Looking Beyond the Radxa Metal Case 1290 Rock? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The Radxa Metal Case 1290 Rock is a specialized enclosure for the Rock 5T. You might look for radxa metal case 1290 rock alternatives if you need different dimensions or connectivity options. This case weighs 12.3 ounces and provides a rugged shell. It does not support HD-MI output, which limits display choices for some users.
We selected these 6 alternatives because their specifications overlap with the original product. Each option offers distinct physical attributes or interface capabilities. You can compare weights, sizes, and supported features to find the right fit. Some boards provide compact footprints for tight spaces. Others offer stable connections for prototyping projects. Review the listed specs to see which model matches your build requirements. The list includes options for various single-board computer needs. Focus on the measurements and ports that matter for your specific setup.
Our top pick: Radxa Rock 5T Metal Case.
Comparing Radxa Rock Case Alternatives
Treedix Raspberry Pi Pico Breakout Board
The Radxa metal case encloses a Rock 5T board and weighs 12.3 ounces. In contrast, the Treedix TRX5-0139 is a single breakout board built specifically for the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller. It gives you gold-plated connections for direct DIY wiring and hardware assembly. You give up full physical case protection and compatibility with the Rock 5T form factor. You also lose any external chassis coverage. Choose this Treedix board if you need an open, durable base for Raspberry Pi Pico projects rather than an enclosure for a Rock 5T.
Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board
The Radxa case is a 12.3-ounce metal shell designed for the Rock 5T. The Waveshare CM4-IO-BASE-A is an open carrier board measuring 3.35 inches long, 2.2 inches wide, and 2.2 inches high. It supplies essential input and output interfaces for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, including Ethernet and M.2 connectivity. You give up the protective exterior shell and Rock 5T fit provided by the Radxa enclosure. Pick this Waveshare board if your build requires compact integration, networking, and M.2 storage connectivity for a CM4 module instead.
Waveshare CM4 Nano Base Board with Gigabit Ethernet
The Radxa metal case provides a heavy 12.3-ounce chassis for housing the Rock 5T. The Waveshare Nano Base Board (B) is a compact board measuring 2.2 inches long, 1.61 inches wide, and 0.39 inches high, weighing only 0.71 ounces. It provides Gigabit Ethernet networking support for tight Raspberry Pi CM4 installations. You give up the structural protection of a dedicated metal case and support for the Rock 5T. You should choose this Waveshare model if you need Gigabit Ethernet networking in a minimal footprint for a CM4 Lite setup.
Treedix Pi Zero GPIO Prototyping HAT 2-Pack
The Radxa enclosure protects a Rock 5T single-board computer inside a 12.3-ounce metal body. The Treedix package includes two prototyping HAT boards measuring 1.17 inches long, 2.6 inches wide, and 1.17 inches high for the Raspberry Pi Zero. It provides oxidation-resistant connections tailored for long-term connector stability and hardware testing. You give up the complete metal shell and compatibility with the Rock 5T. Choose this Treedix two-pack if you need a durable base to wire custom prototypes on a Raspberry Pi Zero rather than an enclosure for a Rock 5T.
Waveshare Pi Zero 2W to Pi 3B Adapter
The Radxa metal case offers an enclosed chassis weighing 12.3 ounces for the Rock 5T. The Waveshare adapter measures 3.35 inches long, 2.2 inches wide, and 0.2 inches high. It converts a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W into a Raspberry Pi 3B layout while adding Ethernet and HDMI ports and retaining HAT compatibility. You give up the Rock 5T enclosure and its thick metal shell. Choose this adapter board if you need expanded video and network interfaces for a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W instead of an enclosure for a Rock 5T.
Khadas Edge2 Active Cooling Kit
The Radxa case provides a 12.3-ounce metal enclosure built specifically for the Rock 5T. The Khadas KAHS-E-F02 is an active cooling kit measuring 3.15 inches long, 1.18 inches wide, and 0.39 inches high. It delivers dedicated thermal management to prevent overheating on the Khadas Edge2 Maker Kit single-board computer. You give up the Rock 5T format and the passive protection of a full metal chassis. Pick this Khadas cooling kit if you run a Khadas Edge2 Maker Kit and require active temperature control rather than an enclosure for a Rock 5T.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Radxa Rock 5T Metal Case
Best for: Rock 5T metal enclosure needs
- Weight
- 12.3 ounces
This is a metal enclosure designed specifically for the Radxa Rock 5T. It weighs 12.3 ounces, providing a sturdy shell for your hardware. The packaging includes one metal case. It does not support HD-MI. You should choose this if you need a dedicated chassis for the Rock 5T and prefer metal construction over plastic options.
