A HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) is a standardised add-on board that mounts onto the Pi's 40-pin GPIO header to add features like NVMe storage via the M.2 HAT+ or Power-over-Ethernet via a PoE HAT. An EEPROM on the HAT lets the Pi auto-configure the board at boot.
Snap a board onto your Raspberry Pi's pin header and it suddenly gains NVMe storage, or Power-over-Ethernet, or a screen. That board is a HAT, short for Hardware Attached on Top, and it is the cleanest way to extend what a Pi can do without soldering anything.
A HAT is a standardised add-on board that mounts onto the Raspberry Pi's 40-pin GPIO header to add hardware features, from NVMe storage via an M.2 HAT+ to Power-over-Ethernet via a PoE HAT. A small EEPROM chip on the HAT lets the Pi recognise and auto-configure the board the moment it boots, so most HATs work with little or no manual setup.
The HAT specification, introduced with the Raspberry Pi B+, defines more than "a board that plugs in." To qualify, an add-on follows a set mechanical shape, lines up with the Pi's mounting holes, and connects through the full 40-pin GPIO header. Crucially, it carries an EEPROM, a tiny memory chip storing the board's identity and configuration. At boot, the Pi reads that EEPROM, learns what the HAT is, and sets up the relevant pins automatically.
That auto-configuration is the real convenience. Instead of editing config files to tell the Pi what is attached, a compliant HAT announces itself, which feels closer to plugging in a peripheral than wiring up a circuit. The newer HAT+ standard updates this for the Raspberry Pi 5, adding support for the Pi 5's PCIe connector, which is what makes fast NVMe storage possible.
A few categories cover what most people actually add.
The M.2 HAT+ is the standout for the Pi 5. It uses the new PCIe connection to attach an NVMe SSD, turning the Pi into a far faster and more reliable machine than running everything off a microSD card. For anyone using a Pi as a small server or always-on box, this is often the first upgrade.
A PoE HAT lets the Pi draw both power and network over a single Ethernet cable from a PoE-capable switch. That removes the separate power brick entirely, which is ideal for a Pi tucked away in a cupboard or mounted on a wall.
Beyond those, there are audio HATs with proper DACs for cleaner sound, display HATs with small or e-ink screens, real-time clock HATs that keep time offline, and cooling HATs with fans. These sit alongside Pi-class hardware in the broader small-form-factor space, and the mini PC range at Evetech is a useful reference if you are weighing a Pi project against a ready-built compact machine.
Not every add-on board is a true HAT. Some are simply GPIO boards that lack the EEPROM and the standard footprint, which means more manual configuration. If easy setup matters to you, look for boards that explicitly claim HAT or HAT+ compliance.
Compatibility with your Pi model matters too. A HAT+ that relies on the Pi 5's PCIe connector will not deliver its headline feature on an older Pi 4, so check the supported models, especially for anything storage-related. To see what compact hardware South African buyers are choosing, the best-selling compact machine listing is worth a glance.
HAT stands for Hardware Attached on Top. It is a standardised add-on board that mounts onto the Pi's 40-pin GPIO header to add features like storage, networking or audio.
HAT+ is the updated standard for the Raspberry Pi 5. It adds support for the Pi 5's PCIe connector, which enables fast NVMe storage through boards like the M.2 HAT+. The older HAT standard does not cover PCIe.
Compliant HATs carry an EEPROM chip that the Pi reads at boot, so it identifies and configures the board automatically. Non-compliant GPIO boards may need manual setup.
Yes, using an M.2 HAT+ on a Raspberry Pi 5. It connects an NVMe SSD over the Pi 5's PCIe interface, giving much faster and more durable storage than a microSD card.
Not always. HATs share a standard footprint, but features that depend on the Pi 5's PCIe connector, like NVMe HATs, will not work fully on older models. Check the supported model list.
Planning a Raspberry Pi build or weighing up a compact machine? Browse Evetech's mini PCs and small-form-factor hardware, starting with the mini PC range, and find the right base for your project.
HAT stands for Hardware Attached on Top. It is a standardised add-on board that mounts onto the Pi's 40-pin GPIO header to add features like storage, networking or audio.
HAT+ is the updated standard for the Raspberry Pi 5. It adds support for the Pi 5's PCIe connector, which enables fast NVMe storage through boards like the M.2 HAT+. The older HAT standard does not cover PCIe.
