As soon as I secured my PlayStation 5, one of the first things on my mind was expanding its internal storage. The console is a marvel of engineering, but its built-in drive fills up alarmingly fast in an era of 100GB+ games. The solution, of course, is a lightning-fast NVMe M.2 SSD. I invested in a top-tier drive, a significant purchase meant to last the console’s entire lifecycle. But after installing it, a nagging thought crept in. Sony’s design requires you to seal this high-performance, heat-generating component inside a small metal compartment with a solid, unventilated metal cover. While this protects it, it also creates a tiny oven. The risk of thermal throttling—where the drive slows down to prevent overheating—is real, potentially undermining the very speed I paid a premium for. The question became: how do you protect a critical investment and ensure it runs at peak performance without compromising the PS5’s brilliant internal design?
- 【Fit for SSD w/ Heatsink】Most heatsinks didn't fit M.2 SSD with integrated heatsink, but this cover is made for this purpose. Combined with SSD with integrated heatsink, such as WD Black SN850P,...
- 【Expansion Slot Cover for PS5】The M.2 SSD dust cover is designed to fit the PlayStation 5 and improve the thermal performance of SSDs installed in expansion storage slots. The better the heat...
- 【New Breathable Hole Design】With the hollow cellular hole, increase the heat dissipation area and absorb the heat generated by the M.2 SSD. Enhances the temperature conversion effect together with...
What to Consider Before Buying an SSD Cooling Solution
An SSD cooling solution is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for ensuring the longevity and consistent performance of your console’s expanded storage. High-speed NVMe drives, especially Gen4 models required by the PS5, generate a substantial amount of heat under heavy load, such as during long gaming sessions or when transferring large files. If this heat isn’t managed effectively, it can lead to performance degradation and, in extreme cases, shorten the lifespan of the drive’s sensitive memory controllers and NAND flash components. A proper heat dissipation cover works to mitigate this by leveraging the console’s existing airflow, turning a potential thermal bottleneck into an actively cooled zone.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact dilemma I was: a PS5 owner who has invested, or plans to invest, in a quality M.2 SSD and wants to extract every ounce of performance from it safely. It’s for the tech-savvy gamer who understands the importance of thermal management and seeks peace of mind. Conversely, this might not be a necessary purchase for a casual user who rarely pushes their system to its limits or a gamer who hasn’t yet upgraded their internal storage. For those who are still deciding on a drive itself, the primary focus should first be on selecting the right SSD, as no cover can fix a slow or unreliable drive.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Compatibility & Fit: The most critical factor. The cover must fit the PS5’s M.2 expansion slot perfectly, aligning with the screw hole. Furthermore, it needs to accommodate the height of your chosen SSD, especially if it has a large, pre-installed heatsink. Some stock covers can press down on taller heatsinks, while a well-designed replacement offers more clearance.
- Thermal Design: This is the core function. A solid metal plate primarily contains dust but does little for heat exchange. A vented or perforated design, by contrast, is engineered to allow air to pass over the SSD’s heatsink. Look for designs that maximize surface area and work synergistically with the PS5’s main cooling fan, which is positioned to draw air directly over this area.
- Materials & Durability: The cover should be made from a thermally conductive material, typically an aluminum alloy or other metal, to help passively draw heat away. Plastic covers should be avoided. The build quality should feel robust, not flimsy, ensuring it won’t warp or bend over time with repeated heat cycles.
- Added Features & Maintenance: What else does it offer? A crucial but often overlooked feature is a dust filter. Vented designs are great for airflow but can be an entry point for dust, which can blanket the heatsink and negate the benefits of ventilation. A removable, cleanable dust filter is a massive long-term advantage. Also, consider if the package includes necessary tools, like a screwdriver.
Keeping these factors in mind, the GRAUGEAR PS5 M.2 SSD Heat Dissipation Cover stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the GRAUGEAR PS5 M.2 SSD Heat Dissipation Cover is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll...
- GROUNDBREAKING READ/WRITE SPEEDS: The 990 EVO Plus features the latest NAND memory, boosting sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s. Ideal for huge file transfers and finishing tasks...
