Waveshare has rolled out a new ultra-compact mini PC enclosure built specifically for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5), giving hobbyists and tinkerers an easy way to turn the CM5 into a clean, fanless desktop-style system. The product is called the CM5-DUAL-ETH-BOX-B, and while the name won’t win anyone over, the concept is straightforward: you get a tiny case with a carrier board inside, then you add your own Raspberry Pi CM5 module to complete the build.
One of the biggest draws here is size. The enclosure measures just 101 x 62 x 23.4 mm (about 4 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches), making it an appealing option for anyone who wants a compact Raspberry Pi CM5 mini PC for a desk, media setup, home lab shelf, or embedded project where space is tight. The design is also built for fanless operation, which is ideal if you’re aiming for silent computing in a living room, office, or always-on environment.
Where this CM5 mini PC case really stands out is connectivity. Since the Compute Module is designed to rely on carrier boards for expansion, Waveshare’s built-in board focuses heavily on I/O, offering a generous selection of ports and slots for projects that need flexibility. According to the provided specs, the enclosure includes:
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and USB 2.0 Type-A
USB 2.0 Type-C
Dual 4-lane MIPI
M.2 M-key
TF card socket
HDMI
Dual Ethernet (1G and 2.5G)
That dual Ethernet setup is especially notable for networking-focused builds like routers, firewalls, lightweight servers, network appliances, and lab environments where separating networks or running faster wired connections matters. At the same time, HDMI output keeps it practical as a small desktop for everyday lightweight use, from basic productivity to dashboards, monitoring screens, and kiosk-style setups.
Wireless networking isn’t built into the enclosure itself, but that may not be a dealbreaker. Many CM5 variants come with wireless support, so users can simply choose the module configuration that fits their needs.
On the performance side, a CM5-powered box like this is positioned for light daily tasks rather than heavy workstation loads. The quad-core CPU based on Cortex-A76 cores isn’t meant to compete with modern desktop processors, but it should feel responsive for typical low-to-medium intensity workloads. The provided information notes that in Geekbench 6, performance can land in the neighborhood of older dual-core Intel processors from the Skylake and Kaby Lake era, which gives a helpful reference point for expectations.
Pricing is also part of the appeal. The Waveshare CM5-DUAL-ETH-BOX-B is available for purchase at just under $100, but it’s important to factor in that the Raspberry Pi CM5 itself is not included—you’ll need to supply your own Compute Module.
For anyone looking to build a Raspberry Pi CM5 mini PC with a clean footprint, lots of ports, dual Ethernet, and silent fanless operation, this new Waveshare enclosure is a practical, compact way to turn the CM5 into a versatile small-form-factor system.
