Raspberry Pi PC case. Because I thought they looked awesome and because I wanted to use OctoPrint for remote webcam monitoring.

Unfortunately, while the mini café is still very much closed for business, I did, however, finish my mini Raspberry Pi PC case.

So here we are with a Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi4 mini desktop case. Which you could also use for 3D printing or as a media player, turn it into a retro games emulator, install Ubuntu, make a smart home and many other things.

Whatever the reason, by the end I had created something with that has in-built WiFi, HDMI support, space for an SD card slot and, most importantly of all, RGB lighting. Oooh pretty!

Please note: This is the script from my YouTube video, which I will add to the article once complete.

Just a Raspberry Pi-pe dream

Raspberry Pi PC cases are, of course, nothing new. But I wanted to make one as small as possible – hence why in my case it is vertically arranged. This has the added benefit of making it easy to connect and disconnect the ethernet cable and USB devices, as opposed to reaching round the back.

Small has multiple benefits. In this instance, anyway. For starters, it means the Raspberry Pi case takes up less desk space, uses less material to print and has that essential cute factor. Because at the end of the day I wanted it to look like a real PC. Only smaller and incapable of running Crysis.

The original plan was to make each panel separate, partly because the construction would have been satisfying and it would have allowed envelope postage. However, at this size things got rather fiddly and the screws tended to rip the plastic lugs apart or snap them off.

A chunkier design would have helped, admittedly, but for ease of 3D printing, strength, longevity and my sanity I stuck with a one-body top, bottom, front and back with side panels you screw on using M2 screws. The result is a much hardier design, more realistic and easier for access.

Of course, most PC cases use glass so you can show off your components. In this case, the Raspberry Pi Ice Tower (£17) and included RGB fan. So I decided to add perspex sides as an option and, honestly, it looks nifty.

Pi squared

Did I need to buy a ridiculously large laser cutter that I should not be allowed near for fear of melting my fingers? Hell no. Was it worth it? I think you will agree the answer is yes.

To be fair, solid panels look awesome too. I deliberately chose to have a screw mount for the Ice Tower fan on the side so you can perfectly line up the fan and opening. Or just leave it attached to that miniature metal CPU cooler.

There are also two front-facing fan holes for those who also purchase two extra mini RGB fans (around £6). Does a Raspberry Pi 3 or 4 need this much cooling? Unless you live on the sun, no. Does it add to the mini-PC aesthetic? Absolutely.

For the solid side panel option, I added a pattern to jazz things up and reveal yet more RGB lighting. At night, it casts a cool pattern on whatever surface the Raspberry Pi is sitting on. I chose honeycomb because it is a great 3D infill and if it is good enough for bees, it is good enough for me.

An early prototype actually had a honeycomb grille for the two front fans. However, this made printing more difficulty and also it had to avoid blocking the front fan screws, which are set below the surface for neatness. Spray or buy black screws and things get stealthy.

One day I will probably get the whole case made in metal for the ultimate overkill Raspberry Pi mini PC case experience. Preferably aluminium or titanium. Until then or if you buy from me, I print using PLA or its higher-temperature PETG sibling.

Both are strong, flex a little without the sides on and can be sanded and painted if necessary. A custom side panel from someone with artistic skills, unlike me, could make something epic. If you do, let me know.

Because 3D printing filaments come in a wide variety of colours and materials, I made a wooden version, one that glows in the dark, one that Apple fans may approve of, one in a semi-transparent deep red and more.

Was it easy to make? No. I actually got some help initially but my plain and simple design got turned into something truly awful and then I ended up asking for so many changes I redid almost all of it.

In fact, had I just started using CAD software from day one I probably would have finished the project sooner. But running a YouTube channel (and building a cafe) takes up so much time things took longer than anticipated.

Do I regret making it? Absolutely not. Besides learning new skills and losing five per cent of my sanity, which was limited in the first place, I now have this cool little PC design that really does look great.

A slice of humble Pi

Not only that, it signifies a journey. From a drawing even a child would be embarassed by to a functional, 3D printable design that actually works and that I can put in a box, along with instructions and other bits, and post to you. At a cost, obviously.

Honestly, as someone who loves making things the whole process was both challenging and rewarding. And, if I actually sell any, the process is ongoing because, you know, delivery, marketing and many other things you do not really consider until you try.

Should you purchase? Well, if you do obviously your Raspberry Pi can sleep better knowing it looks like a real PC. It also helps the channel as all proceeds go towards me eating and drinking and not living outside Tesco in a soggy cardboard box.

So feel free to like, subscribe and click this link if you want to buy one. Maybe even comment your thoughts. Now if you will excuse me, I have a cafe to glue.