Is your Samsung 970 SSD heating up like a hot potato during intense gaming sessions or heavy file transfers? You’re not alone! These super-fast NVMe drives are incredible for performance, but all that speed generates heat, which can lead to dreaded thermal throttling. When your SSD gets too hot, it slows down to protect itself, meaning you’re not getting the performance you paid for. That’s where a top-notch cooling solution comes in.
Finding a truly crucial best active cooler for 970 Samsung SSD can make all the difference, ensuring your drive maintains peak performance and extends its lifespan. While the term “active cooler” often implies a fan, for M.2 SSDs like the Samsung 970, highly effective passive heatsinks are the go-to solution. These cleverly designed pieces of metal, often paired with thermal pads, actively draw heat away from your SSD, keeping temperatures in check without any moving parts.
We’ve scoured the market to find seven excellent cooling solutions that are perfect for your Samsung 970 SSD, ranging from slim designs to heavy-duty options. Let’s dive in and find the right one to keep your drive cool and your system snappy!
Why Your Samsung 970 SSD Needs a Cooler
Your Samsung 970 series SSD, whether it’s the EVO, EVO Plus, or PRO, is a powerhouse. It delivers blazing-fast read and write speeds thanks to its NVMe interface. However, this high performance comes with a trade-off: heat. NAND flash memory controllers and other components can get quite warm under sustained load.
Excessive heat can lead to:
* Thermal Throttling: Your SSD automatically reduces its operating speed to prevent damage, leading to slower load times and data transfers.
* Reduced Lifespan: Consistent high temperatures can degrade the components over time, shortening your SSD’s overall life.
* System Instability: In extreme cases, overheating can contribute to system crashes or unexpected shutdowns.
A good heatsink acts as a thermal conductor, drawing heat away from the SSD and dissipating it into the surrounding air, keeping your drive in its optimal operating temperature range. It’s a simple, cost-effective upgrade that protects your investment and ensures consistent performance.
Our Top Picks: Crucial Best Active Coolers for Your Samsung 970 SSD
Here are our detailed reviews of the best cooling solutions that can serve as the crucial best active cooler for 970 Samsung SSDs on the market today.
1. M.2 PS5 SSD NVMe Heatsink for Samsung 990 980 Pro…
This M.2 SSD heatsink is a versatile workhorse, designed to upgrade your computer or PS5 with efficient thermal management. It’s compatible with a wide range of M.2 2280 SSDs, including your Samsung 970 EVO and PRO, making it a solid choice for broad applicability. What makes it stand out is its robust aluminum alloy construction, promising significant temperature drops of 10°C to 30°C, helping your system avoid throttling and maintain peak performance. Plus, its thoughtful design includes multiple adjustable screws, ensuring a secure fit for various M.2 SSD heights.
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Key Features:
- Designed for M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs, including Samsung 970 series.
- Aluminum alloy groove material enhances cooling area.
- Up to 10°C – 30°C cooling effect (environment dependent).
- Easy installation with double-sided clips and 6 height-adjustable screws.
- Includes three nano thermal pads for superior thermal conductivity.
- Small and lightweight (3 x 0.95 x 0.4 inches, 1oz).
- Anodized surface treatment and silver plating for static electricity elimination.
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Pros:
- Broad compatibility with many M.2 2280 SSDs, including PS5.
- Significant reported temperature reduction.
- Flexible installation with adjustable screws for different SSD heights.
- High-quality nano thermal pads included.
- Durable aluminum alloy construction.
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Cons:
- Cooling effect can vary based on environmental factors.
- Minimum height requirement of 12mm might be an issue in extremely tight spaces.
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User Impressions: Customers frequently praise its straightforward installation process and noticeable improvements in SSD temperature, especially during prolonged use. Many appreciate its universal compatibility with various M.2 drives and the quality of the included thermal pads.
2. Awxlumv M.2 Heatsink NVMe SSD PS5 Heat Sink Computer PC…
The Awxlumv M.2 Heatsink offers a sleek and effective cooling solution specifically tailored for M.2 2280mm SSDs, making it perfect for your desktop PC or PlayStation 5. Its standout feature is the double-sided aluminum alloy groove design, which significantly maximizes the heat dissipation area. This design, combined with high-quality nano silicon grease thermal pads, works synergistically to keep your SSD cool and prevent performance dips due to overheating. It’s an aesthetically pleasing and functional choice for anyone looking to optimize their SSD’s thermal performance.
