Do You Need a Heatsink for Your NVMe SSD?

Introduction

NVMe SSDs are the latest and fastest storage devices for PCs, laptops, and consoles. They offer blazing-fast speeds, low latency, and high reliability. However, they also generate a lot of heat, especially the newer PCIe Gen 4 models. This can lead to performance degradation, data corruption, and reduced lifespan. So, do you need a heatsink for your NVMe SSD? In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of using a heatsink, the different types of heatsinks available, and some tips on how to choose and install one.

Why Do NVMe SSDs Overheat?

NVMe SSDs use NAND flash memory chips to store data. These chips are very densely packed with transistors, which switch on and off to read and write data. The more transistors there are, the more data can be stored, but also the more heat is generated. NVMe SSDs also use a controller chip, which manages the communication between the SSD and the host device. The controller chip is responsible for performing complex tasks such as encryption, compression, error correction, and wear leveling. These tasks also consume a lot of power and produce heat.

The heat generated by the NAND flash and the controller chip is dissipated through the surface of the SSD, which is usually exposed to the airflow inside the PC case or the laptop chassis. However, this may not be enough to keep the SSD cool, especially under heavy workloads or in poorly ventilated environments. When the SSD temperature exceeds a certain threshold, usually around 70°C, the controller chip will throttle the performance to prevent further overheating. This means that the SSD will slow down and deliver lower speeds and higher latency. This can affect the user experience, especially for applications that require fast and consistent performance, such as gaming, video editing, or data analysis.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Heatsink?

A heatsink is a device that attaches to the surface of the SSD and helps to transfer the heat away from the SSD to the surrounding air. A heatsink usually consists of a metal base, which contacts the SSD, and a metal fin array, which increases the surface area for heat dissipation. Some heatsinks also have a thermal pad or paste, which fills the gaps between the SSD and the heatsink and improves the thermal conductivity. Some heatsinks also have a fan, which creates airflow over the fins and enhances the cooling effect.

The main benefit of using a heatsink is that it can lower the SSD temperature and prevent thermal throttling. This can improve the performance, reliability, and lifespan of the SSD. According to a test by Make Tech Easier¹, using a heatsink can reduce the SSD temperature by up to 20°C and increase the speed by up to 10%. Another test by PC Perspective² showed that using a heatsink can lower the SSD temperature by up to 30°C and prevent any performance drop. A lower SSD temperature can also reduce the power consumption and the noise level of the PC or laptop.

What Are the Types of Heatsinks?

There are different types of heatsinks available for NVMe SSDs, depending on the size, shape, design, and price. Here are some of the common types:

• Motherboard heatsink: Some motherboards, especially the high-end ones, come with a built-in heatsink for the M.2 slot, where the NVMe SSD is installed. This heatsink is usually a metal cover that screws onto the motherboard and covers the SSD. This heatsink is convenient and easy to install, but it may not be very effective, as it may trap the heat inside the cover instead of dissipating it. It may also interfere with the airflow inside the case or the laptop.
• Aftermarket heatsink: This is a heatsink that you can buy separately and attach to your SSD. This heatsink is usually more effective than the motherboard heatsink, as it has a larger and thicker fin array and sometimes a fan. However, this heatsink may also be more expensive, bulky, and difficult to install. It may also require some clearance space around the SSD, which may not be available in some cases or laptops.
• Chinese heatsink: This is a heatsink that you can find on online platforms such as Amazon or AliExpress, usually from unknown or generic brands. This heatsink is usually cheaper than the aftermarket heatsink, but it may also be of lower quality and performance. It may also have compatibility issues with some SSDs or motherboards, or lack proper instructions or warranty.

How to Choose and Install a Heatsink?

If you decide to use a heatsink for your NVMe SSD, here are some tips on how to choose and install one:

• Check the compatibility: Before buying a heatsink, make sure that it is compatible with your SSD and your motherboard. Check the size, shape, and thickness of the heatsink and the SSD, and make sure that they fit together and do not interfere with other components. Also, check the specifications and reviews of the heatsink and the SSD, and see if there are any known issues or conflicts between them.
• Check the performance: Compare the performance of different heatsinks and see which one offers the best cooling effect for your SSD. Look for the temperature and speed measurements of the heatsink and the SSD, and see how much they differ from the bare SSD. Also, look for the noise level and power consumption of the heatsink, and see if they are acceptable for your preference.
• Check the price: Compare the price of different heatsinks and see which one offers the best value for your money. Consider the quality, performance, design, and warranty of the heatsink, and see if they justify the cost. Also, consider the shipping and handling fees, and the availability and delivery time of the heatsink.
• Follow the instructions: Once you have chosen a heatsink, follow the instructions carefully to install it on your SSD. Make sure that you have the right tools and accessories, such as a screwdriver, a thermal pad or paste, and a cleaning cloth. Make sure that you clean the surface of the SSD and the heatsink before applying the thermal pad or paste, and that you align and secure the heatsink properly on the SSD. Also, make sure that you connect the fan (if any) to the right power source, and that you test the heatsink and the SSD after installation.

Conclusion

NVMe SSDs are great storage devices that offer fast and reliable performance, but they also tend to overheat and throttle under heavy workloads or in hot environments. Using a heatsink can help to lower the SSD temperature and prevent thermal throttling, which can improve the performance, reliability, and lifespan of the SSD. However, not all heatsinks are created equal, and some may be more effective, compatible, and affordable than others. Therefore, it is important to do some research and comparison before buying and installing a heatsink for your NVMe SSD. We hope that this blog post has given you some useful information and tips on this topic. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!