The Thermalright M.2 Pro 2280 heatsink is the best NVMe SSD heatsink on this list for a desktop that has open space around the M.2 slot: it uses an 8mm heatpipe and double-sided thermal pads to move heat away from a bare drive. If your slot sits under a graphics card or inside a cramped case, the low-profile GLOTRENDS 2-pack is the easier fit. An NVMe heatsink is a small block of metal that clips or screws onto an M.2 drive and spreads the controller’s heat so it throttles later. The rest of the list covers cheap multipacks, PS5-compatible kits and a Samsung-specific option.
Our Top Picks
M.2 Heatsink Cooler 2280 SSD Double-Sided Heat Sink3"L x 0.95"W x 0.4"H3 x 0.95 x 0.4 Inches0.1 poundsCheck on Amazon
Top 3 picks at a glance
Quick List
- Generic double-sided M.2 heatsink (PS5/PC) – best for a simple, low-cost two-sided cover
- Thermalright M.2 Pro 2280 – best for maximum cooling on a bare, hot drive with clearance
- M.2 heatsink 2-piece kit (PS5, NVMe or SATA) – best for buyers who need a spare for a second drive
- Samsung-focused M.2 2280 heatsink – best for owners of the Samsung drives named in the listing
- GLOTRENDS 2-Pack low-profile heatsink – best for tight spaces under a graphics card
- Atdcoek 5-pack heatsink – best for workstation builders outfitting several drives
Which One Is Right for You?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Have a PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 drive in an open slot and want the strongest cooling | Thermalright M.2 Pro 2280 |
| Have the M.2 slot tucked under a large graphics card | GLOTRENDS 2-Pack low-profile |
| Are fitting out three to five drives in a workstation | Atdcoek 5-pack |
| Own one of the Samsung models named in the listing | Samsung-focused M.2 2280 heatsink |
| Want two matching heatsinks for a desktop and a console | M.2 heatsink 2-piece kit |
| Want a basic double-sided heatsink with thermal pads for PC or console use | Generic double-sided M.2 heatsink |
Before you shop, find out whether your motherboard already has a heatsink over the slot. Many current boards do, and adding a second heatsink on top usually makes no sense. The picks below are for bare slots, add-in card adapters and drives that sit in places where the board’s own cover does not reach. Always measure the space above and below the drive first.
All 6 Picks in Detail
1. Generic Double-Sided M.2 Heatsink – Best for a Simple Two-Sided Cover
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This black double-sided heatsink is named for 2280 NVMe drives in PCs and the PS5. The listing says it includes thermal silicone pads, which means the metal does not touch the chips directly. A double-sided design covers both faces of the drive, which helps drives that place memory chips on both sides, though it also adds height and thickness that not every slot can accept.
Who it suits: a builder or console owner who wants a plain, inexpensive heatsink and has confirmed there is room above and below the drive. It is a sensible fallback if the Thermalright model is too tall for your case.
Installation tip: confirm which side of the drive carries the controller and place the thicker pad over it. Because the listing names PC and console use, it is built for slots where rear space exists, so inspect the area under your drive before committing.
- Fits: M.2 2280 NVMe drives, per the listing name
- Design: double-sided, with pads between the metal and the drive
- Finish: black
- Targets: PC and PS5, as named in the listing
- Height and weight: not stated in the listing name; confirm on the product page
- Brand: not stated; confirm on the listing
Pros
- Covers both sides of the drive
- Works for both PC and console installs
Cons
- Dimensions are not given in the listing name
- Rear plate may not fit boards with little space under the slot
Compared with the GLOTRENDS low-profile pack, it is the chunkier two-sided option rather than the thin one.
2. Thermalright M.2 Pro 2280 – Best for Maximum Cooling With Clearance
The Thermalright M.2 Pro is the most heat-focused design here. The listing highlights an 8mm heatpipe and high-performance double-sided thermal pads, and published dimensions are about 75 x 22.7 x 11.7 mm with an aluminum body. A heatpipe moves heat from the drive to the fins faster than a plain block, so this model suits warm PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 drives that run hot in sustained writes.
Who it suits: a desktop owner whose M.2 slot is in open air, with nothing within about 12 mm above it. It is a poor match for slots under a long graphics card or beside a large air cooler.
