[SOLVED] Is a heatsink strictly necessary for an M.2 NVME drive?

[El Vato]

Hello all, I have been using a Samsung 960 Pro NVME SSD for the OS for a short time, but I was wondering if it's necessary to put a heatsink on the controller of the drive so as to not shorten its lifespan. My only use for the drive is for the OS and some frequently used applications like games, internet browser and coding applications. I have read conflicting things online so I am not sure if it would be best to leave it as is or to put a small aluminum heatsink. Thanks in advance!

 

[USAFRet]

It's only needed if yours is running particularly hot.
What temps are you seeing?

 

[El Vato]

It's only needed if yours is running particularly hot.
What temps are you seeing?

Under load I'm seeing around 62 C. I also performed a benchmark and it seems to be throttling a bit.

 

[USAFRet]

"seems to be throttling"
Actual numbers, or it doesn't count.

https://s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws...ic/Samsung_SSD_960_PRO_Data_Sheet_Rev_1_2.pdf
Operating temp is 0C to 70C.
62C is a bit on the warm side.

Might it be? Maybe.

 

[El Vato]

"seems to be throttling"
Actual numbers, or it doesn't count.

https://s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws...ic/Samsung_SSD_960_PRO_Data_Sheet_Rev_1_2.pdf
Operating temp is 0C to 70C.
62C is a bit on the warm side.

Might it be? Maybe.

Yes, it's running below rated numbers (though not by much), so it is throttling. 3226 Read and 1982 Write.

 

[geofelt]

Not to worry.
A m.2 device heats up only under prolonged sequential operations.
Think a minute or more.
If it senses too much heat, it will throttle.
Normal airflow in a case should be sufficient.