Not sure if SSD heatsink will fit in laptop

[Fastfishy2]

I've got a TUF A15 with RTX 4060 and it only has a 512gb NVME included. I wanted to upgrade it to 32gb RAM (easy enough, I've done this on laptops before) and add a 2tb NVME.

However to save money I was going to use a 970 Evo plus from my desktop that has an EK NVME heatsink attached to it. This makes the SSD a bit "taller" but I don't know how much clearance the laptop shell gives. Does anyone know if it will fit?

 

[theFOoL]

CHATGBT

Would a heatsink on a M.2 fit in a TUF A15
ChatGPT said:
The ASUS TUF A15 typically has enough space for an M.2 NVMe SSD with a heatsink, but it depends on the size and thickness of the heatsink.

Key Considerations:
M.2 Slot Location:

The TUF A15 often has an M.2 slot under a metal shield (especially near the GPU or CPU), which might limit the available height for a heatsink.
The second M.2 slot (if available) may have more clearance.
Heatsink Size:

Slim, low-profile heatsinks (about 5-6mm in height) are generally safe.
Larger, bulkier heatsinks could obstruct nearby components or the laptop's bottom panel.
Thermal Pads/Pre-installed Shields:

The TUF A15 may already include a built-in thermal pad or heat spreader for the M.2 slot. If so, adding a separate heatsink may be unnecessary or could cause fitment issues.
Recommended Solution:
For best results, use a low-profile M.2 heatsink designed for laptops, such as the EK-M.2 NVMe Heatsink or similar models.
If the TUF A15 includes a pre-installed thermal pad or cover, that should suffice unless you're dealing with high temps.
Would you like guidance on installing one or checking clearance inside the laptop?

 

[FreedomEclipse]

I've got a TUF A15 with RTX 4060 and it only has a 512gb NVME included. I wanted to upgrade it to 32gb RAM (easy enough, I've done this on laptops before) and add a 2tb NVME.

However to save money I was going to use a 970 Evo plus from my desktop that has an EK NVME heatsink attached to it. This makes the SSD a bit "taller" but I don't know how much clearance the laptop shell gives. Does anyone know if it will fit?

These types of copper heatsinks are fairly cheap and usually used where super low profile is required

 

[DirtyDingusMcgee]

I like those too.

 

[AusWolf]

You've already got the laptop, and you've already got the SSD. What keeps you from trying it?

It would probably take you less time do undo the two screws you need to undo than it would take me to Google your question.

 

[Fastfishy2]

You've already got the laptop, and you've already got the SSD. What keeps you from trying it?

It would probably take you less time do undo the two screws you need to undo than it would take me to Google your question.

Dunno, just afraid of pulling it all apart, putting it together, and hearing some kind of crunch.

I also don't have the set of screwdrivers required as I've only recently moved out of home, so I was planning on doing the RAM + SSD upgrade when I next visit my parents as my dad has the full set of tiny screwdrivers. So I was trying to figure out if it will fit or whether I should buy a new SSD that doesn't have a huge HS stuck to it (the EK heatsinks are difficult to install and twice as difficult to remove)

 

[AusWolf]

Dunno, just afraid of pulling it all apart, putting it together, and hearing some kind of crunch.

Don't force it and you should be fine.

I also don't have the set of screwdrivers required as I've only recently moved out of home, so I was planning on doing the RAM + SSD upgrade when I next visit my parents as my dad has the full set of tiny screwdrivers. So I was trying to figure out if it will fit or whether I should buy a new SSD that doesn't have a huge HS stuck to it (the EK heatsinks are difficult to install and twice as difficult to remove)

Then get the screwdrivers. They're a must have in any PC geek's home. You can't install any SSD without them anyway, which makes your question pointless.

The thing is, how would anyone know whether your specific custom-cooled SSD will fit your specific laptop? Only you can try that.

As a general rule of thumb, though, laptops don't usually have space for thick bulky SSD heatsinks.

 

[Fastfishy2]

Don't force it and you should be fine.


Then get the screwdrivers. They're a must have in any PC geek's home. You can't install any SSD without them anyway, which makes your question pointless.

The thing is, how would anyone know whether your specific custom-cooled SSD will fit your specific laptop? Only you can try that.

As a general rule of thumb, though, laptops don't usually have space for thick bulky SSD heatsinks.

I have a big bulky screwdriver that goes fine for the desktop I brought with me but yeah you're right, I really do need a screwdriver kit. Before one of the screws in my head comes loose..