I recently set up a Corsair MP700 PRO SSD on my ASUS Tuf B850 PLUS Matx motherboard, and my new RTX 5080 just arrived. However, I'm facing a frustrating issue: the SSD's built-in heatsink seems to be blocking the GPU from making a full connection to the motherboard. What options do I have? Is returning the GPU or replacing the SSD my only choices?
3 Answers
Another solution could be to use an M.2 NVMe extension cable. This way, you can bypass the issue with the built-in heatsink altogether and have more flexible placement.
Have you checked if you have any other M.2 or PCIe slots available? If so, you could move the SSD to one of those. Also, is the heatsink removable? You might be able to swap it for a shorter one if that's an option.
You could consider using the heatsink that comes with your motherboard instead. There are plenty of tutorials available online about how to remove the built-in heatsink from your SSD. It might be as simple as uncliping it or unscrewing a few parts to take it off.
I was freaking out too when I found out this was an option! I didn't realize it until my PC was already half-disassembled, but at least now I've got a plan to move forward.
The heatsink on your NVMe M.2 SSD is usually held in place with just a few clips or screws. There's a video here that explains how to take it off, even though it's not the exact model: https://youtu.be/gh02W8YurIU. Just keep in mind that your SSD might have a built-in fan, but the heatsink can still be removed.