Motherboard armor/heatsinks for m.2

[chrcoluk]

So guys I now have a board with built in heatsinks, I was 50/50 on using it as the metal looks thin enough to potentially just be a heat trap, but ultimately I didnt use it because of the install process, and I am curious if this is normal across all board vendors.

So to remove the heatsink is 2 screws, one each end, I then installed the SSD as normal, slotting it in, and securing it with its screw.

However I then noticed the standoff used to secure the SSD is the used for the heatsink, this to me isnt logical. Given how hard and a pain installing m.2 already is, I assumed would be you secure the SSD in place, then install the heatsink back on top of it, but instead it looks like have to hold the SSD down with something somehow whilst placing the heatsink on top (would have to do it this way to ensure it lines up with standoffs), all this in a very cramped area as well, then whilst doing all this holding and placement, screw one of the screws in.

So do board heatsinks usually have their own screw standoffs, or are they all like the ASRock way? I did take some photos which I can upload if needed.

 

[Regeneration]

1. Remove the built-in heatsink by unbolting the 2 screws.
2. Install the NVMe.
3. Ensure there is a thermal pad on the heatsink. If there is a plastic film, peel it off.
4. Place the heatsink above the NVMe and secure it the 2 screws.

Very easy, very simple.

If you don't wish the use the built-in M.2 heatsink, then screw the NVMe with a tiny screw.

M.2 standoffs are suppose to be built-in, and there should be extra, and screws in the motherboard's package.

 

[AsRock]

You should be able to screw the drive down when it's in it's slot, then screw the motherboard heatsink on top. The stand off shold line up with the end of the drive.

 

[wNotyarD]

You should be able to screw the drive down when it's in it's slot, then screw the motherboard heatsink on top. The stand off shold line up with the end of the drive.

Motherboards do use the same screw to hold both the heatsink and the drive underneath, common with 2280 heatsinks. For the 22110 heatsinks, unless you do have a 22110 drive you'd need two screws.

I personally do use the heatsink of my X470 board, but I fall on the second case: a 2280 drive under a 22110 heatsink, so I used the screw which came with the drive to hold it. I do recognize the heatsinks on my board are a tad more elaborate than OP's, though, but I do not see reason for him not to use them.

 

[eidairaman1]

Pages 35-43 are pretty clear in your manual, if you don't use the heatspreaders, use plastic washers in place for longer screws to prevent bottoming out

Motherboards do use the same screw to hold both the heatsink and the drive underneath, common with 2280 heatsinks. For the 22110 heatsinks, unless you do have a 22110 drive you'd need two screws.

Read the manual

So guys I now have a board with built in heatsinks, I was 50/50 on using it as the metal looks thin enough to potentially just be a heat trap, but ultimately I didnt use it because of the install process, and I am curious if this is normal across all board vendors.

So to remove the heatsink is 2 screws, one each end, I then installed the SSD as normal, slotting it in, and securing it with its screw.

However I then noticed the standoff used to secure the SSD is the used for the heatsink, this to me isnt logical. Given how hard and a pain installing m.2 already is, I assumed would be you secure the SSD in place, then install the heatsink back on top of it, but instead it looks like have to hold the SSD down with something somehow whilst placing the heatsink on top (would have to do it this way to ensure it lines up with standoffs), all this in a very cramped area as well, then whilst doing all this holding and placement, screw one of the screws in.

So do board heatsinks usually have their own screw standoffs, or are they all like the ASRock way? I did take some photos which I can upload if needed.

 

[A Computer Guy]

So guys I now have a board with built in heatsinks, I was 50/50 on using it as the metal looks thin enough to potentially just be a heat trap, but ultimately I didnt use it because of the install process, and I am curious if this is normal across all board vendors.

So to remove the heatsink is 2 screws, one each end, I then installed the SSD as normal, slotting it in, and securing it with its screw.

However I then noticed the standoff used to secure the SSD is the used for the heatsink, this to me isnt logical. Given how hard and a pain installing m.2 already is, I assumed would be you secure the SSD in place, then install the heatsink back on top of it, but instead it looks like have to hold the SSD down with something somehow whilst placing the heatsink on top (would have to do it this way to ensure it lines up with standoffs), all this in a very cramped area as well, then whilst doing all this holding and placement, screw one of the screws in.

So do board heatsinks usually have their own screw standoffs, or are they all like the ASRock way? I did take some photos which I can upload if needed.

My ASRock motherboard is the same way for 1 of the 3 NVMe (in particular the top NVMe next to the cpu) except my heatsink "armor" is one giant piece. It's a bit of a pain and I wish ASRock didn't do that.
What I do is press the NVMe down to ensure the end of it aligns properly with the standoff and recesses properly into place then gently release pressure trying not to alter the alignment as it springs back out again. Then align the heatsink overtop the NVMe and press it into place without shifting it too much because the friction against the thermal pad might misalign the NVMe if you shift the heatsink too much before its back down in place again.

