PiBridge is a modular PCIe expansion board for the Raspberry Pi 5 that enables it to function as a fully capable desktop workstation. With support for NVMe SSDs, GPUs, and even external CPUs, PiBridge turns the Pi 5 into a flexible, powerful, and affordable platform for gaming, AI, and productivity.
- PCIe Gen 2.0 x1 lane breakout for NVMe, GPU, or CPU modules
- Boot Windows 10/11 or Linux from NVMe SSD
- Connect external graphics cards for gaming or ML workloads
- Laser-cut case design and modular enclosure
- Budget under ₹25,000 (~$300)
- Gaming machine using Raspberry Pi and external GPU
- Portable AI/ML or robotics workstation
- Educational DIY PC project
- Hack Club student hardware build
- Raspberry Pi 5 (8 GB recommended)
- PCIe riser and power regulator
- NVMe SSD (tested with 500 GB)
- Optional GPU/CPU modules
- Soldering kit and basic electronics
- Laser cutter or 3D printer for case
| Item | Qty | Approx. Price (INR) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 5 (8 GB) | 1 | ₹8,300 | Main board and controller |
| NVMe SSD (500 GB) | 1 | ₹2,500 | OS + storage |
| PCIe Riser + Adapter + Regulator | 1 | ₹2,000 | PCIe interface breakout |
| Soldering Kit | 1 | ₹1,200 | Assembly and prototyping |
| Basic Electronics (caps, resistors) | 1 | ₹800 | Supporting electronics for board |
| Laser-cut Acrylic Sheets | 1 | ₹1,000 | Mounts, shielding, and structural panels |
| General Plastic (ABS/PETG) | 1 | ₹1,000 | Custom enclosure |
| Fans, standoffs, thermal pads | 1 | ₹1,500 | Cooling and support |
| Buffer for Testing + Damage | — | ₹4,500 | Extra safety & replacement parts |
| Total | — | ₹25,000 |
This project is licensed under the MIT License.
Made with passion by Reshabh Ohall
Slack: @Reshabh Ohall
GitHub: github.com/Reshabh-Ohall