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability and compatibility built upon Samsung's pioneering technology. S.M.A.R.T. Support: Yes
First Impressions: Unboxing a Thoughtfully Crafted Upgrade
Often, small accessories like this arrive in a simple plastic bag with minimal fanfare. That was not the case here. The GRAUGEAR PS5 M.2 SSD Heat Dissipation Cover arrived in professional, sturdy packaging that immediately conveyed a sense of quality. Upon opening the box, I was genuinely impressed. This wasn’t just a piece of metal; it was a complete kit. Nestled in protective foam was the silver cover itself, a surprisingly high-quality Phillips head screwdriver with a magnetic tip, and a small microfiber cleaning cloth. This thoughtful inclusion of tools means you have absolutely everything needed for the installation, a detail many manufacturers overlook.
The cover itself feels substantial in the hand. The metal has a satisfying weight, and the silver finish is clean and sleek. Holding it next to the original black Sony cover, the difference in design philosophy is stark. Sony’s is a solid, functional metal slab. The GRAUGEAR cover, with its “breathable cellular hole” design, looks engineered. The honeycomb-like perforations are precisely cut, and on the underside, a fine PVC dust mesh is perfectly integrated. It immediately struck me as a “common sense” design, as one user aptly put it, transforming the sealed SSD bay into a breathing component of the console’s cooling system.
Key Benefits
- Significantly improves airflow to the M.2 SSD slot
- Integrated PVC dust filter prevents accumulation on the SSD heatsink
- Premium build quality with a perfect, secure fit
- Complete installation kit includes a quality screwdriver and cloth
- Provides slightly more vertical clearance for taller SSD heatsinks
Potential Drawbacks
- Thermal improvement is conceptually sound but difficult to quantify without precise testing equipment
- Aesthetic appeal is subjective and ultimately hidden inside the console
Deep Dive: Analyzing the GRAUGEAR Cover’s Performance and Design
A simple metal plate might not seem like it warrants a deep dive, but the elegance of the GRAUGEAR PS5 M.2 SSD Heat Dissipation Cover lies in how it intelligently addresses a specific engineering challenge. It’s not about flashy features; it’s about executing a simple, brilliant concept to perfection. After spending considerable time with it installed in our testing PS5, we broke down its performance into the key areas that truly matter for protecting your hardware investment.
The Core Concept: Why Ventilation Is a Game Changer
To understand why this product is so effective, you first have to understand the enemy: thermal throttling. High-speed NVMe SSDs, like the Western Digital SN850X or Samsung 990 Pro that many of us use, have controllers that work incredibly hard. When you’re loading a massive open world in Horizon Forbidden West or transferring dozens of gigabytes, these controllers heat up. If they get too hot, their firmware automatically reduces their speed to cool down and prevent damage. You might not see a warning on your screen, but you could experience longer load times or stuttering—the very issues you bought a premium SSD to avoid.
The PS5’s main cooling fan is a centrifugal beast designed to pull cool air in and exhaust hot air out the back. Its placement is strategic, creating an airflow path across the motherboard and key components. The M.2 SSD slot is located directly in this path. However, the stock solid metal cover effectively shields the SSD from this airflow, leaving the drive’s heatsink to passively radiate heat into a small, trapped air pocket. The GRAUGEAR PS5 M.2 SSD Heat Dissipation Cover fundamentally changes this dynamic. Its cellular, hollow-hole design allows the PS5 fan to pull cool air directly through the cover and across the fins of the SSD’s heatsink, actively carrying heat away and exhausting it. It turns a passive, isolated system into an active, integrated one. While we, like many users, lack the laboratory-grade thermal probes to give you a precise “degrees Celsius” drop, the engineering principle is irrefutably sound. It’s a logical, common-sense enhancement that works with the console’s design, not against it.
Build Quality, Fit, and Finish: A Seamless Integration
An aftermarket part is only as good as its fit, and here the GRAUGEAR cover is flawless. The installation process took less than two minutes. After popping off the PS5’s side panel, a single screw holds the original cover in place. Using the included magnetic-tip screwdriver (a fantastic touch that prevents you from dropping the tiny screw into the console’s guts), I removed the old one and slotted the new one in. The dimensions are perfect. The screw hole lines up exactly, and the cover sits flush and secure with no wiggle or rattling. It feels like an original part, a testament to its precise manufacturing.
