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Are you tired of staring at loading screens instead of playing your favorite games? In the fast-paced world of PC gaming, sluggish storage can be a real buzzkill. As game sizes continue to balloon and graphics become ever more demanding, a high-performance SSD isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. That’s why diving into the world of Sabrent SSDs, especially those poised to be the Sabrent 2026 best SSD drives for gaming, is a smart move for any serious player.
Sabrent has made a name for itself by delivering robust, high-speed storage solutions that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the industry’s giants. Their “Rocket” series, in particular, has become a go-to for enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive guide, we’re taking a deep dive into the Sabrent lineup to pinpoint the drives that will give you the edge in 2026 and beyond. Get ready to cut down those load times, enjoy seamless texture streaming, and truly future-proof your gaming setup!
Why an SSD is Crucial for Gaming in 2026
Gone are the days when a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) could keep up with modern gaming. By 2026, games will be leveraging even more advanced storage APIs, demanding incredibly fast data access. Here’s why an SSD is non-negotiable for serious gamers:
- Blazing-Fast Load Times: Say goodbye to long waits. Games load significantly faster, getting you into the action quicker.
- Seamless Gameplay & Texture Streaming: Modern open-world games stream assets in real-time. A fast SSD ensures textures load instantly, preventing pop-in and stuttering.
- Responsive OS and Applications: Beyond gaming, your entire system will feel snappier, from boot-up to launching other applications.
- Future-Proofing Your Rig: Next-gen games are designed with SSDs in mind, making them a core component for optimal performance.
- Durability and Reliability: With no moving parts, SSDs are more resistant to drops and shocks than HDDs, making them ideal for gaming laptops and portable setups.
How We Chose the Best Sabrent SSDs for Gaming
When evaluating the Sabrent 2026 best SSD drives for gaming, we focused on several key factors to ensure you’re getting top-notch performance and value:
- Speed: Primarily focusing on PCIe Gen4 NVMe drives for their incredible sequential read/write speeds and IOPS, which directly impact game load times and responsiveness.
- Capacity: Modern games are massive, so we’re looking for drives that offer ample space for your growing game library.
- Form Factor: Covering various needs, from standard M.2 2280 for desktops/laptops to compact 2230 for handhelds, and external solutions for portability.
- Durability & Features: Looking at features like advanced thermal management, high-endurance NAND, and robust build quality for longevity.
- Value: Balancing performance with price to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
The 9 Best Sabrent SSD Drives for Gaming in 2026
Let’s dive into our top picks that truly represent the Sabrent 2026 best SSD drives for gaming, covering internal and external options for every type of gamer.
SABRENT Rocket Q4 2230 NVMe SSD 2TB – PCIe Gen4
If you’re a handheld gaming enthusiast rocking a Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, or a Surface Pro, this tiny powerhouse is exactly what you need. The Rocket Q4 2230 packs a massive 2TB of storage into an incredibly compact M.2 2230 form factor, making it an absolute game-changer for expanding your portable game library without relying on slower microSD cards. Despite its size, it doesn’t skimp on performance, offering snappy Gen4 speeds perfect for quick game loads on the go.
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Key Features:
- Designed for Tight Spaces: True M.2 2230 form factor fits Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Surface Pro.
- Powerful Performance: Up to 5GB/s read and 800K IOPS with Gen4 PCIe interface.
- Massive 2TB Capacity: Store your full game library internally.
- Efficient and Reliable: DRAM-less with HMB for low power draw and excellent thermals.
- Retail Quality: Includes Sabrent Acronis cloning software.
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Pros:
- Perfect fit for popular handheld gaming devices.
- Significant performance upgrade for portable gaming.
- High capacity eliminates reliance on external storage for handhelds.
- Efficient design ensures good battery life and less heat.
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Cons:
- Specific form factor limits general compatibility (unless using adapters).
- Performance isn’t as high as full-sized Rocket 4 Plus drives.
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User Impressions: Users rave about how easy it is to install in their Steam Decks and ROG Allys, praising the dramatic improvement in game load times and the sheer convenience of having 2TB of internal storage. Many mention it feels like the definitive upgrade for these devices.
