M.2 SSDs promise superb performance in a small form factor. But they also generate a lot of heat. That’s where a heatsink comes in. Here’s a list of the best ones available right now.
MHQJRH M.2 2280 SSD Heatsink
The MHQJRH M.2 2280 SSD heatsink is a budget-friendly option that is good at dissipating heat. It is made of aluminum and has a double-sided design for improved compatibility.
Thanks to its compact size, you can even use it as a heatsink for your PS5’s SSD. Apart from a black colorway, you can also get this heatsink in six other colors, such as red, green, blue, purple, silver, and golden. As such, if you’re looking for a simple-to-install and value-for-money M.2 SSD heatsink, this is the one for you.
What We Like
- Easy to install
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Not for high-performance systems
Thermalright HR-09 2280 PRO
The HR-09 2280 PRO heatsink comes with a total of 33 fins on top along with an aluminum alloy-groove design. It also uses a unique thermal pad made from nano silicon grease material. All the components work exceptionally well and ensure that your SSD has a larger heat dissipation area with no performance limitations.
In terms of installation, the HR-09 is relatively easy to install thanks to its double-sided clip design. However, due to its tall form factor, it might not fit every system out there. As such, you’ll need to ensure that you have enough room to accommodate the 74mm tall heatsink.
What We Like
- Excellent cooling
- Easy installation
- Nice value for the money
What We Don’t Like
- Takes up a lot of space
- Not compatible with PS5
ineo Aluminum M.2 2280 SSD Heatsink
At the end of the day, a heatsink is a passive cooling solution. Unless, of course, you attach a fan close to it. If your system doesn’t have enough fans to keep the cabinet cool, how about a heatsink with its own fan? Enter the ineo Aluminum M.2 2280 SSD Heatsink.
The ineo Aluminum M.2 2280 SSD Heatsink has a tiny 20x20mm fan. However, don’t be fooled by its size. Despite drawing just 1W of power, it can spin at a whopping 10,000 rpm. The heatsink is made from aluminum alloy material, but it also packs in a pure copper strip underneath for good heat dissipation.
What We Like
- Includes a fan for better cooling
- Adjustable RPM via BIOS
- Good performance
What We Don’t Like
- Not compatible with PS5
be quiet! BZ002 MC1 M.2 SSD Cooler
be quiet! BZ002 MC1 M.2 SSD is a reliable cooler that can keep your SSD’s operating temperatures in check. As such, the drive should be able to run at full performance for an extended period.
The SSD Cooler is made of aluminum and has a simple, yet effective design. It touts an all-black finish that looks premium and elegant and blends in with most black motherboards. The heatsink comes with a thermal pad, which helps to transfer heat from the SSD to the heatsink. It is also very easy to install.
What We Like
- Very reliable
- Premium looks
- Compatible with both PC and PS5
What We Don’t Like
- Cheaper alternatives available
SABRENT M.2 NVMe Heatsink (SB-PSHS)
If you’re specifically looking for a PS5 SSD heatsink, then this is the one for you. It fits inside the PS5’s SSD expansion slot, making for a quick and easy installation. It is made of aluminum and has a unique “sandwich design” which ensures even pressure throughout the SSD for efficient and consistent heat transfer.
One thing to note is that it replaces the SSD slot cover plate on the PS5. However, that is necessary to ensure optimal cooling. Needless to say, if you’re looking for an efficient way to improve your PS5’s storage performance, then this is it.
What We Like
- Excellent performance
- Specially made for the PS5
- Easy to install
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t work with PCs
SABRENT M.2 2280 SSD Rocket Heatsink (SB-HTSP)
The SB-HTSP from SABRENT is a high-performance heatsink designed for M.2 NVMe SSDs. It is made of copper and aluminum and has a unique “fin design” that helps dissipate heat effectively.
The copper absorbs the heat from the drive, fanning it up to the grooved, aluminum surface of the heatsink. The heatsink also offers an enlarged surface area for efficient cooling. As a result, you can squeeze every ounce of performance out of your NVMe drive without worrying about throttling.
What We Like
- Best-in-class performance
- Easy installation
- Premium looks and build quality
What We Don’t Like
- Quite Expensive
- Only for NVMe drives. Overkill for other M.2 drives
FAQs about Heatsinks for M.2 SSDs
1. Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
Not all M.2 SSDs need a heatsink. However, if you constantly face throttling, or are using an NVMe SSD that generates a lot of heat, you may want to consider using a heatsink. A heatsink can come in handy for demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing.
2. What material is the best for a heatsink?
The best material for a heatsink is aluminum. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat, and it is also relatively lightweight. That being said, some heatsinks are also made of copper, which is an even better conductor of heat. However, it is also more expensive. As such, using a combination of both is the best.
3. How do I install a heatsink on my M.2 SSD?
In general, you will need to remove the screw cover on your M.2 SSD slot, attach the heatsink to the SSD, and then screw it in place. However, the actual installation can differ from heatsink to heatsink. As such, it’s best to refer to the instruction manual that comes included in the package.
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