Installation tip: this is a heavier part than a flat block, so seat the drive firmly in its slot first and fit the heatsink with the system lying flat on the desk. Check that the heatpipe end does not touch neighboring components, and recheck the fit after any graphics card swap.
- Fits: M.2 2280 drives
- Cooling element: 8mm heatpipe per the listing name
- Thermal pads: double-sided, high-performance, as listed
- Published size: about 75 x 22.7 x 11.7 mm
- Material: aluminum alloy per the maker; some listings differ, so confirm
- Weight: roughly 50 g in retail sources
Pros
- Heatpipe and tall fin area for stronger heat spreading
- Recognizable cooling brand with clear published dimensions
Cons
- Height of roughly 11.7 mm can collide with GPUs and coolers
- Not suitable for laptops or very tight cases
It trades the slim fit of the GLOTRENDS kit for more cooling capacity.
3. M.2 Heatsink 2-Piece Kit (PS5, NVMe or SATA) – Best for a Spare Heatsink
This listing sells two black M.2 2280 heatsinks, named for PS5 use and for both NVMe and SATA M.2 drives. That makes it a practical way to equip a desktop drive and a second drive or console without buying separately. The listing does not give dimensions, so the key step is to measure your slot clearance before you rely on it.
Who it suits: owners with two small jobs, such as one drive in a desktop and one in a PS5, who want matching hardware and are not seeking top cooling numbers.
Installation tip: use one heatsink per drive and keep the second in the box until you need it. If you plan to move a drive between a PS5 and a desktop, remember that console bays and motherboard slots leave different amounts of space, so re-measure each time.
- Quantity: two heatsinks in black, per the listing
- Fits: M.2 2280 NVMe or SATA SSDs
- Also named for: PS5 storage expansion
- Design: single or double sided is not stated; confirm on the listing
- Height: not stated in the listing name; confirm on the product page
- Thermal interface: confirm pads in the box
Pros
- Two pieces cover two drives
- Works with NVMe and SATA M.2 drives
Cons
- Few specifications in the listing name
- Cooling strength is unstated
Next to the Atdcoek 5-pack, it suits smaller setups where two drives are the limit.
4. Samsung-Focused M.2 2280 Heatsink – Best for Named Samsung Drives
This heatsink lists a set of Samsung drives, including the 990 Pro, 990 EVO Plus, 9100 Pro, 970 EVO Plus, 980 Pro and 860 EVO. The listing positions it for PCs with a thermal pad. A named model list is useful because it shows the seller has thought about the drive layout, such as a sticker or label that needs to stay uncovered. One caution: the 860 EVO line includes both 2.5-inch SATA and M.2 versions, so confirm yours is the M.2 2280 type.
Who it suits: owners of one of those named drives who would like a heatsink matched to them rather than a universal one. Always peel protective film from the pad and check that no printed warranty label is covered in a way that bothers you.
Installation tip: read the exact model number printed on your drive before you rely on the compatibility list. Samsung sells several drives with similar names, and an incorrect match can mean a heatsink that is too tall or covers the wrong area.
- Fits: M.2 2280 drives, with a named Samsung compatibility list
- Named models: 990 Pro, 990 EVO Plus, 9100 Pro, 970 EVO Plus, 980 Pro, 860 EVO
- Thermal pad: included per the listing; confirm thickness
- Use: desktop PCs per the listing
- Height: not stated in the listing name; confirm on the page
- Material: confirm on the listing
Pros
- Compatibility is spelled out for common Samsung models
- Pad included, so no separate purchase
Cons
- Narrower audience than the universal packs
- Cooling output is not quantified in the listing
Against the generic double-sided kit, it is the pick when matching to a named drive matters more than flexibility.
5. GLOTRENDS 2-Pack Low-Profile M.2 Heatsink – Best for Tight Spaces
The GLOTRENDS kit is the easiest to fit. The listing describes a low-profile design for 2280 NVMe and SATA drives on desktops (not laptops) and the PS5, and the maker’s pages put the body at about 22 x 70 x 3 mm. The listing claims 5 to 20 degrees Celsius of cooling, which is a manufacturer figure that depends on the drive and airflow, not a guarantee. It attaches with clasps and rubber bands rather than screws, which keeps the profile low.
