Jacob, a hardware junkie, has always been passionate about building his own gaming PC since he was 12 years old. He learned the hard way when a local PC repair store ripped him off with his build, and he vowed never to let anyone else build his rig again. This vow led him to become both a hardware geek and a philosophy nerd, working as a Hardware Writer for PCGamesN in 2020 while pursuing a PhD in Philosophy. He freelanced for various sites like TechRadar and Pocket-lint before joining the PC Gamer team full-time.
Now, Jacob is excited about the DIY Mini Fractal Design Case for Raspberry Pi, known as North Pi. This mini case, designed by Fractal, offers a luxurious and stylish home for your Raspberry Pi. With a wood-panelled front, windowed side-panel, vented rear, and part-open top for port plugging, the North Pi is a handsome little rig that exudes class.
While a 3D printer is required to make the North Pi chassis, all the 3D print files are available for free download on the North Pi page. The assembly manual provided by Fractal is easy to follow, making it a fun project for tech enthusiasts. With the latest Raspberry Pi 5 offering desktop PC-like performance, now is a great time to build your own North Pi for your Raspberry Pi 5.
As Jacob points out, the Raspberry Pi 5 can handle day-to-day tasks with ease, including browsing with multiple tabs open, watching high-resolution videos, and text editing. With no lag whatsoever, the Raspberry Pi 5 is a powerful SBC that can serve as a reliable desktop PC for everyday use. Pairing it with a North Pi case would not only enhance its aesthetics but also provide proper ventilation and accessibility for ports.
Jacob’s expertise in hardware and his passion for DIY projects make him the perfect advocate for enthusiasts looking to explore 3D printing opportunities with the Raspberry Pi. With his background in philosophy and hardware, Jacob brings a unique perspective to the world of PC gaming and technology. His journey from a disillusioned PC builder to a respected member of the PC Gamer team is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field.
