F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Pi hole on Raspberry Pi zero

Pi hole on Raspberry Pi zero

Pi hole on Raspberry Pi zero

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I_Love_GcPVP
Junior Member
35
01-31-2026, 01:00 AM
#1
Hello! Your Pi hole setup looks functional, but here are some thoughts. Without heatsinks and without immediate plans to upgrade cooling, leaving it exposed might work fine for now. However, keeping it covered could help prevent dust buildup and protect the components. A sealed cardboard case is a good idea if you want to maintain airflow. Cutting holes for cooling or removing the top entirely depends on your priorities—airflow matters more than dust if you're not expecting heavy use soon. Just make sure it stays dry and clean. Spoiler: it’s a good balance between simplicity and protection.
I
I_Love_GcPVP
01-31-2026, 01:00 AM #1

Hello! Your Pi hole setup looks functional, but here are some thoughts. Without heatsinks and without immediate plans to upgrade cooling, leaving it exposed might work fine for now. However, keeping it covered could help prevent dust buildup and protect the components. A sealed cardboard case is a good idea if you want to maintain airflow. Cutting holes for cooling or removing the top entirely depends on your priorities—airflow matters more than dust if you're not expecting heavy use soon. Just make sure it stays dry and clean. Spoiler: it’s a good balance between simplicity and protection.

B
blokdragon45
Member
57
01-31-2026, 02:58 AM
#2
Trust me, a pi zero doesn’t need a heat sink... I own three of them—one for an old gaming setup, two in waterproof cases for outdoor surveillance. I haven’t noticed the CPU go above 55°C even in the hottest summer days; the single-core chip just doesn’t generate enough heat to require cooling. I’d still like to get a case for protection... there are plenty of good options on eBay under $10. I bought a basic one just with plexiglass covering the top and bottom, it screws on easily.
B
blokdragon45
01-31-2026, 02:58 AM #2

Trust me, a pi zero doesn’t need a heat sink... I own three of them—one for an old gaming setup, two in waterproof cases for outdoor surveillance. I haven’t noticed the CPU go above 55°C even in the hottest summer days; the single-core chip just doesn’t generate enough heat to require cooling. I’d still like to get a case for protection... there are plenty of good options on eBay under $10. I bought a basic one just with plexiglass covering the top and bottom, it screws on easily.

I
Iam2GD4U
Member
189
01-31-2026, 06:57 AM
#3
You could purchase one or make it yourself using cardboard or clear plastic.
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Iam2GD4U
01-31-2026, 06:57 AM #3

You could purchase one or make it yourself using cardboard or clear plastic.

M
54
01-31-2026, 09:01 AM
#4
Absolutely, no worries. I run Pihole on my old laptop, man!
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MashedPotat0es
01-31-2026, 09:01 AM #4

Absolutely, no worries. I run Pihole on my old laptop, man!