I’m trying to install my SSD but I’m unsure whether to use the slot with the heatsink or the one without. My motherboard’s instructions didn’t provide any guidance. Can anyone help clarify this?
4 Answers
It really doesn’t matter much. Using the slot with a heatsink won’t hurt, and it can actually help with thermal management, especially if your SSD gets hot during heavy use.
If your SSD has a preinstalled heatsink, you might want to use the slot with the heatsink on the motherboard. Just remember to remove the protective film from your SSD first. You can choose to keep the SSD’s heatsink or use the motherboard’s one, depending on your aesthetic preferences.
You should generally use the slot with the heatsink for faster SSDs, as they tend to run hotter. However, if you’re using a lower-end SSD, it might not make a huge difference. Just keep in mind that the heatsink is there to help manage heat more effectively.
What if I have a 990 Pro SSD? Should I still be using the heatsink?
It’s important to check your motherboard specs, but generally, the M.2 slot closer to the CPU is usually the best choice. Some slots have different performance characteristics, so it’s a good idea to use the one closest to the CPU for better speed.
Yeah, mine’s a B650 too, but I wasn’t sure how to place the SSD.
PLATFORM INFORMATION
So, for a 990 Pro on a B650 motherboard, I just click it in and reattach the heatsink after peeling off the plastic, right?