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m16 R2, SSD and heating advice
I just got an Alienware m16 R2 with 1 TB SSD. I'd like to add a second SSD (1TB or 2TB). Some questions:
1. Looks like I need to buy a heat sink (or what Dell calls a thermal pad) for a second SSD:
I can't tell from the picture, but does the thermal pad need to be stuck to the SSD (maybe it comes with a sticky side?) or does it just go on top of the SSD?
I suppose I need to also buy an M 1.6x4 mm and an M2x3 screw (which isn't already in the laptop or come with an SSD)?
2. I see that there are also third party SSDs that already have a heat sink. If I get those, I assume that the Dell thermal pad is not needed?
3. I was thinking of getting:
or
Or
Any other suggestions?
ejn63
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July 5th, 2024 19:55
The thermal pad sits between the SSD and the heat sink/plate.
None of the pre-built heatsink-equipped SSDs (Samsung, WD, others) will fit a notebook -- they're far too deep. They're designed for desktop systems.
randyman
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July 5th, 2024 20:38
@ejn63 thanks. I couldn't tell from the pictures if the SSDs with heat sinks would be too big. I suppose I'll order the Dell thermal pad. It's only $10, fortunately.
randyman
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July 8th, 2024 12:57
I decided to get the 2TB Crucial T500 SSD (without heatsink). It has received very good reviews in terms of performance/speed, and also runs relatively cool compared to other SSDs. I ordered the Dell heat thermal pad:
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-thermal-pad-for-2280-solid-state-drive-for-alienware-m16-r2/apd/412-bbjk/pc-accessories
(edited)
randyman
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July 11th, 2024 09:49
I installed a Crcucial T500 and a Dell Thermal pad (heat sink). Also note that the two screws needed for the new SSD are already in the laptop. I wasted time and $ looking for the very hard to find screws and they turned out to be there already.
kd_
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July 18th, 2024 10:21
I recently got the second SSD thermal shield/bracket from dell, and they already mentioned that the screws come with system, the shield is standalone