SABRENT 2TB Rocket 4 Plus NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2
For the desktop PC gamer or PlayStation 5 owner, the Sabrent 2TB Rocket 4 Plus is a titan of internal storage. This drive is built for speed demons, delivering incredible Gen4 PCIe performance that translates directly into lightning-fast game loads, buttery-smooth texture streaming in expansive open-world titles, and overall system responsiveness. If you’re building a high-end gaming rig for 2026 or want to supercharge your current setup, this NVMe SSD should be high on your list.
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Key Features:
- Blazing-Fast Performance: Up to 7100MB/s read and 6600MB/s write speeds with PCIe Gen4.
- Next-Gen NVMe Interface: NVMe 1.4 and PCIe Gen4 x4 for maximum throughput.
- High-Endurance TLC NAND: Premium 3D TLC NAND for long-lasting stability under load.
- Advanced Thermal Management: Requires heatsink for optimal Gen4 performance.
- Easy Cloning & Sector Control: Includes Acronis True Image for SABRENT.
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Pros:
- Elite-tier performance for PC and PS5 gaming.
- High endurance ensures long-term reliability for heavy gaming.
- Excellent for content creation and demanding workloads alongside gaming.
- Acronis software simplifies OS and game migrations.
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Cons:
- Requires a motherboard with a PCIe Gen4 M.2 slot.
- Needs a heatsink for sustained peak performance.
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently report drastically reduced load times in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield. PS5 users particularly love it for expanding their console’s storage without sacrificing speed, calling it an “essential upgrade.”
SABRENT 1TB Rocket 4 Plus NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2
The 1TB version of the Rocket 4 Plus offers the same exceptional Gen4 performance as its larger sibling but at a more accessible price point, making it a fantastic primary drive for your operating system and a few of your most played games. While 1TB might seem modest for an entire game library in 2026, it’s perfect for your competitive titles where every millisecond counts, or as a lightning-fast boot drive complemented by a secondary, larger storage solution.
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Key Features:
- NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 Interface. PCIe 4.0 / NVMe 1.3 Compliant.
- Power Management Support for APST / ASPM / L1.2.
- Supports SMART and TRIM commands.
- Advanced Wear Leveling, Bad Block Management, Error Correction Code, and Over-Provision.
- FREE Sabrent Acronis True Image for Sabrent Software for easy Cloning.
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Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 speed for a primary OS and essential games drive.
- Robust features for data integrity and longevity.
- Acronis software is a great value add for setup.
- Excellent performance-to-price ratio for its speed class.
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Cons:
- 1TB capacity might fill up quickly with modern AAA games.
- Still requires a PCIe Gen4 compatible motherboard and heatsink.
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User Impressions: Reviewers highlight the noticeable speed boost for their operating systems and favorite games. It’s often recommended as a great starting point for those upgrading to Gen4 without needing massive initial storage.
SABRENT 4TB Rocket 4 Plus NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2
If you’re a digital hoarder of games and want enough space for years of titles without ever deleting anything, the 4TB Rocket 4 Plus is your dream drive. This monster capacity combines with top-tier Gen4 NVMe speeds to create the ultimate internal gaming SSD. Imagine having your entire Steam library, every Epic Games freebie, and all your future blockbusters installed and ready to launch in seconds. This is the definition of future-proof internal storage for the dedicated gamer.
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Key Features:
- NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 Interface. PCIe 4.0 / NVMe 1.3 Compliant.
- Power Management Support for APST / ASPM / L1.2.
- Supports SMART and TRIM commands.
- Advanced Wear Leveling, Bad Block Management, Error Correction Code, and Over-Provision.
- Includes FREE Sabrent Acronis True Image for Sabrent Software.
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Pros:
- Massive 4TB capacity for an immense game library.
- Uncompromised Gen4 speeds for all your installed titles.
- Industry-leading features for drive health and data integrity.
- The ultimate “install and forget” internal storage solution.
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Cons:
- Premium price point due to high capacity and performance.
- Still requires a compatible PCIe Gen4 motherboard and heatsink.
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User Impressions: Users love the peace of mind that comes with such vast storage combined with top speed. Many comment on finally being able to install every game they own without worrying about space, making it a favorite for content creators and hardcore gamers alike.