Compliant HATs carry an EEPROM chip that the Pi reads at boot, so it identifies and configures the board automatically. Non-compliant GPIO boards may need manual setup.
Yes, using an M.2 HAT+ on a Raspberry Pi 5. It connects an NVMe SSD over the Pi 5's PCIe interface, giving much faster and more durable storage than a microSD card.
Not always. HATs share a standard footprint, but features that depend on the Pi 5's PCIe connector, like NVMe HATs, will not work fully on older models. Check the supported model list.
RX 9070 XT build frame pacing issues needs a step-by-step check before replacing parts. Review drivers, settings, thermals, power, background apps, display limits, cables, and game options before changing hardware.
Read more
Low fps on rtx 5080 build in south africa usually needs a settings, driver, thermal, or power check first. Work through safe SA troubleshooting steps before replacing parts or assuming a full upgrade.
Read more
1440p is the sweet spot for Mbombela gamers because it sharpens detail without demanding 4K-level GPU power. SA buyers should weigh monitor refresh rate, graphics card tier, desk size, and game mix before moving up from 1080p.
Read more
PSU wattage creep keeps happening as PC parts push higher peaks, quieter operation, and longer upgrade windows. For SA builders, the smart move is not maximum wattage, but a reliable unit matched to GPU, CPU, and cable needs.
Read more
Why is DDR5 cheaper than DDR4 in SA? should be shortlisted around the job it must do. South African buyers should compare fit, performance, compatibility, and upgrade room, warranty path, and upgrade room before treating any pick as best.
Read more
RAM prices may climb in SA in Cape Town is best read as a market explainer, not a live price claim. Compare specs, warranty, timing, and SA availability signals before turning the trend into a PC build decision.
Read more
Pre-Black Friday wired gaming mouse buying planning should focus on shape, specs, warranty, and usual price bands. Use this SA guide to shortlist sensible options before deal periods without assuming live discounts.
ATX 3.1 vs ATX 3.0 for Competitive Esports comes down to GPU power connectors, PSU quality, cable routing, headroom, and upgrade plans. SA buyers should match the choice to their setup instead of assuming one option always wins.
Wi-Fi 6E vs Wi-Fi 6 depends on Couch co-op gaming needs, platform limits, and budget fit. Compare compatibility, latency, upgrade path, and real setup constraints before choosing for an SA build.
Best gaming setup for SA university residence is a cautious guide for buyer planning. Compare spec fit, budget, compatibility, warranty, and SA buyer context for SA buyers without assuming live prices, availability, or exact benchmark results.
Remote camera viewing fails when the manufacturer's P2P relay cannot punch through a strict NAT or carrier-grade NAT, which blocks the outbound connection the app needs to reach the camera from outside the home network.
To fix a microphone that is too quiet on an audio interface, add an inline preamp like a Cloudlifter for up to +25dB of clean gain before the signal hits the preamp. Checking cable condition and the gain knob position rules out simpler causes first.
CAMM2 uses a dense flat connector with 644 or 666 contacts near the CPU, a completely different form from the 262-pin DDR5 SO-DIMM stick. Knowing how to read a spec sheet means you won't discover upgradeability only after opening the case.
The Razer Core X V2 launches at $349.99 with Thunderbolt 5 and 140W power delivery to the host but ships with no GPU and no PSU, requiring a separately purchased ATX PSU in its dedicated bay. It accepts cards up to 4 slots wide and includes a TB5 cable.
RX 9070 XT build frame pacing issues needs a step-by-step check before replacing parts. Review drivers, settings, thermals, power, background apps, display limits, cables, and game options before changing hardware.
Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 6 affect SA PC builders through motherboard support, adapter choice, and router placement. This difference between Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 6 explained guide helps plan a stable desktop network before parts are chosen.
Low fps on rtx 5080 build in south africa usually needs a settings, driver, thermal, or power check first. Work through safe SA troubleshooting steps before replacing parts or assuming a full upgrade.
LGA 1851 vs LGA 1700 changes AAA gaming builds through platform features and upgrade path. For SA buyers, the real-world difference is usually CPU pairing, motherboard cost, memory support, and whether a high-end GPU is already the main limit.
