This Cheap $7 Tool Can Help Your Expensive SSDs Last Longer

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With the cost of computer components on the rise, it never hurts to have something that can protect your solid state drive (SSD), especially considering that it can be worth its weight in gold. As the prices of SSDs continue to rise, a good heatsink can be a solid way to protect your device from thermal damage through passive cooling and heat dissipation. Luckily, Amazon has one available for less than $10.

The Thermalright TR-M.2 2280 heatsink is backed by a good rating on Amazon and a solid price. Along with wide compatibility, the heatsink also comes with various instructions – including a video – so that even beginners can have an easy time installing the device. Naturally it also comes with some great features to protect your drive.

However, keep in mind that your SSD or motherboard may already have a heatsink installed. Be sure to do some research about your specific SSD, motherboard, or your entire computer before making a purchase. Even if it’s just $7, doing some research beforehand can help you decide if going the third-party route is worth it for your particular setup. It’s also good to know the signs of when an SSD is about to fail, as knowledge is never a bad thing when it comes to taking preventative measures.

Thermalright has been in the computer radiator business for 20 years, since 2001 in Taipei, Taiwan. The company has been making heatsinks since 2002, eventually leading to the Thermalright TR-M.2 2280 heatsink. While there are some things you should know about SSDs that can handle long-term storage, making sure your SSD stays cool with a heatsink can be a decent way to protect your investment.

Compatible with desktop PCs using the M.2 interface and M.2 2280 SSDs, the heatsink works with a variety of drives – including many Samsung drives, which are among the best out there – while not causing interference with the PCI-E slots themselves. The double-sided heatsink has a silicone film for thermal conductivity and includes an anodized sandblasted aluminum alloy for heat dissipation and corrosion protection. Along with its 70 mm height, 24 mm width, and 12 mm height, the Thermalright uses two side clips and comes with four screws to keep it fit on the SSD.

The Thermalright heatsink has a 4.7 star rating with over 310 reviews while also being an Amazon’s Choice item. Customers appreciate the sturdy design, easy installation, and overall performance. On the other hand, some owners have reported issues where the installed thermal pads are too small, requiring the use of additional pads to fit securely on their SSD. There are other ways you might be killing your PC’s storage, but using the right heatsink can be a solid way to prevent overheating and save your drive and data.