SABRENT Rocket XTRM 5 4TB Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD
This isn’t just an external drive; it’s a portable performance beast designed for the cutting edge of connectivity. The Rocket XTRM 5 with Thunderbolt 5 is perfect for gamers who need to move massive game files rapidly, back up entire game libraries, or even run less demanding titles directly from an incredibly fast external drive. Its rugged build and future-proof Thunderbolt 5 interface make it an excellent companion for high-end gaming laptops or desktops with compatible ports.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-Fast Thunderbolt 5 Performance: Up to 64Gbps transfer speeds (80Gbps connection).
- Broad Compatibility: Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4.
- Rugged and Durable Construction: Aluminum body with silicone sleeve for drop protection.
- Plug and Play, No External Power: Bus-powered with a premium Thunderbolt cable included.
- Reliable, Future-Proof Storage: Ideal for creators, professionals, and gamers.
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Pros:
- Unmatched external drive speeds for rapid game transfers and backups.
- Extremely durable and portable design.
- Wide compatibility ensures it works with many devices.
- Future-proof with Thunderbolt 5 technology.
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Cons:
- Requires a Thunderbolt 5/4/3 port for maximum performance.
- Higher price due to cutting-edge technology.
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User Impressions: Professionals and gamers are blown away by the transfer speeds, reporting multi-gigabyte files moving in seconds. The robust build quality also gets high praise, making it a reliable choice for on-the-go storage.
SABRENT 1TB Rocket Nano V2 External SSD – USB 3.2
The Rocket Nano V2 is where portability meets impressive speed, making it a fantastic choice for gamers who need a reliable, fast external drive without the need for Thunderbolt ports. This 1TB version is perfect for carrying a collection of your favorite games to a friend’s house, consolidating older titles, or simply having a super-fast backup solution for your critical game saves and larger files. Its rugged design ensures your data stays safe, wherever your gaming takes you.
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Key Features:
- Unrivaled Speed Performance: Over 1500 MB/s sustained transfers via USB 3.2 Gen 2×2.
- Rugged Yet Refined Design: Anodized aluminum housing and shock-absorbing silicone sleeve.
- Ready for Anything: Compact, travel-friendly design fits in your pocket.
- Dual-Cable Convenience: Includes USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables.
- Engineered for Longevity: High-endurance NAND flash with advanced wear leveling.
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Pros:
- Excellent speeds for a USB-based external drive.
- Incredibly portable and durable.
- Broad compatibility with both USB-C and USB-A devices.
- Ideal for game backups, transfers, or running smaller titles externally.
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Cons:
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for maximum speeds.
- Not as fast as Thunderbolt 5 options.
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User Impressions: Users love the Nano V2’s compact size and robust feel. They frequently highlight its impressive speeds for quick file transfers, making it a popular choice for photographers, videographers, and gamers needing portable, fast storage.
SABRENT 2TB External Aluminum SSD, Rocket Nano V2, USB
The 2TB Rocket Nano V2 takes all the fantastic qualities of its 1TB sibling – the sleek design, robust build, and impressive USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds – and doubles the storage. This makes it an even better option for gamers looking to offload a substantial portion of their game library or capture high-bitrate gameplay footage directly onto a portable drive. It’s the perfect blend of capacity, speed, and portability for a comprehensive external gaming solution in 2026.
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Key Features:
- Burst transfers over 1500 MB/s with sustained performance capable of smooth 8K video recording.
- Constructed of aluminum with an external silicone sleeve for ruggedness.
- Available at up to 4TB (this specific model is 2TB) with high-endurance flash and wear management.
- Includes both Type-C to Type-A and Type-C to Type-C cables for flexibility.
- Native UFD controller assures minimal compatibility issues.
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Pros:
- Generous 2TB capacity for a portable drive.
- Excellent USB-based speeds for gaming and media.
- Highly durable and stylish design.
- Wide compatibility across various devices.
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Cons:
- Still slower than internal Gen4 NVMe or Thunderbolt 5 drives.
- Requires a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for peak performance.
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the added capacity of the 2TB model, calling it a fantastic solution for managing large media libraries and game backups. Its reliability and compact form factor are frequently praised.
