The Tool Desk
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What the modification removes
Pimoroni’s 2017 build removed the metal USB and Ethernet housings, their plastic interiors, and their soldered pins. It also removed the GPIO header pins and the HDMI, CSI, and DSI connectors. The processor and other core circuitry remained; the aim was to reduce the board’s physical profile, not to turn it into a different computer.
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The Raspberry Pi Foundation presented the approach as a possible final step after prototyping with a standard Pi 3: use its regular ports while developing, then remove connectors when integrating the board into a space-constrained enclosure. The Foundation’s coverage describes the board as suitable for narrow installations, but the result still requires a plan for any connections the finished project needs.
How the demonstrated rework was done
The project write-up describes a sequence of mechanical preparation, desoldering, and cleanup. It names a hot-air gun, solder sucker, and desoldering braid; it does not provide a universal procedure or guarantee that every board can be modified without damage.
- Open the USB and Ethernet housings. Pimoroni unfolded the metal shells, removed the plastic interiors, and then desoldered the connector pins.
- Remove the GPIO pins. The GPIO header pins were removed separately.
- Use hot air on the remaining connectors. The write-up says hot air was used to remove the GPIO shrouding and HDMI, CSI, and DSI connectors.
- Clean the solder joints. Pimoroni used a solder sucker and desoldering braid to clear solder from the joints after removal.
Those named tools are task-enabling equipment, not a recommendation that the work is suitable for beginners. The Foundation advises patience and care and says to attempt it only if you know what you are doing; Hackster.io likewise describes the desoldering as tricky for an uninitiated person. The sources give no failure-rate data, and a mistake can permanently damage the board.
What still works—and what you give up
Removing a connector eliminates its convenient plug-in access. A stripped board should not be treated as though USB, wired Ethernet, GPIO, HDMI, camera, or display connectors remain available in their standard form. Before rework, decide how the final installation will handle any required peripherals or connections. Raspberry Pi Foundation coverage says peripherals can be connected without the bulky ports, but it does not define one universal wiring method; the solution depends on the project.
Rank #2
- 1.4GHz 64-bit quad-core ARMv8 CPU, 1 GB RAM
- 802.11n Wireless LAN, 10/100Mbps Lan Speed
- Bluetooth 4.2, Bluetooth Low Energy
- 4 USB ports, 40 GPIO pins, Full HDMI port, Combined 3.5mm audio jack and composite video
- Camera interface (CSI),Display interface (DSI), Micro SD card slot (now push-pull rather than push-push), VideoCore IV 3D graphics core
The practical trade is a lower physical profile in exchange for less straightforward access and a more specialized installation. If the build needs ordinary plug-in ports during use, keeping an unmodified board may be the more suitable choice.
What result Pimoroni reported
Pimoroni said its modified Pi 3 was almost the same thickness as a Pi Zero, but still slightly thicker because the Pi 3’s microSD slot is on the underside. That is a description of this particular project, not an independently measured specification for all modified boards. The project’s “World’s Thinnest” framing was explicitly playful and was not ratified by Guinness World Records.
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The same 2017 write-up reported idle current falling from about 260 mA to 180 mA after the USB/Ethernet and HDMI functions were disabled in software. This was one project’s result, not a controlled comparison or a guaranteed saving. It reflects software disabling as well as the physical modification, so it should not be attributed simply to removing metal connector shells.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a Pi Zero or Zero W may be the better fit
A stripped Pi 3 makes sense when a project specifically needs Pi 3 capability in a thinner custom installation and the builder can safely do the rework. A Pi Zero or Zero W is worth considering when a smaller footprint is the priority and its capabilities are sufficient. The available coverage establishes these as qualitative trade-offs; it does not provide current prices or quantitative performance comparisons.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- This is raspberry pi 3 model b
- Raspberry pi 3 model b With WiFi & Bluetooth and it is 10 faster than Raspberry pi 2 model b
- 2.5 A power supply. With more processor speed and on-board connectivity, you'll need more power
- Consider a modified Pi 3 when the project depends on its computing capability and can accommodate custom connections after the ports are removed.
- Consider a Pi Zero or Zero W when its smaller footprint meets the project’s needs without destructive board modification.
- Keep the standard Pi 3 intact when the finished build still depends on convenient access to its connectors or when you are not equipped for electronics rework.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