Pros
- Constructed from metal for durability
- Weighs 12.3 ounces
- Includes one metal case
Cons
- Incompatible with HD-MI
- No internal components included
- Limited to Rock 5T compatibility
Good fit if
- You own a Radxa Rock 5T
- You prefer metal enclosures
- You need a dedicated protective case
Skip if
- You need HD-MI support
- You do not have a Rock 5T
- You want an all-in-one computer
Verdict: Radxa Metal Case 1290 for Rock 5T is a specialized metal shell for the Rock 5T. It suits builders who need a rugged enclosure and do not require HD-MI connectivity.
Treedix Raspberry Pi Pico Breakout Board
Best for: DIY Raspberry Pi Pico prototyping
This Treedix breakout board provides a flexible PCB shield designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi Pico. You get dual-sided gold plating on the board surface and plated through-holes for pin contacts. It includes dedicated pin headers that require manual soldering before mounting your board. It suits makers building compact hardware expansions who prefer raw board integration over standard protective metal enclosures.
Pros
- Dual-sided gold-plated PCB surfaces
- Plated through-holes for stable pin contacts
- Includes dedicated pin headers tailored for Raspberry Pi Pico
Cons
- Requires manual soldering and assembly before use
- Provides an exposed PCB layout without an outer enclosure
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated breakout shield for Raspberry Pi Pico projects.
- You are comfortable soldering your own pin headers.
Skip if
- You need an enclosed metal case to shield internal electronics.
- You prefer pre-soldered, plug-and-play development hardware.
Verdict: Treedix Raspberry Pi Pico Breakout Board delivers a gold-plated prototyping base for hobbyists who want to assemble and solder their own Pico pin headers.
Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board
Best for: compact CM4 integration projects
- Ethernet
- RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
- Dimensions
- 3.35 × 2.2 × 2.2 inches
This Waveshare base board supports Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Lite and EMMC series modules. It features a standard CM4 socket and color-coded 40-pin GPIO header. Connectivity includes Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, USB, CSI/DSI, and an M.2 slot. The compact design measures 2.2 by 2.2 by 3.35 inches. It is suitable for evaluating the CM4 or integrating it into end products.
Pros
- Supports CM4 Lite and EMMC modules
- Includes Gigabit Ethernet and M.2 slot
- Color-coded 40-pin GPIO header
- Compact 2.2-inch square footprint
Cons
- Lacks RTC, fan controller, and battery holder found in version B
- Requires separate mounting screws for M.2 interface
Good fit if
- You need a compact carrier board for CM4 Lite
- You require Gigabit Ethernet and M.2 connectivity
- You want to integrate the module into end products
Skip if
- You need built-in RTC or fan control
- You require a pre-assembled enclosure with battery holder
Verdict: Waveshare CM4 Mini Base Board A offers essential I/O in a small form factor. It fits users who need Ethernet and M.2 support without extra features.
Waveshare CM4 Nano Base Board with Gigabit Ethernet
Best for: compact Raspberry Pi CM4 embedded builds
- Ethernet
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Dimensions
- 2.2 × 1.61 × 0.39 inches
- Weight
- 0.71 ounces
View on Amazon: Waveshare CM4 Nano Base Board with Gigabit Ethernet
This carrier board gives you a compact platform sized to match the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4. Measuring 2.2 by 1.61 inches and weighing 0.71 ounces, it integrates a standard CM4 socket with Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, and a 40-pin GPIO header. You also get CSI, DSI, and a 3.5mm audio jack, making it suitable for tight embedded deployments.