SABRENT Rocket XTRM 5 2TB Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD
Just like its 4TB counterpart, the 2TB Rocket XTRM 5 leverages the cutting-edge Thunderbolt 5 interface to deliver mind-boggling external transfer speeds. This 2TB variant is ideal for gamers who want the absolute fastest external storage possible but don’t quite need the 4TB capacity, perhaps focusing on moving current-gen titles or working with large project files. It offers the same rugged durability and future-proof design, ensuring your data is not only fast but also secure on the go.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-Fast Thunderbolt 5 Performance: Achieve up to 64Gbps transfer speeds (80Gbps connection).
- Broad Compatibility: Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4.
- Rugged and Durable Construction: Built with an aluminum body and silicone sleeve.
- Plug and Play, No External Power Needed: Bus-powered with a premium Thunderbolt cable.
- Reliable, Future-Proof Storage Solution: Ideal for creators, professionals, and gamers.
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Pros:
- Extreme external transfer speeds for the fastest possible data movement.
- Highly durable and portable.
- Excellent compatibility with modern and older Thunderbolt/USB ports.
- Perfect for ultra-fast game backups or direct external game launches.
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Cons:
- Premium price point.
- Full speed requires a Thunderbolt 5/4/3 port.
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User Impressions: Similar to the 4TB version, users are consistently impressed by the unparalleled speed and robust build quality. It’s considered a worthwhile investment for those needing professional-grade external storage performance.
SABRENT USB 3.0 4-Bay 2.5” SATA SSD and HDD Docking Station
While not an SSD itself, this 4-Bay Docking Station is an indispensable utility for the serious gamer or PC enthusiast managing multiple drives. If you have a collection of older 2.5″ SATA SSDs filled with games, or need a quick way to clone your OS drive or backup entire game installations, this docking station is a lifesaver. Its tool-free design and built-in cooling fan make managing and swapping drives a breeze, offering a fantastic way to expand storage versatility for your gaming setup.
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Key Features:
- High Capacity and Broad Compatibility: Supports up to 4x 16TB 2.5” SATA SSDs or HDDs.
- Blazing Fast Transfers: USB 3.0 interface delivers up to 5Gbps transfer speeds.
- Tool-Free Drive Access: Quickly and easily swap drives with a magnetic cover.
- Enhanced Cooling and Long-Term Reliability: Built-in whisper-quiet fan.
- Plug and Play Compatibility: Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux without drivers.
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Pros:
- Excellent for managing multiple game drives or backups.
- Tool-free access simplifies drive swapping and cloning.
- Built-in cooling prolongs drive life.
- Adds significant storage versatility to any gaming rig.
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Cons:
- Limited to 2.5″ SATA drives (no M.2 NVMe support).
- USB 3.0 speeds are slower than modern NVMe interfaces.
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User Impressions: Users praise its reliability for cloning and data transfer, calling it a “must-have” for IT professionals and PC builders. Gamers find it invaluable for managing a growing collection of older SATA SSDs and HDDs.
Choosing Your Ideal Sabrent Gaming SSD
With so many excellent options, how do you pick the right one from our list of Sabrent 2026 best SSD drives for gaming? Consider these points:
- Internal vs. External:
- Internal (Rocket 4 Plus, Rocket Q4 2230): Best for primary OS, current-gen games, and the fastest possible load times. Ideal for desktops, laptops, and handhelds.
- External (Rocket XTRM 5, Rocket Nano V2): Great for portable game libraries, quick transfers, backups, and offloading games to free up internal space. Best for flexibility and sharing.
- Capacity Needs:
- 1TB: Good for a primary drive with OS and a few key games. You’ll likely need secondary storage.
- 2TB: A sweet spot for many gamers, offering ample space for a sizable game library.
- 4TB+: For hardcore collectors who want to install virtually everything and not worry about space for years.
- Speed Requirements:
- PCIe Gen4 NVMe (Rocket 4 Plus): Top-tier performance for the most demanding games and future titles. Requires a compatible motherboard.
- Thunderbolt 5 (Rocket XTRM 5): Unmatched external transfer speeds for professional use and ultra-fast external game storage. Requires a Thunderbolt port.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (Rocket Nano V2): Excellent portable speeds, widely compatible with modern USB ports.
