RPi5 with case + 4 rubber feet - placement orientation /fan question / ?

General
1

Hi everyone,
The RPi5 I have is in a case ( red + white ) with the fan and comes with 4 rubber feet on the base. Signifying the RPi5 should be placed horizontally on a surface.

I’m wondering about the fan and how it’s functionality might be impaired if I leave the RPi in that position.

I could be wrong but I thought I might have seen some post perhaps stating that it should go on its side to allow better ventilation?

I use the device only for VPN but maybe am going to leave it plugged in all the time ( the on/off button doesn’t seem to be applicable for turning on/off in my case - seems for if there’s a monitor attached with apps so it can be shutdown that way )

So I’m thinking about the ifecycle of the device and what would be best to help extend that as much as possible ( especially considering hot summer months ~ 30-40c)

Thanks in advance

2

Fan really does help - the fan only comes on if it reaches higher temperatures and should come on automatically (it has different levels from a gentle to a more aggressive fan speed depending on the temperature).

Placing it on its side or slightly propping it up (even with small spacers or rubber bumpers) can help temperatures a lot, especially if the Pi will be running 24/7. You’ll often see 3–5 °C lower temps just by improving that airflow path.

For long-term reliability, the main thing is to keep it well-ventilated and out of direct sunlight. The fan should work fine with PiFi too - it’ll auto turn on at certain temps.

I feel the case is designed to work horizontally though so I probably wouldn’t sit it on its side