Pros
- Matches the exact physical dimensions of the Compute Module 4
- Integrates Gigabit Ethernet and a standard 40-pin GPIO header
- Provides a Micro SD card slot for CM4 Lite variants
- Includes dedicated CSI, DSI, and 3.5mm audio connections
Cons
- Requires you to purchase the Compute Module 4 separately
- Limits external USB peripheral data transfer to USB 2.0
Good fit if
- You need a carrier board matching the exact footprint of the CM4.
- You plan to run a CM4 Lite using Micro SD card storage.
- You require wired Gigabit networking alongside camera and display headers.
Skip if
- You require high-speed USB 3.0 ports for external drives.
- You want an all-in-one unit that includes the processing module.
Verdict: Waveshare Nano Base Board with Gigabit Ethernet suits builders needing full CM4 peripheral breakouts within the module's exact footprint.
Treedix Pi Zero GPIO Prototyping HAT 2-Pack
Best for: Pi Zero prototyping with stable connections
- Dimensions
- 1.17 × 2.6 × 1.17 inches
This Treedix GPIO Protoboard HAT provides a stable platform for Raspberry Pi Zero projects. The gold-plated surface prevents oxidation and improves installation strength. It includes two 40-pin headers that fit the connection holes perfectly. The lead-free cutting ensures a longer service life. You can move breadboard projects to this prototype version. The board requires simple soldering during setup.
Pros
- Gold-plated surface prevents oxidation
- Includes two 40-pin headers
- Lead-free cutting for durability
- Fits Raspberry Pi Zero
Cons
- Requires simple soldering to install
- Package does not include Raspberry Pi Zero
- No active cooling or fan support
Good fit if
- You need a durable prototyping base for Pi Zero
- You want to prevent connector oxidation
- You are building a static embedded project
Skip if
- You need a plug-and-play solution without soldering
- You require active cooling for the board
- You want to use a Raspberry Pi 3 or 4
Verdict: Treedix GPIO Protoboard HAT for Pi Zero is a solid choice for makers who need a reliable, oxidation-resistant base for their Pi Zero prototypes. It fits users who prioritize long-term connector stability over quick setup.
Waveshare Pi Zero 2W to Pi 3B Adapter
Best for: Pi Zero 2W users needing Ethernet and HDMI
- Ethernet
- 100M
- Dimensions
- 3.35 × 2.2 × 0.2 inches
This Waveshare adapter lets you use a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W in a Pi 3B form factor. It adds a 100M Ethernet port, HDMI output, and four USB interfaces. The board connects via pogo pins, making installation simple. You get access to Pi 3B series HATs, though GPIO height increases. It includes audio jacks but excludes PoE support. This is a cost-effective way to expand connectivity for your Zero 2W.
Pros
- Provides 100M Ethernet connectivity
- Includes HDMI and 4 USB ports
- Supports Pi 3B series HATs
- Onboard 3.5mm headphone jack
Cons
- Ethernet port lacks PoE support
- GPIO height exceeds standard Pi 3B
- Does not support original Pi Zero
Good fit if
- You need Ethernet on a Pi Zero 2W
- You want to use Pi 3B HATs
- You require HDMI output from a Zero 2W
Skip if
- You need PoE over Ethernet
- You are using a standard Pi Zero
- You need low-profile GPIO clearance
Verdict: Waveshare Pi Zero 2W to Pi 3B Adapter is a practical solution for users who need Ethernet and HDMI from a Pi Zero 2W while retaining HAT compatibility. It fits projects requiring expanded I/O without the bulk of a full Pi 3B.
Khadas Edge2 Active Cooling Kit
Best for: Edge2 Maker Kit thermal management
- Dimensions
- 3.15 × 1.18 × 0.39 inches
This active cooling kit includes a heatsink and a 3705 cooling fan for the Khadas Edge2 Maker Kit. The fan measures 1.18 inches wide and 3.15 inches long. It comes with thermal pads and screws for mounting. You should use it if you need to manage heat in a compact SBC setup. It does not fit the standard Edge SBC due to short wires.
