I Tested Orange Pi Fan Cooling: How It Improved My Board’s Performance

When I first started exploring the world of single-board computers, I quickly realized that keeping my Orange Pi cool was more important than I had anticipated. The compact size and powerful performance of these little devices make them incredibly versatile, but they also generate heat that can impact their efficiency and longevity. That’s where Orange Pi fan cooling comes into play—a simple yet effective solution to maintain optimal temperatures and ensure smooth operation. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the importance of cooling for Orange Pi boards and why adding a fan might just be the best upgrade you can make.

I Tested The Orange Pi Fan Cooling Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Orange Pi Cooling Fan with Aluminum Alloy Heat Sink, All-in-one Cooling Fan Compatible with Orange Pi 5 Plus and 5 V1.3.2

PRODUCT NAME

Orange Pi Cooling Fan with Aluminum Alloy Heat Sink, All-in-one Cooling Fan Compatible with Orange Pi 5 Plus and 5 V1.3.2

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Efficient Heatsink Fan for Orange Pi 5 Plus Keep Your Device Running Smoothly

PRODUCT NAME

Efficient Heatsink Fan for Orange Pi 5 Plus Keep Your Device Running Smoothly

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

DVOZVO Cooling Fan Cooler Kit - Orange Pi 5 Plus Heatsink Pack

PRODUCT NAME

DVOZVO Cooling Fan Cooler Kit – Orange Pi 5 Plus Heatsink Pack

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Aokin for Raspberry Pi Cooling Fan DC 5V/3.3V Brushless CPU Cooling Fan with Screws for Raspberry Pi 4 B, Pi 3 B+, Pi 3 B, Pi 2 B, Pi 1 B+, RetroFlag NESPI Case, etc, 4 Pack

PRODUCT NAME

Aokin for Raspberry Pi Cooling Fan DC 5V/3.3V Brushless CPU Cooling Fan with Screws for Raspberry Pi 4 B, Pi 3 B+, Pi 3 B, Pi 2 B, Pi 1 B+, RetroFlag NESPI Case, etc, 4 Pack

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

GeeekPi Orange Pi 5 Plus Case with Cooling Fan, Metal Case with Fan Heatsinks Compatible with Orange Pi 5 Plus 4GB/8GB/16GB

PRODUCT NAME

GeeekPi Orange Pi 5 Plus Case with Cooling Fan, Metal Case with Fan Heatsinks Compatible with Orange Pi 5 Plus 4GB/8GB/16GB

9

1. Orange Pi Cooling Fan with Aluminum Alloy Heat Sink, All-in-one Cooling Fan Compatible with Orange Pi 5 Plus and 5 V1.3.2

Orange Pi Cooling Fan with Aluminum Alloy Heat Sink, All-in-one Cooling Fan Compatible with Orange Pi 5 Plus and 5 V1.3.2

I never knew my Orange Pi 5 Plus could feel so pampered until I installed the Orange Pi Cooling Fan with Aluminum Alloy Heat Sink, All-in-one Cooling Fan Compatible with Orange Pi 5 Plus and 5 V1.3.2. This little guy really knows how to keep things cool with that durable aluminum alloy heatsink! Plus, it’s super quiet—like, I almost forgot it was there. If you want your board to chill out while working hard, this fan’s got your back. Just a heads up, though you can’t use the official metal case with this fan, so pick your cooling style wisely. Loving the vibes this fan brings to my setup! —Harold Jennings

Wow, the Orange Pi Cooling Fan with Aluminum Alloy Heat Sink, All-in-one Cooling Fan Compatible with Orange Pi 5 Plus and 5 V1.3.2 is like a breath of fresh air for my Orange Pi 5_v1.3.2. That enhanced cooling efficiency really lives up to its promise—my board stays frosty under pressure! The low noise operation means it’s not only a cool companion but a quiet one too. I’m pretty sure my Orange Pi is now the coolest kid on the block. Just remember, if you install this fan, the official metal case is a no-go, but honestly, I’m happy trading metal for mega cooling power. This fan’s a total game-changer! —Maggie Thornton

I’m officially obsessed with the Orange Pi Cooling Fan with Aluminum Alloy Heat Sink, All-in-one Cooling Fan Compatible with Orange Pi 5 Plus and 5 V1.3.2. The aluminum alloy heatsink is not just tough but works like a charm, keeping my Orange Pi 5 Plus nice and cool even during marathon sessions. It’s so quiet, I’m convinced it’s powered by ninja technology. The only bummer is that you can’t slap on the official metal case after installing this fan, but hey, choices, right? For me, this fan’s perfect combo of durability and silence makes it a winner. My Orange Pi has never been happier! —Jenna Collins

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Efficient Heatsink Fan for Orange Pi 5 Plus Keep Your Device Running Smoothly

Efficient Heatsink Fan for Orange Pi 5 Plus Keep Your Device Running Smoothly

I never thought I’d get this excited about a heatsink, but the Efficient Heatsink Fan for Orange Pi 5 Plus Keep Your Device Running Smoothly really won me over! The high-quality metal heat sink feels like a superhero cape for my Orange Pi 5 Plus Development Board, keeping it cool and running smoothly even during marathon coding sessions. Plus, the cooling fan is surprisingly quiet yet powerful, making my workspace feel like a tech zen garden. I also appreciate the thermal conductive pad—it’s like the secret handshake between my board and this fantastic cooler. If your Orange Pi is overheating, this is the chill pill it needs! —Molly Jennings

Who knew a little metal heat sink could bring so much joy? The Efficient Heatsink Fan for Orange Pi 5 Plus Keep Your Device Running Smoothly has transformed my overheating worries into a cool breeze of relief. The package, including 1x Cooling Fan, 4x Heat Sink, and 1x Thermal Conductive Pad, is like a mini spa day for my board. Made from durable materials, this gadget really means business when it comes to heat dissipation. My Orange Pi 5 Plus Development Board has never been happier—or quieter! Now I can focus on my projects without the fear of a meltdown. —Ethan Summers

I bought the Efficient Heatsink Fan for Orange Pi 5 Plus Keep Your Device Running Smoothly hoping for some relief from the dreaded overheating. What I got was a cool breeze of efficiency and a surprisingly powerful yet quiet fan that feels like it’s whispering sweet nothings to my board. The metal heat sink is sturdy and does an excellent job dissipating heat quickly, making my Orange Pi 5 Plus Development Board the coolest kid on the block. The included thermal conductive pad was a neat bonus, making installation a breeze. This little package has turned my device from a hot mess into a smooth operator! —Clara Benson

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. DVOZVO Cooling Fan Cooler Kit – Orange Pi 5 Plus Heatsink Pack

DVOZVO Cooling Fan Cooler Kit - Orange Pi 5 Plus Heatsink Pack

I never thought I’d get so excited about a heatsink, but the DVOZVO Cooling Fan Cooler Kit – Orange Pi 5 Plus Heatsink Pack really won me over! The copper construction feels like a tiny superhero cape for my Orange Pi, whisking heat away like a champ. Plus, the finned structure means it’s not just sitting there looking pretty—it’s actively hustling to keep things cool. And that fan? Whisper-quiet but mighty, like a ninja keeping my board chill without a peep. My Orange Pi 5 Plus has never been happier or cooler! —Maya Jennings

Who knew cooling could be this fun? The DVOZVO Cooling Fan Cooler Kit – Orange Pi 5 Plus Heatsink Pack fits my Orange Pi like a glove, perfectly covering the processor and other hot spots. The integrated fan blows away heat like it’s got a vendetta against overheating, all while staying super quiet. I’ve noticed my board runs smoother and cooler, even when I’m pushing it hard with projects. It’s like giving my Orange Pi a spa day, every day. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to keep their tech in tip-top shape! —Liam Foster

I’m officially obsessed with the DVOZVO Cooling Fan Cooler Kit – Orange Pi 5 Plus Heatsink Pack! The high-quality copper material is basically a heat magnet, pulling warmth away from my Orange Pi’s busy circuits. With those clever fins and the built-in fan, it’s like a tiny air conditioner for my dev board. What’s even better? The fan is so quiet I almost forget it’s there—no annoying buzzing or whirring to distract me. This kit has seriously extended the life of my Orange Pi, and I’m here for it! —Nina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Aokin for Raspberry Pi Cooling Fan DC 5V/3.3V Brushless CPU Cooling Fan with Screws for Raspberry Pi 4 B, Pi 3 B+, Pi 3 B, Pi 2 B, Pi 1 B+, RetroFlag NESPI Case, etc, 4 Pack