We tested the fit with a Samsung 980 Pro with its factory heatsink, and as one user with the same drive confirmed, it fit “perfectly.” More importantly, we also observed what another user with a bulky WD Black drive noted: the GRAUGEAR cover seems to provide a millimeter or two of extra vertical clearance compared to the stock cover. This small bit of extra headroom can be crucial for some of the more robust third-party SSDs that feature larger, more elaborate heatsinks, preventing any unwanted pressure on the drive. The solid metal construction gives it a rigidity that inspires confidence, ensuring it will maintain its shape and function for years to come. This is a component you install once and never have to think about again.
The Unsung Hero: An Integrated and Cleanable Dust Filter
My initial concern with any vented cover is dust. Creating an opening for air is also creating an opening for dust, pet hair, and other particulates that are the mortal enemy of electronics. Over time, a layer of dust on a heatsink can act as an insulator, trapping heat and rendering the heatsink far less effective. This is where GRAUGEAR’s most thoughtful feature comes into play: the integrated PVC dust filter.
Bonded to the interior of the metal plate is a fine mesh that covers all the perforations. This mesh is fine enough to block the vast majority of dust particles from entering the M.2 bay while still allowing for significant airflow. It’s a simple but brilliant addition that shows the designers were thinking about long-term performance, not just immediate airflow. This was a standout feature for us, and user feedback confirms we’re not alone, with many calling it a “great touch.” The best part is the consideration for maintenance. While it’s secured well, the filter can be carefully removed for cleaning. Once a year, during a routine console cleaning, you can pop the cover off, clean the filter, and ensure your SSD continues to receive unobstructed, clean airflow. This elevates the GRAUGEAR PS5 M.2 SSD Heat Dissipation Cover from a simple vented plate to a comprehensive thermal and protective solution. You get the cooling benefits of an open design with the protective benefits of a closed one. For those who want the absolute best of both worlds, this product delivers that balance perfectly.
What Other Users Are Saying
The sentiment across the board for this product is overwhelmingly positive, centering on a few key themes. The most common praise, which our testing confirmed, is its “perfect fit.” Users repeatedly mention how it “fits clean and easy” and “works great,” underscoring the product’s excellent manufacturing tolerances. There’s a strong sense that this is a “common sense upgrade,” with one reviewer stating, “I really don’t see any negatives to this product.”
The value proposition is another frequently highlighted point. The inclusion of a quality screwdriver and microfiber cloth is consistently praised, with one customer noting, “Packaging was fantastic!” and another happily discovering the included tool after assuming they’d need to find their own. This turns a simple purchase into a complete, hassle-free installation kit.
The primary critique—or rather, the most common point of uncertainty—is the lack of hard thermal data. Several users honestly admit, “Don’t know if it actually keeps my SSD cool” or “I do not have before and after thermal figures to quote.” However, this is almost always followed by a statement affirming that the design is logically superior to the stock cover. This feedback is relevant because it frames the product not as a scientifically-proven performance booster, but as an affordable, high-quality “peace of mind” upgrade based on sound thermal principles.
GRAUGEAR vs. The Competition: Upgrading Your PS5 Storage
It’s important to clarify the context of the GRAUGEAR PS5 M.2 SSD Heat Dissipation Cover. It is not an SSD itself, but a vital accessory that enhances the performance and longevity of an SSD you already own or plan to buy. If you’re starting from scratch and are currently in the market for the storage drive itself, it’s helpful to see what other options are out there. Here’s how the GRAUGEAR solution complements or contrasts with some popular internal SSDs.
1. ORICO 1TB NVMe SSD M.2 Heatsink
- 【Top-tier Performance】1TB M.2 NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen3 x4) technology with Read speeds up to 3100 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1900 MB/s （performance may vary based on system hardware &...
- 【Support PC and DIY PSSD】M.2 2280 form factor. Supports S.M.A.R.T. function and its built-in smart algorithm management mechanism has functions that are able to ensure operation efficiency,...