Who it suits: builders whose M.2 slot sits under a graphics card, or small form factor owners who simply cannot afford height. It also helps drives that run warm but not extreme, such as common PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 models in decent airflow.
Installation tip: the clasp and rubber-band system lets you remove the heatsink later without tools, which is handy when you swap drives. Make sure the pad sits flat against the controller and that the bands do not press on the connector edge.
- Fits: 2280 NVMe and SATA M.2 SSDs
- Pack: two heatsinks
- Height: about 3 mm per the maker’s page; confirm on the listing
- Material: aluminum body per the maker
- Mounting: metal clasps and rubber bands, plus thermal pads
- Not for: laptops, per the listing
Pros
- Very low height fits under many GPUs
- Two included, with clear desktop and PS5 support
Cons
- Less surface area than the heatpipe model
- Rubber-band mounting can feel less secure than screw-on designs
It gives up the raw cooling of the Thermalright M.2 Pro in exchange for fit.
6. Atdcoek 5-Pack SSD Heat Sink – Best for Equipping Several Drives
The Atdcoek set is named for 2280 SSDs in desktop and workstation use, with a thermal silicone pad on each of five black heatsinks. The appeal is quantity: a workstation or home server with several M.2 drives gets matching heatsinks without a large outlay. The listing name gives no dimensions, so measure clearance beforehand and treat the cooling capability as modest.
Who it suits: someone populating multiple M.2 slots through add-in cards or a board with many slots, where each drive needs at least basic heat spreading.
Installation tip: keep a simple label of which heatsink sits on which drive, since mixed-up pads from different packs can be uneven. Apply gentle, even pressure when seating each heatsink so the pad bonds across the chip area.
- Quantity: five black heatsinks
- Fits: 2280 SSDs, per the listing
- Thermal interface: silicone pad, named in the listing
- Use: desktop PC and workstation
- Height: not stated in the listing name; confirm on the page
- Design: single or double sided is not stated; confirm
Pros
- Enough pieces for several drives
- Written for desktops and workstations
Cons
- Limited detail in the listing name
- No specific cooling claim to compare
Relative to the two-piece kit, it is the better fit for multi-drive builds and a poorer fit for a single hot drive.
Specs Compared
| Heatsink | Drive size | Pack size | Design | Stated height | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generic double-sided M.2 heatsink | 2280 NVMe | Confirm on listing | Double-sided with pads | Confirm on listing | PC and PS5 |
| Thermalright M.2 Pro 2280 | 2280 | 1 | 8mm heatpipe, double-sided pads | About 11.7 mm (published) | Desktop with clearance |
| M.2 heatsink 2-piece kit | 2280 NVMe or SATA | 2 | Confirm on listing | Confirm on listing | PS5 and PC |
| Samsung-focused M.2 2280 heatsink | 2280 | Confirm on listing | Confirm on listing, pad included | Confirm on listing | Named Samsung drives |
| GLOTRENDS 2-Pack low-profile | 2280 NVMe or SATA | 2 | Low-profile, clasps and bands | About 3 mm (maker page) | Desktop and PS5 |
| Atdcoek 5-pack | 2280 | 5 | Silicone pad on each | Confirm on listing | Desktop and workstation |
How We Chose These
This list is based on the six heatsinks in the catalog set, and our work was desk research, not bench measurement. We compared each listing’s stated drive size, pack count, design (single or double sided), thermal interface and any published dimensions from manufacturer and retailer pages. We prioritized fit, since the wrong height can make a heatsink unusable, and we flagged missing details as “confirm on listing” instead of guessing. Cooling claims, such as the 5 to 20 degree figure from GLOTRENDS, are manufacturer statements that depend on drive, case and workload. We do not claim to have run any of these on a drive.
What to Look For
Do you need a heatsink at all?
Not always. Many recent motherboards ship with a metal cover over at least one M.2 slot, and many modern drives also include their own cover. Drives with PCIe 3.0 or moderate PCIe 4.0 controllers often cope in a case with decent airflow. A heatsink makes the most difference for fast PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 drives under long writes, where the controller can reach the 70 to 80 degree Celsius range where throttling begins. If your board already has a cover, do not stack a second heatsink on top of it.
