Allnet RP-4-MC Raspberry Pi® 4 accessories - housing kit aluminum with passive cooling content_copy

The Allnet RP-4-MC is an aluminium housing for the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, specifically designed for passive cooling of the single-board computer. The housing dissipates heat without additional fans or active cooling components, making it suitable for applications requiring a disturbance-free operating environment. The aluminium construction ensures efficient heat dissipation, with the housing's surface acting as an integrated heatsink. Dimensions are 68.5 mm (width) × 33.5 mm (height) × 96 mm (depth), enabling a compact design suitable for limited mounting spaces. The housing is black, providing a neutral appearance for industrial or professional environments.

Applications
This housing is designed for use with the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, which has higher power consumption compared to the previous Raspberry Pi 3B model, requiring improved cooling. Passive cooling makes it particularly suitable for applications where additional fan noise is not acceptable, such as in office or home environments, industrial automation, or built-in solutions in enclosures. The integrated cooling enables stable operation under standard conditions without additional cooling measures.

Features and Equipment in Detail
The housing includes targeted I/O openings that allow access to all necessary connections of the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. These include 1x LAN port (RJ45), 4x USB ports, 1x USB Type C (for power supply), 1x audio output, 2x Micro-HDMI ports, and provision for external antennas. These openings ensure unrestricted use of all interfaces without compromising the board's functionality. The openings are precisely punched to enable secure and clean installation.

Technology Explained Simply
Passive cooling relies on heat dissipation through the aluminium housing, which functions as a heat exchanger. Heat generated by the Raspberry Pi 4 B during operation is transferred via the metallic surface to the surrounding environment. This principle requires no additional power for fans, thus minimizing noise and wear. Cooling performance is sufficient under standard conditions to ensure safe operation of the board without overheating risk. Integrated cooling is particularly advantageous in environments where continuous fan operation is not acceptable.

Compatibility and Accessories
The housing is compatible exclusively with the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. It is not suitable for earlier models such as the Raspberry Pi 3B, due to differing connectors and dimensions. As an accessory, a replacement power supply unit with 5V/3A via USB-C and a 2m cable is offered, which can be used to power the Raspberry Pi 4 B.

Mounting and Installation
Mounting is done using the 4 screws included in the delivery, which secure the Raspberry Pi board inside the housing. Additionally, 8 heat pads (in two sets of 4) are included to improve heat transfer between the board and the housing. Installation requires no special tools, only a screwdriver. The heat pads are applied to the designated areas of the Raspberry Pi board before securing the board in the housing.

Advantages in Operation
Passive cooling ensures quiet operation, which is beneficial in many application scenarios. The use of aluminium ensures high thermal conductivity, maintaining stable board temperature during operation. The compact design and precise execution of I/O openings enable clean integration into existing systems. The housing protects the board from mechanical stress and provides a professional appearance in industrial or commercial applications.