M.2 SSD heatsinks are cooling parts for M.2 drives, which get hot because of their high data transfer speeds. They suit desktop and mini PC users who want steadier drive speeds, and our range includes GRAUGEAR, ICY BOX, be quiet! and AKASA products.
Models differ in material, height and fixing method, so check how much room your motherboard leaves before buying.
How to choose an M.2 SSD heatsink
Drive size and chip layout. Check the length of your drive (usually 2280) and whether the memory chips sit on one or both sides of the board. A double-sided drive needs a heatsink made for both sides, otherwise one side stays uncooled. Some heatsinks in our range are listed as suitable for solid-state drives.
Material. Aluminium is light and the most common choice, while copper conducts heat better but weighs more. Our range includes both aluminium and copper heatsinks, in black and silver.
Height and position on the board. A graphics card or CPU cooler often sits above the M.2 slot, so measure the free gap first. If your motherboard already has an M.2 heatsink, you may not need another.
Passive or active cooling. A passive heatsink has no moving parts and runs silently. Models with a fan cool more strongly, but they can make noise and take up more space.
Fixing method. Most heatsinks attach to the drive with a thermal pad and clips or small screws. Choose a design that does not get in the way of the slot retainer and suits your motherboard layout.
Brands in our range
- GRAUGEAR: best known for cables and PC accessories, and it has the most products in this category in our range.
- ICY BOX: specialises in drive enclosures, adapters and docking stations, so M.2 accessories are a natural extension of its range.
- be quiet!: a German manufacturer known for quiet coolers, PC cases and power supplies.
- AKASA: makes passive cooling solutions, coolers and cases, including ones for small-form-factor computers.
Also in our range: Supermicro.
Frequently asked questions
Does an M.2 SSD need a heatsink?
Not always, but it helps fast PCIe drives that work under heavy load for long periods. An overheated drive slows itself down to avoid getting even hotter. If your motherboard already has an M.2 heatsink, a separate one is usually unnecessary.
Which is better: an aluminium or a copper heatsink?
Copper conducts heat better, but an aluminium heatsink is lighter and is enough for many drives. A copper model is worth considering when the drive runs hot and weight or space are not a concern.
Will a heatsink fit a double-sided M.2 drive?
Only if it is designed for one. A double-sided drive needs thermal pads on both sides, and the motherboard must leave room for the thicker assembly. Check this in the product description.
How do I install an M.2 SSD heatsink?
Peel the protective film from the thermal pads, place the heatsink on the drive and secure it with the clips or screws, following the manufacturer's instructions. Often this is done before the drive goes into the slot, but designs vary between models.
