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✅ Can a heatsink SSD fit in the second slot? Yes — but with caution. The second M.2 slot (typically PCIe Gen3 ×4) is located between the CPU cooler and the GPU. That space is tight, but low-profile heatsinks (like those on Samsung 980 Pro or WD Black SN770) do fit. Tall heatsinks or bulky fin-style coolers may not clear the GPU. If your GPU is dual-slot and the heatsink is under 5mm tall, you're likely fine. If you want to be sure, measure the vertical clearance between the motherboard and the GPU backplate — it’s usually around 5–7mm. ✅ Is a heatsink required? No, it’s not required — but it helps. The second M.2 slot does not have a built-in heatsink, unlike some premium boards. NVMe SSDs can throttle under sustained load, especially Gen4 drives. A heatsink helps maintain performance during long transfers or heavy I/O. If you're using the second slot for archival storage or light usage, you can skip the heatsink. If you're installing a high-performance Gen4 SSD, a low-profile heatsink is a smart upgrade.
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