Pros
- Includes a 3705 cooling fan for active heat dissipation
- Comes with off-white thermal pads for heat transfer
- Includes four CM2 x 4.5 screws for installation
- Designed specifically for the Edge2 Maker Kit
Cons
- The 3705 cooling fan cannot be mounted on the standard Khadas Edge SBC
- Fan wires are too short for the standard Edge SBC
- Requires separate purchase of the Edge2 Maker Kit for compatibility
Good fit if
- You own a Khadas Edge2 Maker Kit and need active cooling
- You want to ensure stable performance under load
- You have space for a 3.15-inch long fan assembly
Skip if
- You use the standard Khadas Edge SBC without the Maker Kit
- You need a passive cooling solution without fans
- You require a fan compatible with the original Edge SBC
Verdict: Khadas Edge2 Active Cooling Kit is a necessary add-on for the Edge2 Maker Kit to prevent overheating. It fits users who prioritize thermal management for their specific SBC model.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Radxa Rock 5T Metal Case | Treedix Raspberry Pi Pico Breakout Board | Waveshare Raspberry Pi CM4 Mini Base Board | Waveshare CM4 Nano Base Board with Gigabit Ethernet | Treedix Pi Zero GPIO Prototyping HAT 2-Pack | Waveshare Pi Zero 2W to Pi 3B Adapter | Khadas Edge2 Active Cooling Kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | not specified | not specified | RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet | not specified | 100M | not specified |
| Networking | not specified | not specified | not specified | Gigabit Ethernet | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Weight | 12.3 ounces | not specified | not specified | 0.71 ounces | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Dimensions | not specified | not specified | 3.35 × 2.2 × 2.2 inches | 2.2 × 1.61 × 0.39 inches | 1.17 × 2.6 × 1.17 inches | 3.35 × 2.2 × 0.2 inches | 3.15 × 1.18 × 0.39 inches |
| Size | not specified | 1PCS | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Model | not specified | TRX5-0139 | CM4-IO-BASE-A | Nano Base Board (B) | not specified | Pi Zero 2W to Pi3 Converter-Ver B | KAHS-E-F02 |
| Color | not specified | not specified | CM4-IO-BASE-A | not specified | not specified | PI 2W to Pi 3 Series Adapter | Edge2's Active Cooling Kit |
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Frequently asked questions
Which board works with the Radxa Metal Case 1290?
The Radxa Metal Case 1290 is designed specifically for the Radxa Rock 5T single-board computer. It serves builders who need a dedicated metal enclosure for this specific hardware layout. The published specifications list its total weight at 12.3 ounces. It does not provide access for HD-MI connectivity.
What networking ports are available on the Waveshare CM4 Nano Base Board?
The Waveshare CM4 Nano Base Board includes Gigabit Ethernet networking. It measures 1.61 inches wide, 2.2 inches long, and 0.39 inches high, with a weight of 0.71 ounces. This compact board accommodates the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Lite when you need wired networking in tight physical installations.
How does the Waveshare Pi Zero 2W to Pi 3B Adapter expand connectivity?
The Waveshare adapter adds Ethernet and HDMI ports to a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. It maintains standard HAT compatibility while matching the physical footprint of a Pi 3B board. Its dimensions measure 3.35 inches in length, 2.2 inches in width, and 0.2 inches in height.
What expansion features are on the Waveshare CM4 Mini Base Board?
The Waveshare CM4 Mini Base Board provides Ethernet and M.2 support for compact integration projects. The model CM4-IO-BASE-A measures 3.35 inches long, 2.2 inches wide, and 2.2 inches high. You can use it to attach storage and networking hardware directly to your Compute Module 4.
Which hardware requires the Khadas Edge2 Active Cooling Kit?
The Khadas Edge2 Active Cooling Kit is made specifically for the Edge2 Maker Kit single-board computer. Model KAHS-E-F02 provides active thermal management to prevent overheating during operation. The cooling unit measures 3.15 inches long, 1.18 inches wide, and 0.39 inches high to fit the Edge2 layout.
What makes the Treedix Pi Zero GPIO Prototyping HAT durable?
The Treedix Pi Zero GPIO Prototyping HAT features an oxidation-resistant base designed for long-term connector stability. It comes in a 2-pack configuration measuring 1.17 inches long, 2.6 inches wide, and 1.17 inches high. You can solder prototype circuits onto it for a stable connection to a Pi Zero.