Skip to main content

Modder saws the Raspberry Pi 3 down to create a compact, credit card-sized PC

The Raspberry Pi 3 (Model B) is already an extremely small single-board computer sold for $35 and there is an even smaller version, Raspberry Pi Zero, packing lower performance for a cheaper price. But one modder set out to combine the best of both worlds: A single-board computer sporting the same reduced size as the Raspberry Pi Zero but retain the high-performance hardware of the Raspberry Pi 3.

For starters, the prototype consists of a protective black case that roughly consumes the same physical footprint as the Raspberry Pi 3, but measures 7mm thick. On the top, you will find a grilled vent so heat can vertically dissipate freely from the hardware components inside. The case bottom provides a slot for loading the Micro SD card and three Micro USB ports line up along the front edge.

Recommended Videos

Mounted inside the case is a modified Raspberry Pi 3 board. A comparison with the original shows that the modder removed the four USB ports, the Ethernet port, the strip of 40 pins, the HDMI port, and all the other protruding hardware components. In fact, the whole section of the Raspberry Pi 3 board that previously played host to the USB and Ethernet ports was sawed completely off.

With the Raspberry Pi 3 mounted into the super-slim case, the modder filled the empty void with three Micro USB breakout boards that are soldered and wired directly to the main board. The middle Micro USB port serves as the power connection while the two outer ports are for connecting devices. Users can purchase a USB on-the-go (OTG) adapter for connecting peripherals and storage devices to the prototype device.

“Depending on what you’re doing it could work well for a general headless system or server application. The small size also means it is more portable, and I could imagine it working well for some kind of wireless access point, pirate box, or a general node of some sort,” the modder states.

Called the Raspberry Pi 3 Slim, the prototype is an open-source project that can be accessed on Github here. There, visitors will find two STL files for 3D printing the top and bottom portions of the project’s black case.

If you are not familiar with the Raspberry Pi 3, here are the current specifications:

Processor: Broadcom BCM2837 at 1.2GHz (4-core)
Memory: 1GB
Storage: Micro SD card slot
Connectivity: Wireless N
Bluetooth Low Energy
Ports: 4x USB 2.0 Type-A
1x HDMI
1x Ethernet
1x 4-pole audio/VGA jack
Other outputs: 40-pin extended GPIO
CSI camera port
DSI display port

The Raspberry Pi computer board has served as a highly popular, affordable foundation for countless (and totally awesome) projects since its launch in 2012. These include a programmable Minecraft-themed PC for kids, an unofficial NES Classic console, a miniature Macintosh computer, and even a physical remake of Bethesda’s Pip-Boy seen in the Fallout games. Just recently, Microsoft managed to stuff artificial intelligence onto the board to catch sneaky squirrels stealing flower bulbs and bird seeds.

Kevin Parrish
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
The insane Samsung Odyssey Ark gaming monitor is $900 off today
A person playing a video game on the Samsung Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen Gaming Monitor.

For a gaming monitor that's going to supercharge your gaming setup, you should check out the 55-inch Samsung Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen. This amazing screen is originally priced at $3,100, but you can currently get it with a $900 discount from Samsung itself. Its lowered price of $2,200 is still pretty expensive, but it's going to be worth every single penny. You're going to have to be quick with your purchase though, as with all monitor deals with high demand, the savings may disappear sooner than you expect.

Why you should buy the 55-inch Samsung Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen curved gaming monitor

Read more
SpaceX Starlink rivalry grows as next Kuiper deployment nears
A ULA rocket launching Amazon's first Project Kuiper satellites in April 2025.

Amazon is about to send another batch of Project Kuiper internet satellites to orbit as it seeks to take on SpaceX’s Starlink service to provide broadband internet to customers around the world.

The tech giant has a long way to go before it has any hope of effectively challenging Starlink, but with its second launch set for next week, progress is being made toward its goal.

Read more
Buy a Samsung G6 or G9 gaming monitor and get a free JBL gaming headset
Kena Bridge of Spirits on the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9.

If your gaming PC setup needs a screen upgrade, we highly recommend taking a look at Samsung monitor deals. There are always some huge savings available for the brand's gaming monitors, and we've picked out two of them for you to consider. The 27-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 gaming monitor is on sale for $700 following a $200 discount on its original price of $900, while the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 gaming monitor is down to $1,000 for savings of $800 on its sticker price of $1,800.

No matter which of these two displays you choose, you'll get the JBL Quantum One gaming headset -- featuring active noise cancellation, head-tracking 3D audio, epic audio quality, and an ergonomic design with a regular price of $200 -- for absolutely free. You're going to have to hurry with your purchase though, as there's no telling how much time is remaining until the price cuts and the offer for the free gaming headset expire.

Read more