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Key Features:
- Specifically designed for M.2 2280mm SSDs (desktop computers/PS5).
- Double-sided aluminum alloy groove design for enhanced heat dissipation.
- Offers 10°C – 30°C cooling effect (environment dependent).
- Includes three nano silicon grease thermal pads with good thermal conductivity.
- Easy installation with double-sided clip design and 5 adjustable height screws.
- Anodic oxidation surface treatment for durability and appearance.
- Compact dimensions: 3 x 0.95 x 0.4 inches, 1oz.
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Pros:
- Excellent double-sided cooling performance.
- High-quality nano thermal pads ensure efficient heat transfer.
- Adjustable screws provide a stable and secure fit for various SSDs.
- Durable and aesthetically pleasing aluminum alloy construction.
- Good compatibility with PS5 and PC setups.
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Cons:
- Cooling performance is subject to environmental variables.
- A minimum installation height requirement of 12mm exists.
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User Impressions: Users report a significant reduction in SSD temperatures, leading to stable performance even under heavy loads. The ease of installation and the secure fit provided by the adjustable screws are frequently highlighted as major positives.
3. M.2 2280 SSD NVMe Heatsink for Samsung 9100 PRO/990…
This M.2 SSD heatsink is specifically engineered to fit a broad spectrum of high-performance M.2 2280 SSDs, including the Samsung 970 PRO and EVO models. Its strength lies in its durable aluminum construction, which not only acts as a protective shield for your drive but also features a specially engineered ventilation design. This focus on maximizing heat dissipation is what truly makes it shine, working diligently to extend the service life of your SSD by maintaining optimal operating temperatures. If you’re looking for robust protection coupled with effective cooling, this is a strong contender.
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Key Features:
- Perfect fit for a wide range of M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs, including Samsung 970 series.
- Durable aluminum material provides protection and cooling.
- Specially engineered ventilation maximizes heat dissipation.
- Premium soft silicone thermal pads for improved thermal conductivity.
- Easy installation with adjustable screw fixing holes for various SSD heights.
- Small and lightweight (3 x 0.95 x 0.4 inches).
- Notches on the surface for more efficient heat dissipation.
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Pros:
- Extremely wide compatibility with many popular M.2 SSDs.
- Robust aluminum construction offers both cooling and physical protection.
- Optimized ventilation design for effective heat transfer.
- High-quality thermal pads are included.
- Simple installation process with adjustable fit.
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Cons:
- Cooling performance isn’t quantified with a temperature range.
- May not be the slimmest option for extremely tight builds.
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User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight its sturdy build quality and how well it fits various SSDs. The ease of installation is a common theme, along with positive feedback regarding stable SSD temperatures after installation, preventing throttling.
4. JEYI NVMe M.2 SSD Heatsink,Magnesium Aluminum Alloy…
The JEYI NVMe M.2 SSD Heatsink stands out with its ultra-slim 6mm profile, making it an ideal choice for compact builds like mATX and MiniATX motherboards, as well as the PS5. Its magnesium aluminum alloy construction is not just durable but also aesthetically pleasing, featuring multi-color anodized surfaces. Beyond its looks, the CNC-cut design with surface notches is engineered for maximum heat dissipation, ensuring your high-heat-generating SSDs, like the Samsung 970 Pro, stay cool without interfering with other PC components.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-slim 6mm design, ideal for PS5, mATX, and MiniATX motherboards.
- Durable magnesium aluminum alloy construction.
- CNC cutting with surface notches for efficient heat dissipation.
- Multi-color anodized surface for aesthetic appeal.
- Equipped with soft thermal pads for improved thermal conductivity.
- Adjustable screw fixing holes for enhanced contact and cooling.
- Specifically noted for high-heat-generation SSDs like Samsung 970 Pro.
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Pros:
- Extremely slim profile ensures compatibility in tight spaces.
- High-quality magnesium aluminum alloy offers durability and efficient cooling.
- Attractive multi-color options to match build aesthetics.
- Designed for high-performance, high-heat SSDs.
- Adjustable mounting for optimal contact.
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Cons:
- While slim, specific height requirements for certain motherboards or PS5 expansion slots should still be checked.
- Cooling performance is not quantified with temperature ranges.
