Does NVMe Need Heatsink? (Causes | Issues | Fix)

NVMe Heatsink In Details

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a protocol for fast SSDs, which come in the M.2 form factor. Due to their high-speed performance, NVMe SSDs can generate significant heat under load. If they get too hot, they might throttle their performance to reduce heat, which can reduce the drive’s overall speed. To prevent this from happening, users can consider using an NVMe heatsink.

An NVMe heatsink is a metal (usually aluminum or copper) designed to absorb and dissipate heat from an NVMe SSD. The heatsink’s primary purpose is to ensure that the SSD maintains optimal operating temperatures, thereby preventing performance throttling due to overheating.

Does NVMe need Heatsink? (How Temperature Affects It?)

Whether an NVMe SSD requires a heatsink depends on various factors, including the drive’s use case, environment, and inherent design. Here are some considerations:

NVMe Heatsink
NVMe Heatsink

Drive Design and Heat Generation: Not all NVMe SSDs produce the same heat. Some are designed to operate efficiently and produce minimal heat, while others, especially high-performance models, might generate more heat under heavy loads.

Performance Throttling: NVMe SSDs have thermal throttling mechanisms to prevent damage from overheating. When the drive’s temperature exceeds a certain threshold, it reduces its performance to bring down the temperature. A heatsink can help maintain lower temperatures, preventing or at least delaying the onset of thermal throttling.

Workload: If you’re using the SSD for regular tasks like booting your OS, browsing the web, or light file transfers, a heatsink may not be necessary. However, a heatsink is beneficial if you frequently transfer large files, gaming, or perform tasks involving sustained read/write operations.

Environment: The ambient temperature of the device’s environment plays a role. A heatsink is more beneficial if the SSD is hot or inside a compact PC case with poor airflow.

Device Design: Some laptops and desktops have built-in cooling solutions for the M.2 slots, making additional heatsinks redundant. On the other hand, an additional heatsink can be advantageous if the SSD is in a location with limited airflow.

Manufacturer Recommendations: Some NVMe SSD manufacturers recommend or provide heatsinks for their high-performance drives. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s guidance.

Lifespan Consideration: While SSDs have a built-in mechanism to handle the heat, consistently running at high temperatures could reduce the drive’s longevity. A heatsink can help maintain a more consistent and cooler operating temperature, potentially enhancing the SSD’s lifespan.

In summary, while not all NVMe SSDs strictly need a heatsink, having one can be beneficial, especially when the drive is likely to get hot. If you’re unsure about your specific scenario, monitoring the SSD’s temperatures under your typical workload can provide clarity. A heatsink is a good investment if temperatures regularly approach or exceed the manufacturer’s specified maximum.

How does NVMe heatsink work?

The primary function of a heatsink is to dissipate heat. More specifically, a heatsink is designed to absorb heat from a heat-generating component and dissipate that heat into the surrounding environment, thereby preventing the component from overheating.

NVMe heatsink cooling process
NVMe heatsink cooling process (Air Flow Diagram)

The heatsink directly contacts the heat-generating component (e.g., a CPU, GPU, or an NVMe SSD). Due to the high thermal conductivity of the heatsink material, usually metal like aluminum or copper, absorbs the heat generated by the component. Here are more details:

Thermal Conductivity: The heatsink material (e.g., aluminum or copper) has high thermal conductivity. This means it can absorb and spread the heat efficiently from the source (SSD) to the larger surface area of the heatsink.

Thermal Pad: A thermal pad or paste is placed between the SSD and the heatsink. This substance enhances the thermal conductivity between the surfaces, ensuring efficient heat transfer from the SSD to the heatsink.

Heat Dissipation: Once the heat is transferred to the heatsink, it is dissipated into the surrounding environment, usually through convection. The heatsink’s larger surface area and fins help dissipate the heat more effectively.

Design Features: Some advanced heatsinks have additional features, such as fans for active cooling. However, passive cooling (i.e., without fans) is sufficient for most consumer applications.

Installing Guide for an NVMe Heatsink

Compatibility Check: Ensure the heatsink is compatible with your SSD’s form factor (usually, M.2 2280 is the most common size).

Installing Guide for an NVMe Heatsink
Installing Guide for an NVMe Heatsink

Clean the SSD: Before application, ensure the SSD surface is clean and free from dust or other particles.

Apply Thermal Pad/Paste: If the heatsink comes with a thermal pad, you can place it onto the SSD. If using thermal paste, apply a thin layer on the SSD.

Attach the Heatsink: Place it over the SSD, ensure it covers the main NAND and controller chips, and press it down gently. Some heatsinks have clips or screws to secure them in place.

Ensure Proper Clearance: Before closing your PC or laptop, ensure the heatsink doesn’t obstruct any other components or connectors.

How to monitor NVMe SSD Temperature?

Monitoring the temperature of your NVMe SSD is essential to ensure it operates within safe parameters. Here’s how you can do it:

Built-in Windows Tool:

Windows 10 & 11: You can use the built-in wmic command to get SSD temperature.

  • Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  • Type in: wmic /namespace:\root\wmi PATH MSStorageDriver_ATAPISmartData get VendorSpecific

Look for the “Temperature” field. The value is typically in Celsius.