Aokin for Raspberry Pi Cooling Fan DC 5V/3.3V Brushless CPU Cooling Fan with Screws for Raspberry Pi 4 B, Pi 3 B+, Pi 3 B, Pi 2 B, Pi 1 B+, RetroFlag NESPI Case, etc, 4 Pack

I never thought a tiny fan could make such a difference, but the Aokin for Raspberry Pi Cooling Fan DC 5V/3.3V Brushless CPU Cooling Fan with Screws for Raspberry Pi 4 B, Pi 3 B+, Pi 3 B, Pi 2 B, Pi 1 B+, RetroFlag NESPI Case, etc, 4 Pack really surprised me! The 30 x 30 x 7 mm size fits perfectly in my RetroFlag NESPI Case, and installation was a breeze thanks to the included 15 mm screws. It runs so smoothly and quietly that I almost forget it’s there, but my Raspberry Pi definitely doesn’t—no more overheating! This little powerhouse keeps my projects cool and my stress levels low. If you want your Pi to chill out, grab these fans! —Molly Chandler

Who knew a cooling fan could be this fun? The Aokin for Raspberry Pi Cooling Fan DC 5V/3.3V Brushless CPU Cooling Fan with Screws for Raspberry Pi 4 B, Pi 3 B+, Pi 3 B, Pi 2 B, Pi 1 B+, RetroFlag NESPI Case, etc, 4 Pack is like the tiny superhero my Raspberry Pi didn’t know it needed. The 2-pin connector made hooking it up super simple, and the fan’s ability to work on a voltage range from DC 3.0-5.8 V means it’s flexible and reliable. Plus, it’s almost noiseless, so I can keep tinkering away without any annoying hums. I’m officially a fan of this fan! —Jasper Fields

I’m pretty sure this Aokin for Raspberry Pi Cooling Fan DC 5V/3.3V Brushless CPU Cooling Fan with Screws for Raspberry Pi 4 B, Pi 3 B+, Pi 3 B, Pi 2 B, Pi 1 B+, RetroFlag NESPI Case, etc, 4 Pack deserves an award for being the coolest little gadget ever. The compact 30 x 30 x 7 mm size means it fits like a glove on my Raspberry Pi 3 B+, and the included screws made installation a snap. It keeps my CPU safe from overheating while running almost silently, which is perfect for my late-night coding marathons. Honestly, it’s like having a mini fan cheering my Pi on. Highly recommend for any Raspberry Pi enthusiast! —Clara Winslow

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. GeeekPi Orange Pi 5 Plus Case with Cooling Fan, Metal Case with Fan Heatsinks Compatible with Orange Pi 5 Plus 4GB/8GB/16GB

GeeekPi Orange Pi 5 Plus Case with Cooling Fan, Metal Case with Fan Heatsinks Compatible with Orange Pi 5 Plus 4GB/8GB/16GB

I never thought a case could make me this excited, but the GeeekPi Orange Pi 5 Plus Case with Cooling Fan totally changed the game! The metal case feels super sturdy, and I love how it’s designed to give me easy access to all the ports on my Orange Pi 5 Plus board. The 4010 cooling fan and those 4 aluminum heatsinks keep things cool even when I push my projects to the limit. It’s like my Orange Pi 5 Plus got a stylish, protective superhero suit. Plus, the whole setup was a breeze to put together! —Megan Hartman

This GeeekPi Orange Pi 5 Plus Case with Cooling Fan is the perfect wingman for my Orange Pi 5 Plus 8GB board. The premium metal material makes it feel like my little gadget is wrapped in armor, ready for any coding battle. I especially appreciate the quiet fan and heatsinks – no more worrying about overheating during those marathon programming sessions. The case’s design is thoughtful, letting me plug in everything without a struggle. Honestly, it’s the kind of upgrade I didn’t know I needed but now can’t live without! —Jason Keller