- 【Enhanced Heatsink】 Includes high performance heat sink silicone film with good thermal conductivity, aluminum alloy cooling vest with groove design, greatly increase the heat dissipation area,...
The ORICO J10 is an all-in-one solution that pairs a 1TB PCIe Gen3 SSD with its own pre-installed heatsink. While its speeds (up to 3100MB/s) are below the PS5’s recommended spec of 5500MB/s, it’s a viable option for PCs or laptops. For a PS5 user, this drive highlights the importance of the drive/heatsink combo. Someone buying a drive like this for their console (a faster Gen4 version, of course) would still benefit immensely from the GRAUGEAR cover. The ORICO’s heatsink dissipates heat, and the GRAUGEAR cover would then provide the active airflow needed to carry that dissipated heat away from the drive, creating a complete and highly effective cooling system.
2. ORICO 128GB M.2 NVMe SSD D10
- 128GB M.2 NVMe SSD: Upgrade to NVMe with read speeds up to 1,700 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,100 MB/s, featuring a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface for faster system boot times and improved overall...
- Selected TLC NAND Flash: Built with advanced TLC NAND flash and latest controller, the M.2 SSD has been rigorously tested by a variety of high-precision professional instruments, which greatly proves...
- Top-tier Performance: Supports advanced technologies including global wear leveling, bad block management, dynamic power management, garbage collection, SMART, and TRIM, ensuring superior performance...
This smaller capacity, lower-speed drive is a budget-focused option, not intended for high-performance PS5 gaming due to its size and Gen3 speeds. It serves as a good example of a different market segment. For users of devices like the Raspberry Pi 5 or those building a budget PC, a drive like this is a great choice. It also underscores that before you even consider cooling, you must first select an SSD with the appropriate capacity and speed for your primary use case. For a PS5, a 1TB or 2TB Gen4 drive is the standard, and protecting that much larger investment is where the GRAUGEAR cover truly shines.
3. TEAMGROUP MP33 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
- NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 High Speed Interface - Sequential read/write speed can reach up to 1800/1500 MB/s which reduce the delays of the operating system and game/software.
- Ultra High Performance - Transfer performance is 5 times higher than the SATA III interface. Capable of reading and writing large amounts of game data, complex graphics and motion processing...
- M.2 2280 specification: Supports the next-generation platforms of Intel and AMD. Suitable for both desktop and notebook
The TEAMGROUP MP33 is another popular and reliable 1TB Gen3 drive, but it comes as a “bare” drive—meaning it has no included heatsink. This makes it a perfect case study. If a user were to purchase a faster, PS5-compatible Gen4 version of a bare drive like this, they would *need* to add a third-party heatsink to meet Sony’s installation requirements. In this scenario, the GRAUGEAR PS5 M.2 SSD Heat Dissipation Cover becomes the ideal final piece of the puzzle. You would pair your bare drive with a quality heatsink, and then replace the stock PS5 cover with the GRAUGEAR for superior ventilation, creating a custom, high-performance cooling setup from the ground up.
The Final Verdict: Is the GRAUGEAR PS5 M.2 SSD Heat Dissipation Cover a Must-Have?
After extensive hands-on testing and evaluation, our conclusion is clear: the GRAUGEAR PS5 M.2 SSD Heat Dissipation Cover is a superb, high-value upgrade for any PS5 owner with an expanded M.2 SSD. While it may be difficult for the average user to measure a tangible temperature drop, the product is built on an unimpeachably logical foundation of improved airflow. It takes the PS5’s powerful internal fan and puts it to work cooling one of your console’s most expensive and critical components.
What elevates this product from a good idea to a fantastic product is the execution. The build quality is excellent, the fit is absolutely perfect, and the thoughtful inclusion of a dust filter and a complete tool kit demonstrates a commitment to quality and user experience that is rare in this price range. It is an inexpensive insurance policy for your very expensive SSD. For the peace of mind it provides and the sheer quality of the package, we can recommend it without reservation.
If you’ve decided the GRAUGEAR PS5 M.2 SSD Heat Dissipation Cover is the right fit for your console, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API