From the looks of your motherboard you should have a fairly easy time getting that heatsink back on as long as your SSD is aligned properly to recess into the M.2 standoff before you put the heatsink back on.

 

[chrcoluk]

1. Remove the built-in heatsink by unbolting the 2 screws.
2. Install the NVMe.
3. Ensure there is a thermal pad on the heatsink. If there is a plastic film, peel it off.
4. Place the heatsink above the NVMe and secure it the 2 screws.

Very easy, very simple.

If you don't wish the use the built-in M.2 heatsink, then screw the NVMe with a tiny screw.

M.2 standoffs are suppose to be built-in, and there should be extra, and screws in the motherboard's package.

Thats not possible on this board, the NVME cant be fully installed first as it cant be screwed down in place, since the heatsink uses the same standoff, and the heatsink cant be mounted on the drive with it not installed as the end of the heatsink would have the board blocking its way.

You should be able to screw the drive down when it's in it's slot, then screw the motherboard heatsink on top. The stand off shold line up with the end of the drive.

Thats what I thought but its not possible, if the drive is installed then there is nothing for the heatsink screw to screw into. They share the same standoff. (only the other end of the heatsink could be screwed in).

Highlighted the 2 screw areas, one as you can see I used to install the drive.

The only thing I can think off is install the drive, then screw in the top screw loosely so the heatsink is lined up and can still turn out way to then remove the screw holding in the SSD, then at that point peel off cover over pads, and rotate heatsink back over SSD whilst holding it down, then finally screw and tighten both screws for heatsink. Seems long winded all because there isnt a seperate standoff for bottom of heatsink.

 

[eidairaman1]

Thats not possible on this board, the NVME cant be fully installed first as it cant be screwed down in place, since the heatsink uses the same standoff, and the heatsink cant be mounted on the drive with it not installed as the end of the heatsink would have the board blocking its way.


Thats what I thought but its not possible, if the drive is installed then there is nothing for the heatsink screw to screw into.

Per your manual it says at least 1 stand off can be moved to be adjusted for length of your nvme module, see my prev message about how to secure

 

[wNotyarD]

Per your manual it says at least 1 stand off can be moved to be adjusted for length of your nvme module, see my prev message about how to secure

Correct. If the standoff position was changed to hold the drive, then there should be another standoff in the mb box to hold the heatsink (or not using it at all, it's an option). If the standoff is in its original position though, then both the heatsink and the drive must be held with the same screw.

 

[chrcoluk]

Motherboards do use the same screw to hold both the heatsink and the drive underneath, common with 2280 heatsinks. For the 22110 heatsinks, unless you do have a 22110 drive you'd need two screws.

I personally do use the heatsink of my X470 board, but I fall on the second case: a 2280 drive under a 22110 heatsink, so I used the screw which came with the drive to hold it. I do recognize the heatsinks on my board are a tad more elaborate than OP's, though, but I do not see reason for him not to use them.

Thanks, answer I was looking for, so not just ASRock then.

 

[wNotyarD]

Thanks, answer I was looking for, so not just ASRock then.

With Gigabyte, it's even cheaper. The heatsinks aren't held by two screws, but only one. The other end is held by a flap which locks with a slit in the slot.

 

[chrcoluk]

Per your manual it says at least 1 stand off can be moved to be adjusted for length of your nvme module, see my prev message about how to secure

Manual doesnt make sense.

Step 4 tighten the screw to secure the module.

Step 5 tighten the screw (again? where did the screw from step 4 vanish to) to secure the module and heatsink in place, picture for step 5 shows no preinstalled screw or standoff.

M2_1

The standoff already on the board is already correctly aligned for the SSD.

In the board box I have found what seems to be an intermediate standoff, so think I am figuring this out based on your reply, so instead of screwing in the drive with the screw (as the manual says) but instead screw in the intermediate standoff so then that holds in the SSD and provides a new standoff for the cover. I think this would be higher, but its the only thing that seems to make sense.

Whole thing would be much easier if ASRock spent an extra 50p to add a second standoff on the board for the cover.

Also you may notice the top standoff is offset from centre, that is an issue with noctua dh15s, I was only able to remove cover with screwdriver at angle, board design isnt well thought through.

 

[wNotyarD]

Can you screw both the heatsink and the drive on the same standoff, with the same screw? Yes, you will need to push the drive down with the heatsink (and yes, that is essentialy the AM4 GB way).

 

[A Computer Guy]

In the board box I have found what seems to be an intermediate standoff, so think I am figuring this out based on your reply, so instead of screwing in the drive with the screw (as the manual says) but instead screw in the intermediate standoff so then that holds in the SSD and provides a new standoff for the cover. I think this would be higher, but its the only thing that seems to make sense.

