Question X870 Riptide: Do I need the thermal pad on M.2?

[JSC-34581]

I recently invested in an ASRock X870 Riptide. I'm in the middle of my build and whilst installing the SSD, to the primary m.2 slot, if I leave the thermal pad that came with the board in place, I just can't get the SSD "latch" in place, the thermal pad is too large and the SSD will not go down.

Question is, do I really need the thermal pad? I've opted for an SSD with integrated heatsink (it was on sale cheaper than the same model without) so would I be running any significant risks here?

I can't seem to get the locking mechanism to move. I kinda miss the old screws.

 

[COLGeek]

That integrated heatsink is the problem. Either remove it, or don't use the one that came with the motherboard.

The motherboard heatsink is not designed to accommodate an SSD with one already attached.

 

[JSC-34581]

Apologies if I wasn't clear. I have already removed the heatsink that came with the board (I'm sticking with the heatsink on the SSD) But the board came with thermal pads between the mobo and the SSD. It's this thermal pad that is preventing me from securing the SSD with the "latch".

I'm wondering if I can do away with the thermal pad between the mobo and SSD or if doing so, is unwise? I can't seem to find any way to adjust the "latch" height to accomodate the thermal pad below the SSD.

 

[COLGeek]

The pad is there to assist with heat transfer. Did you remove the protective film?

If still too think, you could replace the pad with a thinner one. What SSD are you using?

 

[JSC-34581]

I did indeed remove the protective film. The SSD in question is: Crucial T700 2TB.

Seems I might have to get thinner some thermal padding in that case. There is no way I'm getting this SSD secured otherwise.

 

[Bob.B]

I did indeed remove the protective film. The SSD in question is: Crucial T700 2TB.

Seems I might have to get thinner some thermal padding in that case. There is no way I'm getting this SSD secured otherwise.

Don't use the thermal pad.....run your stuff and watch the temps.

 

[CountMike]

I did indeed remove the protective film. The SSD in question is: Crucial T700 2TB.

Seems I might have to get thinner some thermal padding in that case. There is no way I'm getting this SSD secured otherwise.

If there's no metal plate or some kind of heat sink between MB and bottom of M.2, there's no use for thermal pad as heat has nowhere to go. it's even better to have some air instead. Thermal pads do nothing on their own.