Tested Does Your M 2 NVMe SSD Need A Heatsink
The Importance of Heatsinks for M.2 NVMe SSDs
M.2 NVMe SSDs are known for their high performance and speed, but they also generate significant heat, which can lead to thermal throttling and reduced lifespan. To address this issue, the use of heatsinks has become a crucial consideration for maintaining optimal performance and longevity of these drives.
Why NVMe SSDs Overheat
NVMe SSDs, particularly those operating at high speeds such as PCIe 4.0 and above, tend to overheat due to their intense data transfer rates. Without proper cooling, these drives can quickly reach temperatures that trigger thermal throttling, leading to a decrease in performance and potentially damaging the drive over time.
Testing the Need for Heatsinks
In a comprehensive test, the Samsung PM981 NVMe SSD was subjected to continuous stress tests using Crystal Disk Mark 6. The results showed that without a heatsink, the SSD's temperature skyrocketed to 94°C within a minute, causing significant thermal throttling and performance degradation. The NAND flash modules also reached temperatures close to their maximum operating limits, posing a risk to the drive's health.
Types of Heatsinks and Their Effectiveness
Heatsinks Provided with Motherboards
Many modern motherboards, especially those designed for Ryzen 2nd Gen and newer platforms, come with built-in M.2 heatsinks. These heatsinks are designed to keep the SSD cool and are often sufficient for general use. However, their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific design and materials used.
Aftermarket Heatsinks
Aftermarket heatsinks offer more advanced cooling solutions and can be tailored to specific needs. For example, the Barrowch M.2 OLED Heatsink provides an OLED temperature display and is relatively affordable. Other materials like graphene, ceramic, and aluminum fins are also used in aftermarket heatsinks, each offering different thermal conductivity and dissipation characteristics.
Materials Used in Heatsinks
- Graphene: Known for its high thermal conductivity, graphene-based heatsinks can reduce temperatures more effectively than traditional materials. They are thin and do not interfere with other components, making them a popular choice.
- Ceramic: Ceramic heatsinks offer high heat dissipation without heat storage, making them suitable for environments where consistent cooling is necessary. They are also thin and easy to install.
- Aluminum Fins: Aluminum is the most common material for heatsinks due to its good thermal conductivity and structural design. Advanced designs like the Cardia A440 Pro M.2 PCIe SSD heatsink can reduce temperatures significantly.
Installation and Considerations
Placement and Airflow
The placement of the M.2 SSD within the PC case can significantly impact its temperature. Avoid placing the SSD near heat-generating components like the GPU, as this can exacerbate overheating issues. Ensuring good airflow within the case is also crucial for maintaining lower temperatures.
Thermal Pads and Adapters
When using a heatsink, thermal pads are essential for efficient heat transfer between the SSD and the heatsink. For adapters like M.2 to PCIe, built-in heat dissipaters can be sufficient, but adding a thermal pad under the drive can enhance heat dissipation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, M.2 NVMe SSDs do need heatsinks to maintain optimal performance and longevity. The choice of heatsink material and design should be based on the specific use case and environmental conditions. Even basic motherboard-provided heatsinks can make a significant difference, but aftermarket solutions offer more advanced cooling capabilities. By understanding the importance of cooling and selecting the right heatsink, users can ensure their high-performance SSDs operate efficiently and reliably.