Technology · Consumer gadgets · published 2026-09-21 · via Tom's Hardware

Custom Raspberry Pi CM5 motherboard breathes new life into obsolete HP ProLiant server

A YouTuber known as EastMakes created a custom motherboard for an aging HP ProLiant N40L micro-server, replacing its outdated integrated board with a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. The new board adds NVMe storage support and USB 3.0 ports while retaining the original 24-pin ATX power connector. The project leverages the open-source design of the Raspberry Pi to extend the board to fit the server's chassis.

Expanded Detail

The ProLiant N40L originally shipped with an AMD Turion II processor and offered only USB 2.0 connectivity with no NVMe support. EastMakes began with Raspberry Pi's official carrier board design, then modified the open-source schematics to match the server's internal dimensions, using a 3D-printed template to verify port and mounting positions before ordering the final PCB from PCBWay.

The custom board consolidates connectivity to a single HDMI output, an Ethernet jack, and two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, while a dedicated NVMe slot handles system storage. Trace lengths were carefully matched to prevent timing problems, and the board kept the original 24-pin ATX connector so the existing power supply works unchanged. The SFF-8087 port for the drive bay remains unfinished.

Context

This project illustrates how open-source hardware designs can extend the useful life of aging enterprise equipment. Hobbyists and small businesses with obsolete servers could potentially repurpose them with modern compute modules at low cost, reducing e-waste and saving money. However, such DIY conversions require significant technical skill, so the broader impact may remain limited to enthusiasts rather than mainstream adoption.

Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.

Read the full article at Tom's Hardware →

This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Techie makes his own motherboard to refurbish 15-year-old HP ProLiant N40L tower server — Raspberry Pi CM5 adds NVMe and USB 3.0.” Browse more stories.