- Budget: Higher capacity and newer technology (like Thunderbolt 5) generally come with a higher price tag. Balance your needs with what you’re willing to spend.
Conclusion
As we look towards 2026, investing in a high-quality SSD is paramount for any serious gamer. Sabrent has consistently delivered powerful, reliable, and innovative storage solutions that truly enhance the gaming experience. Whether you’re upgrading a handheld console, building a cutting-edge PC, or simply need fast, portable storage, there’s a Sabrent drive designed to meet your needs.
We hope this guide to the Sabrent 2026 best SSD drives for gaming helps you make an informed decision. By choosing one of these top-tier drives, you’re not just buying storage; you’re investing in faster load times, smoother gameplay, and a truly future-proof gaming setup. So, go ahead, pick your weapon of choice, and get ready to dominate those virtual battlegrounds!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why are Sabrent SSDs particularly good for gaming?
A1: Sabrent SSDs, especially their Rocket series, are known for their high sequential read/write speeds and impressive IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second). For gaming, this translates directly to faster game load times, smoother texture streaming in open-world games, and overall system responsiveness. Many also come with high-endurance NAND and effective thermal solutions, ensuring consistent performance during long gaming sessions.
Q2: What’s the difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs, and which is better for gaming?
A2: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect directly to the motherboard via a PCIe slot (usually M.2 form factor), offering significantly higher speeds (thousands of MB/s) and lower latency than SATA SSDs. SATA SSDs use the older SATA interface, with speeds generally capped around 550 MB/s. For gaming, NVMe SSDs are vastly superior, providing the fastest possible load times and ensuring compatibility with future gaming technologies. Sabrent’s best gaming drives are almost exclusively NVMe.
Q3: Do I need a PCIe Gen4 SSD for gaming in 2026?
A3: While not strictly mandatory for all games, a PCIe Gen4 SSD is highly recommended for optimal gaming in 2026. Next-gen consoles and PC games are increasingly designed to leverage the bandwidth of Gen4 drives (and soon Gen5). This ensures the fastest asset streaming, reduces pop-in, and will become a more significant performance factor for future titles. If your motherboard supports it, a Gen4 NVMe drive is a wise investment for future-proofing.
Q4: How much SSD storage do I need for gaming in 2026?
A4: Modern AAA games can easily take up 100GB-200GB each. For a comfortable gaming experience in 2026, we recommend at least 1TB as a minimum. A 2TB SSD is a sweet spot for many gamers, allowing for a substantial library of installed games. If you’re a hardcore gamer or content creator, a 4TB SSD offers immense peace of mind, ensuring you rarely have to uninstall games.
Q5: Can I use an external Sabrent SSD for gaming?
A5: Yes, you absolutely can! High-speed external Sabrent SSDs like the Rocket XTRM 5 (Thunderbolt 5) or Rocket Nano V2 (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2) offer speeds far beyond traditional external HDDs. While generally not as fast as internal NVMe Gen4 drives, they are excellent for storing less demanding games, backing up your game library, or quickly transferring massive game files between systems. For casual gaming on the go, they are a fantastic solution.
Q6: What does ‘Host Memory Buffer (HMB)’ mean in some Sabrent SSDs?
A6: Host Memory Buffer (HMB) is a technology used in some DRAM-less NVMe SSDs. Instead of having its own dedicated DRAM cache (which adds to cost and power consumption), an HMB-enabled SSD can utilize a small portion of your system’s main RAM to perform caching functions. This helps improve performance, especially for random read/write operations, making DRAM-less drives like the Sabrent Rocket Q4 2230 more efficient and responsive without significantly impacting system memory.
Q7: Is a heatsink necessary for Sabrent NVMe SSDs, especially Gen4 ones?
A7: For PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs like the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus, a heatsink is highly recommended, and often necessary, for optimal and sustained performance. These drives generate considerable heat under heavy load (like intense gaming sessions or large file transfers). Without proper cooling, the drive may “throttle” its speed to prevent overheating, leading to reduced performance. Many modern motherboards include integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can purchase aftermarket ones.