The Raspberry Pi 5 demonstrates improved thermal performance during typical desktop tasks compared to its predecessor, the Pi 4. However, when subjected to heavy workloads, additional thermal control becomes essential. Recognizing this need, the Raspberry Pi company introduced the Pi 5 with a range of accessories.

One notable accessory is the official Active Cooler accessory, which sits atop the Pi 5 board, combines both a heatsink and a fan. In our overclocking tests, we found the Active Cooler to be a valuable addition, providing optimal cooling performance for demanding workloads.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to set up and maximize the benefits of the Active Cooler case for your Raspberry Pi 5.

1. Flip the Active Cooler Case to the back, revealing three thermal pads.
   
2. Peel off the backing from the thermal pads.
   
3. Position the Active Cooler onto the Raspberry Pi 5, ensuring a precise alignment with the dedicated heatsink holes. Push the push-pins through to secure them into place.
   
4. Connect the cable to the fan connector found on the Raspberry Pi 5