Samsung NVMe SSDs are highly regarded for their performance and reliability in the market. However, some users have reported overheating issues with these drives, leading to thermal throttling and decreased performance. In this article, we will delve into the problem’s root cause, explore a simple solution, and discuss its benefits in terms of increased performance, reliability, and lifespan of NVMe SSDs.
The Issue: Design and Overheating Upon closer examination, the problem lies in the design of Samsung NVMe SSDs. The controller chip is slightly thinner than the NAND memory chips, resulting in a gap between the controller and the heatsink. Under heavy load, this design flaw causes the controller chip to reach high temperatures, with reported values as high as 200 degrees Fahrenheit or 94 degrees Celsius. Such elevated temperatures are detrimental to the drive’s health and can lead to thermal throttling.
The Solution: Thermal Pads and Installation Thankfully, resolving the overheating issue is a relatively straightforward process. All that is required are a utility knife and high-quality thermal pads, such as the Grizzly Minus pads. The necessary thicknesses for these particular drives are 0.5 millimeters and 1 millimeter.
To begin, users should remove the old thermal pad from the heatsink and clean both the heatsink and the SSD drive’s surface with rubbing alcohol. Next, the thermal pads need to be cut into the appropriate sizes. A 0.5 millimeter thick pad measuring 31 millimeters in length is ideal for the memory chips, while a 1 millimeter thick pad measuring 37 millimeters should be used for the controller chip and other components.
Carefully remove the protective tape from the thermal pads and center them on the respective components. Press down gently to ensure proper adhesion. Once the pads are in place, the gap between the heatsink and the controller chip should be eliminated. Finally, reinsert the SSD drive into its slot and reinstall the heatsink.
Benefits of the Solution The implementation of high-quality thermal pads effectively improves the heat transfer from the controller chip to the heatsink. This solution has been tested, comparing two identical Dell XPS laptops equipped with Samsung 980 Pro SSDs. The laptop with the stock thermal pad exhibited higher temperatures, while the laptop with the Grizzly thermal pads showed significantly lower temperatures under heavy load.
Additionally, this solution extends beyond Samsung NVMe SSDs, potentially benefiting other brands with similar design flaws. By preventing overheating and thermal throttling, users can enjoy enhanced performance, increased reliability, and a longer lifespan for their NVMe SSDs.
Conclusion Samsung NVMe SSDs are renowned for their superior performance, but they are not exempt from potential overheating issues due to design flaws. By applying high-quality thermal pads to address the gap between the controller chip and the heatsink, users can prevent overheating and thermal throttling, thus ensuring optimal performance and extending the lifespan of their SSDs. This simple solution offers significant benefits in terms of improved heat transfer, enhanced reliability, and increased longevity. Whether it’s a Samsung or another brand’s NVMe SSD with a similar design, this method provides an effective remedy for the overheating problem.