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User Impressions: Users frequently commend its slim design, which allows it to fit where other heatsinks cannot. The build quality and attractive finish are also popular points, with many reporting stable and lower SSD temperatures, particularly in their PS5 consoles.
5. SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2…
This isn’t just a heatsink; it’s a complete package – the SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD with an integrated heatsink. While this specific product is the 990 PRO, its inclusion here highlights the benefit of an integrated, factory-designed cooling solution for high-performance Samsung SSDs. If you’re in the market for a new, top-tier SSD and want guaranteed optimal thermal performance from the get-go, this option sets the benchmark. It boasts blazing Gen4 speeds and a purpose-built, ultra-slim heatsink engineered by Samsung to ensure its peak performance is always maintained.
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Key Features:
- Integrated, ultra-slim heatsink designed by Samsung for optimal performance.
- BLAZING Gen4 PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD (up to 7450/6900 MB/s read/write).
- More than 55% improvement in random performance over 980 PRO.
- Available in 1TB to 4TB capacities.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops/laptops.
- Dissipates heat to stabilize temperature and prevent performance issues.
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Pros:
- Guaranteed thermal performance and compatibility as it’s an integrated solution from the manufacturer.
- Exceptional speed of the 990 PRO SSD.
- Ultra-slim heatsink ensures wide compatibility.
- Ideal for gaming, video editing, and data analysis.
- Directly compatible with PS5.
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Cons:
- This is an SSD with a heatsink, not just a standalone heatsink for your existing 970.
- Higher cost as you are buying a whole new drive.
- May be overkill if you just need a heatsink for your current Samsung 970.
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User Impressions: Users rave about the incredible speeds and the peace of mind knowing the drive’s thermal performance is factory-optimized. The seamless integration with PS5 is a huge plus, with many noting consistent performance even during demanding loads.
6. M.2 2280 SSD Heatsink, PCIE NVME or SATA M.2 2280…
This M.2 2280 SSD Heatsink offers a straightforward and effective solution for both PCIe NVMe and SATA M.2 2280 SSDs, including your Samsung 970 series. Its double-sided heat sink design is engineered to cool your SSD to a safe temperature, actively preventing overheating and throttling, which can significantly boost your drive’s performance. The silver plating and anodic oxidation surface treatment not only give it a clean look but also contribute to its durability and efficient heat transfer. It’s a versatile and reliable choice for anyone needing a universal cooling upgrade.
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Key Features:
- Specially designed for M.2 2280 NVMe and SATA SSDs.
- Engineered to fit perfectly into the PS5 SSD expansion slot.
- Double-sided heat sink design for efficient cooling.
- Offers 10°C – 30°C cooling effect.
- Easy installation with 6 fixed screws for secure protection.
- Aluminum alloy with silver plating and anodic oxidation surface treatment.
- Compatible with Samsung 970 EVO, 970 PRO Series, and many other M.2 2280 SSDs.
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Pros:
- Universal compatibility with both NVMe and SATA M.2 2280 SSDs.
- Excellent double-sided cooling performance.
- Easy and secure installation with included screws.
- Durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
- Proven compatibility with PS5 and a wide range of popular SSDs.
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Cons:
- Cooling effect is subject to varying environmental conditions.
- May require careful alignment during installation due to screw-fixed design.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate its broad compatibility and the noticeable drop in SSD temperatures. The secure screw-fixed installation is often highlighted as a benefit, ensuring the heatsink stays firmly in place, even during movement.
7. JEYI Copper M.2 HeatSink, Passive Nvme SSD Heatsinks with…
When it comes to serious heat dissipation, the JEYI Copper M.2 Heatsink takes the crown. This heavy-duty cooler features an impressive 36 built-in copper fins, boasting a thermal conductivity of 401 (W/m.K) – far superior to typical aluminum. This design results in a surface area 20 times larger than ordinary M.2 heatsinks, making it an exceptionally effective choice for high-heat-generating SSDs like the Samsung 970 Pro. If maximum cooling performance is your priority, especially for sustained heavy workloads, this copper heatsink is a game-changer.
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Key Features:
- Heavy-duty copper heat sink with 36 built-in copper fins.
- Exceptional thermal conductivity (401 W/m.K).
- Surface area 20 times larger than ordinary M.2 heatsinks.
- Full CNC cutting aluminum frame for solid construction and appearance.