No. The standoff for M2_1 has a recessed lip. The end of the SSD should fit in that recess when you press the M.2 down. When you put the heatsink on the same principle applies but the heatsink holds the NVMe into place (within the recess) with the same screw that also secures the heatsink.

 

[chrcoluk]

No. The standoff for M2_1 has a recessed lip. The end of the SSD should fit in that recess when you press the M.2 down. When you put the heatsink on the same principle applies but the heatsink holds the NVMe into place with the same screw that also secures the heatsink.

Which is what I was saying in my OP, or are you saying the SSD will stay in place with that lip without me needing to hold that whilst trying to place the heatsink?

This would make the manual wrong. But the manual isnt making sense anyway.

 

[A Computer Guy]

Which is what I was saying in my OP, or are you saying the SSD will stay in place with that lip without me needing to hold that whilst trying to place the heatsink?

Perhaps I misread your OP. The SSD will not stay in place in the recess, it will spring out again due to the tension in the NVMe connector, unless you secure it with a screw or heatsink and screw.

 

[eidairaman1]

https://download.asrock.com/Manual/Z690%20Steel%20Legend.pdf

Is that your manual?

 

[chrcoluk]

Yeah so to do this, I will need to just push down on the drive with the heatsink somehow whilst getting the screw in to secure it, in line with my original thinking, probably a pain but I will do this with case lying down.

https://download.asrock.com/Manual/Z690%20Steel%20Legend.pdf

Is that your manual?

I am looking at the physical manual, you dont see the last line of step 4 saying to secure the module by tightening the screw?

Then step 5 shows a picture of the drive in place with no screw holding it down, and then to tighten the screw to secure the module and drive, it makes no sense, so going with what computer guy said, A screw can only be installed once.

Yes is same manual I had a look.

Step 4
Prepare the M.2 standoff that comes
with the package. Then hand tighten
the standoff into the desired nut
location on the motherboard. Align
and gently insert the M.2 (NGFF)
SSD module into the M.2 slot. Please
be aware that the M.2 (NGFF) SSD
module only fits in one orientation.
Then tighten the screw that comes
with the package to secure the
modules into place.
Step 5
Tighten the screw with a screwdriver
to secure the module and M.2
heatsink into place. Please do
not overtighten the screw as this
might damage the module and M.2
heatsink.

 

[wNotyarD]

Yeah so to do this, I will need to just push down on the drive with the heatsink somehow whilst getting the screw in to secure it, in line with my original thinking, probably a pain but I will do this with case lying down.

As unwieldy as it may sound, yes. That is the way.

 

[A Computer Guy]

Yeah so to do this, I will need to just push down on the drive with the heatsink somehow whilst getting the screw in to secure it, in line with my original thinking, probably a pain but I will do this with case lying down.

Basically yes. Making sure the NVMe lands into the recess of the standoff. If it doesn't land in the recess and you tighten down the M.2 screw with the heatsink too tightly you might damage the M.2 because the Heatsink won't be parallel with the NVMe or the standoff surface. Landing the NVMe into the recess ensures the drive is parallel with the heatsink and applying even pressure with the thermal pad.

 

[chrcoluk]

Ok so its possible for the drive to be pushed down too hard causing uneven contact with heatsink? doesnt sound too dummy proof, I think I wont rush into this.

This standoff I took out from the box, I hope isnt the same as whats on the board as this loose one I have has no recess.

Thanks guys, when I get round to it hopefully wont mess it up.

 

[A Computer Guy]

Ok so its possible for the drive to be pushed down too hard causing uneven contact with heatsink? doesnt sound too dummy proof, I think I wont rush into this.

The heatsink rests at the top of the standoff while the NVMe rests in the recess of the standoff. You won't have an issue as long as that happens.
Obvious things you shouldn't do are pushing too hard in the center of the NVMe or using Incredible Hulk strength to tighten a PC screw.

 

[wNotyarD]

Ok so its possible for the drive to be pushed down too hard causing uneven contact with heatsink? doesnt sound too dummy proof, I think I wont rush into this.

This standoff I took out from the box, I hope isnt the same as whats on the board as this loose one I have has no recess.

Even if you don't use the heatsink, pushing the drive down too hard (especially by tightening the screw too much) may break its pcb, the screw or the standoff.
About the standoff from the box, it isn't supposed to have the recess as it'll only hold the drive. The recess is a workaround way to position the drive while allowing something (the heatsink) to be held above it. Were you not to use the heatsink, the screw head would make it so the drive can't spring back, thus holding it in place even if it doesn't seem as firmly screwed.

 

[A Computer Guy]

This standoff I took out from the box, I hope isnt the same as whats on the board as this loose one I have has no recess.

Standoffs without the recess are used to secure different size NVMe that fit under the heatsink. They should be shorter than the standoffs with the recess.

 

[chrcoluk]

Idle temp on the 980 pro as reported by diskinfo is only 43C not too bad for an nvme? (is summer also).