CrystalDiskInfo:

  • One of the most popular free tools for monitoring SSDs and HDDs.
  • Download and install from the official website.
  • Launch the program, and it will show the temperature of all connected drives.

HWiNFO:

  • A comprehensive hardware monitoring tool that provides detailed info about all parts of your system, including NVMe SSDs.
  • After installing and running HWiNFO, expand the Drives section to see your SSD’s temperature.
  • SSD Manufacturer Software:

Many SSD manufacturers offer proprietary software tools to monitor and manage their SSDs.

Examples include:

If you’re using an NVMe SSD from one of the major manufacturers, check their official website for relevant software.

NVMe-cli (For Linux):

  • If you’re on Linux, nvme-cli is a tool that provides a variety of utilities for managing NVMe drives.
  • Installation may differ depending on your distribution. For Ubuntu/Debian, you can install using: sudo apt install nvme-cli
  • To view the temperature, use the following: sudo nvme smart-log /dev/nvmeXnY, replacing X and Y with appropriate drive numbers.

Third-party Monitoring Software:

Other third-party software solutions can monitor system temps, including NVMe SSDs, such as AIDA64, Speccy, etc.

Monitor the temperatures, especially if you’ve recently changed your system or put the drive under heavy loads. If you notice temperatures consistently exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended operational range, consider the cooling solutions and check if the heatsink works appropriately.

How to keep NVMe cool and make it healthy?

Keeping your NVMe SSD cool can help ensure it operates optimally and prolong its lifespan. NVMe drives, especially under load, can get hot and may throttle their speeds if they overheat. Here are several methods to help keep them cool:

Good Case Airflow:

Ensure that your PC case has proper airflow. This typically means having at least one intake fan and one exhaust fan. The airflow helps remove heat from the NVMe drive and other components.

NVMe Heatsinks:

Many NVMe drives come with built-in heatsinks, especially high-performance models. If yours doesn’t, you can collect aftermarket NVMe heatsinks. They’re typically made of aluminum or copper and might come with thermal pads.

Ensure the heatsink is compatible with the size of your NVMe drive (e.g., 2280, which refers to the drive being 22mm wide and 80mm long).

Motherboard M.2 Heatsinks:

Many modern motherboards come with M.2 heatsinks or shields that cover and cool the NVMe drive. If your motherboard comes with one, ensure it’s correctly installed with the thermal pad making good contact with the NVMe drive.

Avoid Stacking NVMe Drives:

If you use multiple NVMe drives on a motherboard, ensure they’re spaced apart. Stacking them close together can lead to heat build-up.

Active Cooling Solutions:

Some aftermarket solutions incorporate small fans to provide active cooling to NVMe drives. These can be especially useful if your drive is under heavy and continuous load.

Monitor Temperatures:

Use software like HWiNFO, CrystalDiskInfo, or your motherboard’s monitoring software to monitor your NVMe drive’s temperature. Awareness of the temperature can help you take corrective action if it gets too hot.

Avoid Direct Heat Sources:

Avoid placing your NVMe drive near major heat sources like a GPU or CPU without adequate cooling.

Consider Location:

If your motherboard has multiple M.2 slots, use the one furthest from heat sources, like your GPU.

Update Firmware:

Some NVMe overheating issues can be related to firmware. Ensure your SSD’s firmware is up-to-date; manufacturers might release updates that improve thermal management.

Reduce Load:

If you’re continuously writing or reading from the NVMe drive causing it to heat up, consider spreading the workload. For example, if you’re transferring large amounts of data, do it in chunks rather than all at once.

Don’t overcool it. SSDs tend to operate best in a specific temperature range, and being too cold can also affect their performance and lifespan. Generally speaking:

Operational Temperature (when the drive is active):

  • Typical range: 0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F).

Performance may decrease (throttle) when the temperature reaches the upper end of this range to prevent damage.

Non-Operational or Storage Temperature (when the drive is not in use):

  • Typical range: -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)

Optimal Temperature (for best performance and longevity):

  • Ideally: 25°C to 50°C (77°F to 122°F)

Last words

While a heatsink can be beneficial, not every NVMe SSD requires one. Some drives run cooler than others, and some devices (like certain laptops) might not have enough space for a heatsink. Always check your specific device and drive requirements. SATA SSD doesn’t require heatsinks as they already have a built-in heat sink

Whether a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD requires a heatsink depends on a few factors, but PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs tend to generate more heat than their PCIe 3.0 counterparts due to their higher performance and faster speeds.

Some high-end Samsung M.2 SSDs, especially the ones designed for PCIe 4.0, tend to generate more heat due to their high performance. For example, models like the Samsung 970 EVO or 980 PRO, especially under intense workloads, might benefit from a heatsink.


Learn More:

How Long Does Ram Last?

What Is Artifacting GPU?

How To Clean GPU Fans Properly?

How Does Overclocking Reduce GPU Lifespan?

What Is CPU Package Temp?

Julia Rose

My name is Julia Rose. I'm a registered clinical therapist, researcher, and coach. I'm the author of this blog. There are also two authors: Dr. Monica Ciagne, a registered psychologist and motivational coach, and Douglas Jones, a university lecturer & science researcher.I would love to hear your opinion, question, suggestions, please let me know. We will try to help you.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *