As Raspberry Pi 5 gains popularity, counterfeit official active coolers have flooded the market. Fake coolers fail to dissipate heat effectively and may damage the device. Below is a concise guide focusing on core features to help you distinguish genuine from fake:
Step 1: Check for the Hidden Copper Chip Under the Back Sticker
The key difference lies in the hidden design under the back sticker—counterfeits often omit this core component to cut costs. Here’s the step-by-step verification:
Step 1.1: Disassemble the Fan by Removing Screws
Step 1.2: Tear Off the Back Sticker for Inspection
Step 1.3: Distinguish by the Presence of Copper Chip
This is the critical verification point:
Genuine Cooler: A clear copper chip is visible under the sticker. This official heat dissipation component enhances conduction efficiency, with a neat cut, smooth surface and tight fit to the heatsink.
Fake Cooler: No copper chip under the sticker—only a rough heatsink surface. Some fakes use cheap paint to mimic a chip, identifiable by uneven surfaces and lack of metallic luster.
Step 2: Compare Material Quality and Heat Dissipation Performance
Besides the copper chip, material quality is another obvious difference. Genuine coolers use high-quality materials for efficient heat dissipation, while fakes use inferior materials that fail to meet requirements.
Material Quality Observation
Genuine Cooler: Heatsink made of high-quality anodized aluminum—smooth, uniform surface with no burrs or scratches. The anodized layer is firm; fan frame plastic is high-quality (no deformation, tight fit), with a solid, delicate texture.
Fake Cooler: Uses cheap aluminum or iron sheets. Rough surface with burrs on fins; brittle plastic parts with uneven thickness and injection marks. Some have a pungent plastic smell.
In conclusion, ensuring you have a genuine Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler is essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of your hardware.
While counterfeiters attempt to replicate the external look, they cannot match the internal engineering—specifically the hidden copper chip—and high-grade materials required for effective thermal management. By following these simple inspection steps, you can protect your device from overheating and ensure a stable computing experience.
Always purchase from reputable suppliers to guarantee you are getting the official quality your Raspberry Pi 5 deserves.