Waveshare has launched the PoE HAT (H), a thin Power over Ethernet(PoE) HAT for the Raspberry Pi 5 that easily fits inside the official case and works with the active cooler.
The HAT is specially designed for the Raspberry Pi 5 and supports IEEE 802.3af/at PoE standards. It features an isolated switched-mode power supply (SMPS) that delivers a stable 5V/5A output through the GPIO header. The board includes a standard 40-pin GPIO header and relies on a low-profile PoE IC.
Waveshare PoE HAT (H) Specifications:
- Compatibility – Raspberry Pi 5
- Expansion – 40-pin Raspberry Pi GPIO header
- Cooling
- Fits inside the official Raspberry Pi 5 case
- Compatible with the official active cooler
- Misc – Onboard original IC for stable PoE performance
- Power Supply
- IEEE 802.3af/at compliant
- Isolated switched-mode power supply (SMPS)
- PoE power input – 37V to 57V DC
- Output via GPIO header – 5V, 5A (max)
- Dimensions – 65 x 56.5 x 9.81 mm
To work with the device, you need to connect the Raspberry Pi 5’s Ethernet jack to an 802at/af compliant router or switch to get both power and network connectivity. Check out Waveshare’s Wiki for more information.
The installation of the HAT should be straightforward inside the official case. Start by attaching the provided standoffs to the Raspberry Pi 5. Then, align and press the PoE HAT onto the 40-pin GPIO header and secure it using the included screws. Place the Raspberry Pi into the red base of the official case, ensuring all ports align with the openings. If included, apply the thermal pad over the SoC for better heat dissipation. Finally, snap on the top cover with the built-in fan mount. Once assembled, connect a PoE-enabled Ethernet cable to power the setup—no need for a separate power adapter.
We had previously covered the Waveshare POE M.2 HAT+, which offers both PoE and M.2 capabilities in a compact form factor, and judging by its design, the HAT should easily be able to fit inside the case, but Waveshare does not officially mention it likely because it would require remove the built-in fan from the enclosure. Waveshare PoE HAT (G) is another thin PoE HAT that’s even smaller than the PoE HAT (H) covered here, but it lacks an isolated SMPS. Finally, the 24W PoE HAT(F) is another thin design, but it does not appear to be compatible with either the official Raspberry Pi 5 case due to its 40-pin male header, or the active cooler.
The Waveshare PoE HAT (H) for Raspberry Pi 5 can be purchased on Amazon for $30.71, AliExpress for $21.96, or the Waveshare’s store for $21.99.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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This is so neat,
But how the *official* case fan airflow works,
when the only holes on the bottom are blocked by the board?
Air will find the path of least resistance. The board doesn’t “block” the ventilation, but.. it could be in a better spot.