Add NVME M.2 Drive to Precision 3640 Workstation

Question

What parts do I need to add an NVME M.2 Drive to a precision 3640 Workstation? It has only a SSD originally. Do I need heat sink, bracket(s) etc? Could not tell from User Manual. Thanks!

Chino de Oro · Accepted Answer

The marked spot on motherboard was for the use of thermal pad, around 4 mm thick. Concentrating at the controller area with intend to transfer heat from SSD to motherboard. Due to PCB material thermal characteristic, the cooling was not as effective as copper heatsink atop.

Depending to your usage, certain condition may require adding a heatsink if the drive temperature is running over 70°. So you can skip it for now and monitor the temperature and performance along the way to determine if you need it.

Also check your system as some graphics cards and/or PCIe add-on cards may limit the height clearance of the SSD heatsink.

JOcean · Answer

The M.2 slot is already on the MB and you can add a heat sink which is available either with various M.2 SSD or as an add on through retailers such as Amazon. And if you look at the service manual here on page 51, the directions for adding an M.2 drive are very clear.

Chino de Oro · Answer

To add an NVMe drive to M.2 slot on motherboard, you will need a mounting screw as most vendors, sellers do not provide screw (or heatsink) with the SSD. The use of a heatsink is optional.

To add an NVMe drive to a PCIe x4 slot, you will need a PCIe to NVMe adapter. Many adapters are being sold as a whole kit, with mounting screws and heatsinks.

mbruffey · Answer

Thanks for indicating that the heat sink is optional. Would you add one or skip it?

mbruffey · Answer

I had already read page 51 but did not see anything about a heat sink--nothing there. But a spot for a heat sink seems to be marked on the board. I was curious why the instructions did not mention that. Would you add a heat sink or skip it?

Precision Fixed Workstations

Add NVME M.2 Drive to Precision 3640 Workstation

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