Height and clearance
Height is the number that decides success. A low-profile kit of about 3 mm leaves room under a graphics card; a heatpipe design near 11.7 mm may need a slot in open air. Rule of thumb: measure the free space from the top of the drive to the nearest obstacle, such as the underside of a graphics card or the base of a CPU cooler, and require at least 2 mm of slack beyond the heatsink’s stated height. Also check the area under the drive: double-sided kits need room below the PCB, and many motherboard slots only leave a tiny gap.
Single-sided versus double-sided
A single-sided heatsink covers the face of the drive that carries the controller. Double-sided drives have chips on both faces, so a heatsink that covers both can help with total heat. The catch is thickness and compatibility: the rear plate occupies the space between the drive and the board, which many slots do not provide. Console slots such as the PS5 bay and add-in adapter cards often have more space than motherboard slots, which is why some double-sided kits name them.
Thermal pads and installation
The pad is what moves heat from the chips to the metal, so installation matters. Peel the protective film from both sides of each pad, place the pad flat with no wrinkles, and avoid reusing a pad after removing it. Keep the pad off the connector edge. Clasp and rubber-band designs should hold the heatsink centered; screw-down designs should be tightened gently so the drive does not bend. Always turn off and unplug the system before installing, and discharge static by touching the case first.
Reading the cooling claims
Listings often quote a temperature drop, such as 5 to 20 degrees Celsius. Treat that as a best-case range. The result depends on the drive’s controller, the pad quality, the case airflow and how long the drive is under load. A drive that idles around 40 degrees may only see a small change, while a hot PCIe 5.0 drive with no cover can see a larger one. Compare the heatsink’s published mass and fin area rather than the headline number when you can.
Airflow still matters
A heatsink only moves heat into the surrounding air, so it works best with some airflow across it. A drive in a stagnant corner behind a graphics card can still run warm with a good heatsink, while a bare drive near a front intake fan may do fine. If you are building a new system, place a case fan so that it moves air across the area where the M.2 slots live, and keep cables away from the heatsink fins. In very small builds, the heatsink and airflow together make a larger difference than either on its own.
SATA drives and other drive types
M.2 SATA drives run cooler than NVMe drives in most cases and rarely need a heatsink. If a kit lists both, that is flexibility, not a requirement. Do not assume that a heatsink for 2280 also fits 2242 or 22110 drives; match the length in the listing. Remember too that a heatsink does not make an unsuitable slot suitable; the drive still needs a proper PCIe lane connection.
Questions
Will an NVMe heatsink make my SSD faster?
No, it will not raise the drive’s peak speed. It helps the drive hold that speed longer by delaying thermal throttling during long transfers such as copying large game libraries, editing video files or running heavy database jobs.
Can I put an aftermarket heatsink over the motherboard’s own cover?
Generally no. Stacking heatsinks adds height and can trap heat. If your board’s cover is adequate, leave it alone, and use an aftermarket kit only for bare slots or add-in cards, or when the board cover is missing or has been removed.
Is a heatsink needed for a PS5 drive?
Sony’s console requires a heatsink for added storage, and several listings here name PS5 compatibility. Check the console’s current clearance guidance and the heatsink height before buying.
Does a double-sided heatsink fit every desktop slot?
No. The rear plate needs space under the drive, and many motherboard slots offer very little. Check the listing and your board manual, or use a single-sided or low-profile kit instead.
Can a heatsink damage my SSD?
It is unlikely if installed correctly. Problems usually come from overtightened screws, creased pads or pads covering connector contacts. Power down fully before installation, unplug the cable and take your time with the mounting hardware.
How do I know my SSD is too hot?
Use the drive maker’s monitoring utility or a hardware monitoring program to read temperature. Sustained readings in the 70 to 80 degree Celsius range during heavy writes suggest a heatsink or better airflow would help. Short spikes during a large install or file copy are normal and do not by themselves indicate a problem.
Update History
- October 20, 2026 – Initial publication; product set drawn from current catalog listings.
- Check the product page for current specifications and availability before buying.
Sources
- Manufacturer product and specification pages for Thermalright and GLOTRENDS
- Retailer listing titles and specification fields for each heatsink
- General SSD thermal guidance from storage vendors and hardware publications on throttling temperatures