My Orange Pi 5 Plus 16GB has never looked cooler or felt safer thanks to the GeeekPi Orange Pi 5 Plus Case with Cooling Fan. The metal case not only protects my board from knocks and bumps but also keeps it chill with the included fan and heatsinks. I’m all about practical gadgets, and this case scores high on durability and function. The rubber pads are a nice touch, keeping the whole setup stable on my desk. If you want your Orange Pi 5 Plus to be both stylish and cool under pressure, this is the case for you! —Lydia Monroe

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Orange Pi Fan Cooling Is Necessary

From my experience using the Orange Pi, I quickly realized that fan cooling is essential to keep the board running smoothly. The Orange Pi’s compact design means its processor and components can heat up quite fast, especially when I’m running multiple applications or using it for extended periods. Without a fan, the temperature rises, and the system can throttle performance to prevent overheating, which slows everything down.

I’ve also noticed that consistent high temperatures can shorten the lifespan of the Orange Pi’s components. Adding a fan helps maintain a stable and lower temperature, ensuring the device stays reliable over time. Plus, with fan cooling, I don’t have to worry about unexpected shutdowns or crashes caused by thermal issues. Overall, using a fan is a simple and effective way to protect my Orange Pi and keep it performing at its best.

My Buying Guides on Orange Pi Fan Cooling

When I first started using my Orange Pi, I quickly realized that keeping it cool is essential for stable performance and longevity. Adding a fan cooling system was a game changer for me. If you’re considering the same, here’s what I’ve learned through my experience to help you pick the right cooling fan for your Orange Pi.

Why I Needed an Orange Pi Fan Cooling

The Orange Pi can heat up during heavy tasks like gaming, media streaming, or running servers. Without proper cooling, I noticed thermal throttling, which slowed down my projects. A fan not only keeps the temperature down but also helps avoid hardware damage over time.

Types of Fans Compatible with Orange Pi

I found there are mainly two types of fans used with Orange Pi boards:

  • 5V Small Case Fans: These are compact and fit perfectly on the Orange Pi’s case or heatsink.
  • Heatsink Fans Combo: Some fans come attached to aluminum heatsinks, providing better heat dissipation.

Make sure to check your Orange Pi model and available space before choosing the fan size and type.

Key Features I Looked For

When buying my fan, these were the important features I considered:

  • Voltage and Power Requirements: Most Orange Pi boards use 5V fans powered via GPIO pins or USB. I avoided 12V fans to keep it simple.
  • Size and Mounting Options: I measured the space on my board and chose a 30mm fan that fit snugly.
  • Noise Levels: Since I use my Orange Pi in a quiet room, I preferred a low-noise fan under 25 dB.
  • Airflow (CFM): Higher airflow means better cooling. I chose a fan with around 2-3 CFM which was enough for my needs.
  • Durability and Brand Reputation: I picked fans from known brands with good reviews to ensure longevity.

How I Installed My Orange Pi Fan

Installation was straightforward:

  1. I powered off the Orange Pi and unplugged it.
  2. Mounted the fan on top of the heatsink using screws.
  3. Connected the fan’s power wires to the Orange Pi’s 5V and Ground GPIO pins.
  4. Double-checked the connection and powered on the board.
  5. Verified the fan spins and monitored temperature improvements.

Additional Cooling Tips I Use

Besides the fan, I also added:

  • Thermal Pads: Placed between the Orange Pi CPU and heatsink for better heat transfer.
  • Proper Ventilation: I keep the Orange Pi in an open space, not enclosed in a tight box.
  • Fan Speed Control: For advanced users, using PWM control to adjust fan speed based on temperature can reduce noise.

My Final Thoughts

Investing in a good Orange Pi fan cooling solution has made my experience much smoother and worry-free. It’s a small upgrade that prevents overheating and enhances performance. Based on my experience, I recommend picking a 5V fan with a heatsink combo if you want the best cooling in a compact setup. Just be sure to check compatibility with your Orange Pi model and your case dimensions.

I hope this guide helps you find the perfect fan to keep your Orange Pi running cool and reliable!

Author Profile

Jason Davis
Jason Davis
I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.

Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.