Raspberry Pi: Transform the popular single-board computer into a server with the NODE Mini Server V3

NODE has returned with another project, not long after it published the Zero Terminal 3. This time, the NODE Mini Server has been updated to make it compatible with the Raspberry Pi 4, which the Raspberry Pi Foundation released fourteen months ago. An 8 GB of RAM model arrived earlier this year, though.

Version 3 of the NODE Mini Server measures 92 x 92 x 26 mm and is 3D printed. NODE has provided a parts list and the lack of soldering or other such modifications should make it easy enough for Raspberry Pi-beginners to grasp. The parts list is as follows:

• Raspberry Pi 4
• Pololu USB 2.0 Type-C connector breakout
• USB-C Male plug breakout board
• Micro HDMI Male component
• Male USB 3.0 Plug (692112030100)
• Female USB 3.0 connector (48405-0003)
• 25x7mm 5V Fan (JST XH 2-Pin connector)
• 10-pin 100 mm 1 mm Pitch Flex Cable
• 20-pin 50mm 0.5 mm Pitch Flex Cable
• USB3 to mSATA SSD Adapter (Smooth Underside)
• Male USB 3.0 Plug (692112030100)
• mSATA Solid State Drive (up to 2TB)
• HDMI Type A connector (47151-1001)
• 2x 10pin 1 mm Pitch connector (52271-1079)
• 20-pin 0.5 mm Pitch connector (52746-2071)
• 20-pin 0.5 Pitch connector (20FLZT-SM1-TF)
• Micro SD SMT socket (Generic)
• Top Cover PCB (88x88 mm 1.6 mm thick)
• Male USB3 PCB (7x14 mm 2 mm thick)
• Female USB3 PCB (19x14 mm 1.6 mm thick)
• HDMI-A PCB (21x24 mm 1.6 mm thick)
• Micro HDMI PCB (14x18 mm 1 mm)
• Micro SD PCB (52.8mm x 49.2 mm 0.8 mm thick)
• 5x M2.5 x 6 mm countersunk screws
• 4x M2 x 20 mm countersunk screws
• 4x M2 x 6 mm x 3.5 mm brass threaded insert
• 4x M2.5 x 10 mm screws (for securing fans)
• 4x M2.5 hex nuts

The NODE Mini Server can be booted via an M.2 drive, and even without using a microSD. The device is cooled via two small fans too, for reference. NODE has included a build guide on its website, which you can follow via the link below. Once there, you can access project source files and editable PCB files should you wish to customise the NODE Mini Server for your uses.