- Equipped with 3 soft thermal pads for improved thermal conductivity.
- Adjustable screw fixing holes to prevent chip damage.
- Perfect fit for M.2 2280mm SSD, especially high-heat Samsung 970 Pro.
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Pros:
- Superior thermal conductivity of copper for maximum heat dissipation.
- Vastly increased surface area due to numerous fins for enhanced cooling.
- Robust and high-quality construction with an aluminum frame.
- Comes with high-quality thermal pads.
- Designed for the most demanding, high-heat SSDs.
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Cons:
- Height of 12mm/0.45″ requires checking for clearance, especially under graphics cards.
- May be heavier than aluminum alternatives.
- Requires removing protective film from fins for optimal performance (easy to forget).
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User Impressions: Customers consistently praise its incredible cooling power, reporting significant temperature drops, particularly for their PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The solid build quality and the visual appeal of the copper design are also highly appreciated, making it a favorite for enthusiasts.
FAQ Section: All Your M.2 SSD Cooling Questions Answered
Keeping your Samsung 970 SSD cool is a smart move, but you might have some questions. Here are answers to common queries about M.2 SSD heatsinks and cooling.
Q1: Why do I need a cooler for my M.2 SSD, especially a Samsung 970?
A: High-performance M.2 NVMe SSDs like the Samsung 970 series generate significant heat during intense operations (like gaming, large file transfers, or video editing). This heat can cause the drive to “throttle” its speed to prevent damage, leading to slower performance. A cooler helps dissipate this heat, ensuring your SSD runs at its optimal speed consistently and prolongs its lifespan.
Q2: Are these “active coolers” or passive heatsinks? What’s the difference?
A: The products reviewed here are all passive heatsinks. While the keyword “active cooler” often implies a fan or other powered cooling mechanism, for M.2 SSDs, passive heatsinks are the most common and effective solutions. They “actively” manage heat by drawing it away from the SSD components and radiating it into the air, without requiring external power. True “active coolers” with fans for M.2 SSDs exist but are less common due to space constraints and potential noise.
Q3: How hot is too hot for a Samsung 970 SSD?
A: Generally, M.2 NVMe SSDs like the Samsung 970 series are designed to operate safely up to around 70-80°C. However, sustained temperatures above 60-65°C can start to cause thermal throttling and put long-term stress on the drive. Ideally, you want to keep your SSD’s operating temperature below 50-55°C for optimal performance and longevity.
Q4: Will adding a heatsink improve my SSD’s performance?
A: Yes, indirectly. A heatsink prevents thermal throttling. By keeping your SSD’s temperature below its throttling threshold, the drive can maintain its advertised read and write speeds without having to slow down. So, while it doesn’t make the SSD faster than its rated speed, it ensures you consistently get the full performance you paid for.
Q5: Are thermal pads really important, or can I just use the heatsink?
A: Thermal pads are absolutely crucial! They fill microscopic air gaps between the uneven surfaces of the SSD controller/NAND chips and the heatsink. Air is a poor thermal conductor, so these pads ensure maximum contact and efficient heat transfer from the SSD to the heatsink. Always use the included thermal pads or high-quality replacements.
Q6: How difficult is it to install an M.2 SSD heatsink?
A: Most M.2 SSD heatsinks are designed for easy installation. Typically, you’ll place the thermal pad(s) on your SSD, then carefully mount the heatsink over the drive, securing it with clips or screws. It usually takes only a few minutes. Always refer to the specific product’s instructions for the best results.
Q7: Will an M.2 heatsink fit in my PlayStation 5 (PS5)?
A: Many M.2 heatsinks are designed with PS5 compatibility in mind, specifically fitting within the console’s SSD expansion slot dimensions. However, it’s essential to check the heatsink’s height specifications against Sony’s recommended dimensions for the PS5 (typically, total height with SSD shouldn’t exceed 11.25mm from the board). Some of the slimmer heatsinks mentioned above are excellent choices for PS5.
Keep Your Cool and Game On!
Investing in a crucial best active cooler for 970 Samsung SSD is a small step that yields big rewards. By managing your drive’s temperature, you’re not just preventing frustrating slowdowns; you’re also safeguarding your valuable data and extending the life of your premium SSD. Whether you choose a sleek, low-profile design or a heavy-duty copper solution, keeping your M.2 drive cool ensures you get the most out of your system, always. Happy computing!