VilrosComplete Starter Kit for Raspberry Pi 5 with Aluminum Passive and Active Cooling Case-Includes Pi 5 Board, Case, Power Supply, 128GB Preloaded SD Card, HDMI Cables & More

Works perfectly

I have a few Vilros kits, and I have always liked the product line. I purchased this one to stream games from my PC to my TV downstairs (with special software, not included). This kit performs as expected. The PI5 works flawlessly, the cases acts as a passive heatsink backed up by a cooling fan after a set temperature is reached. This kit is pretty much "turnkey" as it includes everything to get it up and running very quickly right in the box. PI5, MicroSD with preinstalled OS, power and HDMI cables and even a case if you want to carry it around. Another fine kit by Vilros!

I have a Dell Inspiron desktop machine that's accumulating problems, so I wanted to replace it. Also, I live a mobile lifestyle, so something that size, with those power requirements, and sensitive to movement, isn't ideal. It's about 6" x 11" x 14" tall, not big really, but not great in the limited space of an RV. I just bought this Raspberry Pi 5 to take off some of the load from it, so I can transition away from it to a set of SBCs through a KVM switch. I also have a Pi 3B, which can do a bit, but there are just too many things it isn't up to. After having used this Pi 5 for a few days, I can say that its performance is competitive with the Inspiron, but at about 2.5" x 3.75" x 1" (barely more than 1% the size of the desktop!), with no moving parts other than the cooling fan, and power needs that can be met by a USB C supply, it's great. The assembly was very easy, though I did take my time with it. Once assembled, it started right up, updated a few things, and was ready to use. There are still a bunch of things I want to install on it, but the 128 GB microSD card should be plenty for what needs to be on this. I've found that the (fairly solid) aluminum case gets pretty warm, which makes sense given that it's supposed to be passive cooling, but so far I haven't been able to hear the fan. Either it hasn't gotten hot enough for that, or the fan is just that quiet. I'm not even expecting to make use of the GPIO capabilities, which of course would make this even more useful. The price is ludicrous, unless you're used to SBCs and the newer mini-computers. This was worth the wait. If you haven't tried an SBC yet, this could be a good one to start with.

When I ordered the kit, it was on backorder of about 3 weeks - This was not unusual, as it appears that Raspberry Pi5 is currently in short stock globally. It was COMPLETELY worth the wait, as Vilros included everything you will need to get a working device up and running quickly (including assembly instructions and videos access via the QR code within the kit). The internal fan is pre-mounted, and connecting it to the Pi is a simple connector. Install a couple of mounting screws, reassemble the external case and insert the SD card and I was off and running. Regarding comments about the kit lacking a bootable OS, that was not my experience with the included Samsung 128GB microSD card - The desktop appeared after answering a couple of easy setup questions (make sure to connect a monitor to HDMI port 0, keyboard, and network cable (wireless also available) prior to initial start), and was online within minutes. Some of the nice bonus items included in the kit are the dedicated power supply (not found with most Raspberry Pi 5 items advertised on Amazon, be aware!), internal fan, Micro SD to USB Adapter to restore a backup copy from another SD card, and booklet that describes the history of the Pi and additional information specific to Pi5 - That was unexpected, who includes printed materials for any products anymore?! The only improvement that I can suggest to Vilros is to add an on/off button to the external case for the internal button - Currently, this is nothing more than an oversized access hole to the teeny-tiny on/off button built into the system board, that requires a paperclip or similar to press. If you are in the market for a comprehensive Raspberry Pi5 device, this kit has it all!

Great kit! Everything you need and more to get up and running.

Works well and no problems

This kit includes everything that you need to use the Raspberry Pi (including the Pi too) as a computer with the exception of keyboard, mouse and monitor. The Pi and case assemble easily in 5 minutes and the Raspberry Pi OS is preloaded on the included Samsung Micro CD card. Put it all together and start it up!I recommend NOT installing the SD card cover unless you are certain that you won't be removing or swapping cards to back them up or change operating systems. The SD card cover cannot be removed without opening the case.

Great combo of parts and makes an awesome kit!