NVMe SSD drives are increasingly used as storage solutions in systems. They are preferred by more and more users due to the high speed and performance they offer. In our article, we will try to answer the question of whether or not your drive needs a cooler .
Why do NVMe SSDs get hot?
NVMe SSD drives mainly consist of controller chip, DRAM chip and NAND flash memory chip. The functions of these components can be summarized as follows:
- The controller, like the CPU in the system, controls all data read/write operations of the drive.
- DRAM acts like system memory, acting as a cache where data is held temporarily.
- NAND chips are units where data is permanently stored, such as system storage.
When users perform more operations on the drive or perform intensive workloads, all of these components will work harder for longer periods of time. In this case, they will heat up more. The following operations and applications cause excessive heat in the SSD.
- Running too many applications and processes at the same time, such as watching a video while keeping too many browser tabs open.
- Moving large files on the drive. Deleting data from one section and writing it to another section.
- Running data-intensive programs such as image or video editing, modeling software, or games.
When the task ends or the program is closed, it takes some time for the heated driver to cool down and return to normal operating conditions.
Thermal Restriction
When the SSD controller gets too hot, it will have to throttle to prevent damage to the drive or its components. It does this by slowing down the transfer rate, which reduces performance. This can be likened to a runner running faster when they start to get tired/sweat.
“ Thermal Throttling –
When the SSD controller or chips get too hot, the controller software throttles the drive processing power to prevent possible data loss.”
As with other hardware, keeping SSD drives cool ensures longer-lasting peak performance, allowing data to be transferred at top speed without any fluctuations.
However, there is a point to be noted at this point. Using the SSD at the highest speed continuously with an active or passive cooler, or keeping the drive at a low temperature will negatively affect the life of the drive. Therefore, home or office users will not need to use cooling solutions like gamers or professionals in their daily use. In addition, the temperature status of the drive can be checked and the need for cooling can be decided.
How to check SSD temperature?
If there is no problem with hardware such as CPU-Processor or RAM-Memory but programs are running slowly or games are opening slowly, it can be said that the SSD drive is overheating.
The easiest and most reliable way to check drive temperature is to use SSD management programs offered directly by manufacturers, such as Kingston SSD Manager , Samsung Magician or Transcend SSD Scope .
For consumer SSDs, the operating temperature range specified by manufacturers is 0 to 70 °C. If the temperature is frequently above 65 °C, which is regularly monitored with an SSD management program, it is necessary to ensure that the drive is properly ventilated. Or, a cooling unit should be installed directly on the SSD to prevent the drive from overheating.
What is SSD Cooler?
An SSD cooler is a piece of hardware that allows the SSD to operate at the appropriate temperature by dissipating heat generated while the drive is operating, away from the components. It can be compared to the coolers used in performance memory devices such as Kingston Beast. Consumer SSD drives are generally available without a cooler.
There are SSD drives with internal heatsinks designed for high-performance systems. Today, there are many cooling solutions that users can use, especially with PCIe 4.0 SSD drives.
If the current system is going to be used with intensive workloads or for gaming, it would be a good idea to use a cooler to prevent possible performance loss.
“Should an SSD cooler be used in a gaming PC system?
“A cooler would be the right choice for users who play demanding games that require high read-write speeds. Since gamers use effective cooling systems in their systems, it is enough to measure the SSD temperature while playing the most demanding games to understand whether the SSD drive needs a cooler. If the drive temperature is above normal, it would be right to use a cooler.”
Coolers and their working methods
There are basically two different methods used to cool hardware. The first is active cooling , which uses components that require power, such as liquid cooling or fans , and the second is passive cooling, which does not require moving parts and additional power consumption .
Cooling with fan
Fan cooling is the most commonly used cooling method in computer systems. It is a cost-effective solution that offers sufficient performance for many users. It allows the system to operate at the appropriate temperature by removing the hot air created by the hardware inside the case through fans.
The downsides are that it causes dust to collect inside the case, especially in floor-standing systems, and the fans become noisy over time.
SSD cooling with liquid
Liquid SSD cooling solutions are not standalone, but part of the overall system cooling solution. They are especially preferred by gamers.
In the liquid cooling system, the liquid that circulates throughout the system allows the hardware to work efficiently by dissipating its heat. The liquid inside the panels placed on hardware such as SSD drives absorbs the heat and quickly dissipates the heat of the hardware. Liquid cooling, which is much more efficient than passive cooling, is both costly and requires more maintenance.
“Is it harmful to use an SSD without a cooler?
If the SSD temperature does not exceed 70°C even under the heaviest usage, there is no need to use a cooler.”
Cooling Plates and Profiles
It is a solution that can be easily used by any user who wants to cool NVMe SSD drives. The heat tape or silicone provided with the cooler is stuck on the drive and the cooler is placed on it. The cooler is fixed using fixings such as silicone tape or clips. Then it is placed in the drive bay and started to be used.
SSD coolers can be compared to radiators. They are made of copper or aluminum alloy. Thanks to their indented structures, they expand the surface area and allow heat to be dissipated quickly.
Bigboy SSD cooling solutions provide passive cooling for drives with two different profiles. Since there is no fan or liquid circulation channel, they do not require additional maintenance and operate completely silently.
“Does temperature damage SSD?
Constant exposure to temperatures above 70°C is harmful to SSDs, as it is to all computer hardware. Drive temperature can be checked frequently to extend drive life.”
SSD Cooler for PS5
NVMe SSD drives are preferred in game consoles as well as in gaming and performance PC systems.
Apart from the system SSD drive, the PlayStation 5 game console also offers users the option to install NVMe SSD storage.
You can get more detailed information by reading our articles on SSD solutions that can be used with PlayStation 5 and installing an SSD on PlayStation 5 .
If a new SSD is to be purchased, Samsung 980PRO Cooler or 990PRO Cooler models can be preferred. Users who want to use a PCIe 4.0 SSD drive such as Kingston KC3000 with PlayStation 5 can use their drives with PS5 by choosing one of the 6 mm Bigboy Aluminum Cooler or 3 mm Bigboy Aluminum Cooler models.
Briefly
Coolers that use passive or active cooling methods prevent problems caused by overheating and reduced lifespan of expensive and sensitive equipment.
If…
- Applications such as video or image editing, 3D modeling are used. And if large amounts of data are constantly transferred.
- Applications experience lags, fans are constantly running.
- If you are considering purchasing a new SSD to install into the PlayStation 5 internal SSD slot.
It would be correct to use a cooler or choose an SSD with a cooler.
If…
- If there is a heatsink on the motherboard SSD slot.
- If the system has fans or liquid cooling that provide adequate cooling.
- If you do not work with large data very often. Or if you do things like playing games or taking backups once or twice a month.