I'm building a new gaming PC and specifically chose the MSI Pro B850M-P motherboard because it has three NVMe slots. I like to keep my mods separate from my games, but I just realized that the third NVMe slot is located on the back of the motherboard. The way my case is designed, this slot will be covered when I mount the motherboard. There's limited space between the case and the motherboard, which makes it tough to fit in a large heatsink. I'm wondering if it's safe to mount an NVMe drive in that spot or if I should consider returning the board for a different one? I came across a related discussion from eight years ago, but I'm not sure if the advice still applies today. Thanks for your help!
4 Answers
Hey! It sounds like that NVMe slot is totally designed for use, and it should be fine to mount a drive there. Just keep in mind that if things get too tight, airflow could be an issue, but most drives should handle being a bit cozy. I think you're good to go! Just ensure there's no overheating, and you should be fine.
Have you thought about using fewer, larger NVMe drives instead? They usually share bandwidth with other slots, which means fewer drives can sometimes give you a smoother experience. Reusing an older Gen 3 drive could be a practical move, especially with the rising prices of new SSDs!
One thing to note is that how hot your SSD gets can vary depending on the model. Generally, Gen 4 SSDs and older ones handle being in tighter spots pretty well without needing a heatsink. Just keep an eye on temperatures, and you should be all set.
I wouldn't worry too much. If it was really dangerous to use that slot, they wouldn't have put it there in the first place! Most PCs have slots that might seem risky but they function well without issues. So, I'd say go ahead and use it.
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload