SSD Flash Memory - Application of Graphite Heat Dissipation

SSD flash memory wears out over time when exposed to high temperatures. This wear leads to electron leakage and recognition errors. When an SSD overheats, its controller may malfunction, resulting in various unstable disk behaviors. For instance, your SSD may not be recognized by Windows, your computer cannot detect the SSD, the SSD shows as unformatted, or your computer keeps crashing when you try to copy files from the SSD. Therefore, it is necessary to use thermal conductive materials for auxiliary heat dissipation.

The following tests simulate the hot spot area of flash memory and compare the temperature differences of hot spots between artificial graphite and the combination of "silicone gasket + metal shell" under the same conditions:

1. Test Conditions

- a. Tests were conducted in a constant temperature and humidity chamber, with temperature ranging from 23℃ to 25℃ and humidity ranging from 30% to 70%;

- b. Heating power of the simulation platform: 3W;

- c. The maximum temperature of the hot spot on the back of the heat source was measured using an infrared thermal imager;

- d. Test duration: 3 minutes;

Test Groups

- SSD Flash Memory + Metal Shell + 0.5mm Silicone Thermal Pad

- SSD Flash Memory + Graphite Heat Dissipation

Application Scenario - PC Storage

Whether in a desktop or laptop, excessive temperature of SSD storage will affect its performance; in severe cases, it may even cause hard disk damage, which is not worth the loss. You can try to install a heat dissipation solution for the SSD to reduce the heat generation of large-capacity SSDs on the motherboard during operation. A temperature comparison was conducted between the two aforementioned solutions. 

When comparing the conventional heat dissipation structure (metal shell + silicone pad) with artificial graphite: the thickness of graphite is only 0.5mm, the same as that of the silicone thermal pad, but without the external metal shell. Under the same conditions, the temperature difference between the two solutions reaches ∆T/6.3℃. Compared with the no-heat-sink test, the temperature difference of the conventional structure is ∆T/23℃, indicating a small temperature difference and limited cooling effect. In contrast, the temperature difference between artificial graphite and the no-heat-sink test is ∆T/32℃, showing a large temperature difference and significant cooling effect. Therefore, artificial graphite can effectively reduce the hot spot density and ensure more stable operation of the SSD.