Best Heatsinks for QNAP NAS 2026 | TS-464, TS-664, TVS Compatible

QNAP NAS users have a significant advantage over Synology owners when it comes to M.2 heatsinks: more clearance. Most QNAP models offer 5-8mm of vertical space above M.2 slots, opening up a wider range of cooling solutions—including some premium options that won’t fit in tighter enclosures.

However, more clearance doesn’t mean you can ignore thermal management. QNAP’s QTS operating system triggers warnings at 70°C and can disable SSD cache at higher temperatures—the same thermal constraints as other NAS brands. This guide covers the best heatsink options for every major QNAP model.

Why QNAP NAS Users Need M.2 Heatsinks

Despite QNAP’s better-than-average M.2 clearance, their NAS devices still present thermal challenges for NVMe drives:

The QNAP Thermal Challenge

• M.2 slot positioning: Most QNAP models place M.2 slots on the bottom or rear, away from primary airflow
• 24/7 operation: NAS devices run continuously, accumulating heat over time
• SSD cache workloads: Constant read/write operations generate sustained thermal load
• Tiered storage stress: QNAP’s Qtier feature creates continuous data movement
• Virtualization heat: Running VMs on NVMe storage adds thermal stress

Without heatsinks, popular NVMe drives like the Samsung 990 Pro and WD Black SN850X routinely hit 65-75°C in QNAP enclosures during sustained workloads—approaching or exceeding QTS thermal limits.

QNAP M.2 Slot Clearance by Model

QNAP offers more generous M.2 clearance than Synology, but specifications vary by model series. Always verify clearance for your specific unit before purchasing.

Consumer/Prosumer Models

Professional/Enterprise Models

Note: QNAP’s TVS series generally offers the most M.2 clearance, making them compatible with taller premium heatsinks including those with heatpipes.

Best Heatsinks for QNAP NAS: Tested Options

Best Overall: Thermalright TR-M.2 2280

Why it works for QNAP: At approximately 3mm total height, the Thermalright fits all QNAP models with room to spare. This universality makes it ideal for users who might upgrade NAS units in the future or want a safe, proven option without measuring clearance precisely.

Temperature Results in QNAP

Best Premium Option: be quiet! MC1 Pro

Why choose this for QNAP: Unlike Synology’s 3-4mm clearance constraints, many QNAP models (especially TVS series) can accommodate the MC1 Pro’s ~7mm height. This opens up heatpipe cooling—significantly more effective than passive aluminum for sustained workloads like VM storage and aggressive Qtier configurations.

Compatible QNAP models: TVS-472XT, TVS-672XT, TVS-872XT, TVS-h474, TVS-h674, TVS-h874. Verify clearance before purchasing for other models.

Best Value: ARCTIC M2 Pro

The value proposition: For just $1 more than budget options, you get substantially better thermal interface material. ARCTIC’s TP-3 pads provide measurably better heat transfer that compounds over years of 24/7 operation. The secure click mounting prevents heatsink shift during NAS movement or vibration.

Best Multi-Pack: Atdcoek 5 Pack SSD Heatsink

Best for: QNAP users with multiple NAS units, IT professionals managing several systems, or anyone who wants backup heatsinks on hand. At $1.20 per heatsink, the value is unbeatable.

Best for Double-Sided SSDs: MHQJRH M.2 2280

Double-sided drives that need this:Samsung 980 Pro (all capacities), Samsung 990 Pro (1TB/2TB), WD Black SN850X (some capacities), SK hynix Platinum P41. Check your specific drive’s specifications to determine if it has NAND on both sides.

Best Copper Option: JEYI Copper Q80

When copper makes sense: If you’re pushing your QNAP’s M.2 drives hard with virtualization, Qtier with SSD tiering, or running multiple simultaneous 4K transcodes through cache, copper’s superior thermal conductivity provides a measurable advantage over aluminum alternatives.

QNAP Heatsink Comparison Table

Installation Guide for QNAP NAS

Tools Required

• Phillips screwdriver (PH1 typically)
• Isopropyl alcohol (90%+ recommended)
• Lint-free cloth
• Your chosen heatsink with thermal pads
• Anti-static precautions (wrist strap or grounding)

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Power Down Safely

1. Log into QTS and navigate to Control Panel → System → Power
2. Click “Shutdown” and wait for complete power-off
3. Disconnect power cable and all network/USB connections
4. Ground yourself by touching the metal chassis

Step 2: Access M.2 Slots

QNAP M.2 slot access varies by model:

• TS-x64 series: Remove bottom panel (2-4 screws)
• TS-x53E series: Remove bottom panel
• TVS series: Access through side panel or internal mounting

Step 3: Prepare and Mount Heatsink

1. If SSD already installed, remove retention screw and slide out
2. Clean SSD surface with isopropyl alcohol
3. Allow alcohol to fully evaporate (30-60 seconds)
4. Remove protective film from thermal pad (both sides)
5. Position heatsink ensuring thermal pad contacts controller chip
6. Press firmly and secure with mounting mechanism

Step 4: Install and Verify

1. Insert heatsink-equipped SSD at 30-degree angle
2. Push firmly until seated, press down to align screw hole
3. Secure with M.2 retention screw
4. Replace access panel—check for interference before securing
5. Reconnect cables and power on
6. Verify in QTS: Storage & Snapshots → Disks/VJBOD → check temperature

Expected Temperature Results

Recommended SSDs for QNAP NAS

Pair your heatsink with an appropriate NVMe drive for optimal QNAP performance:

NAS-Optimized Drives

High-Performance Options

Troubleshooting QNAP Heatsink Issues

Problem: QTS Shows High Temperature Warning

Causes and Solutions:

• Verify heatsink thermal pad contacts controller chip (the square component)
• Check protective film was removed from both sides of thermal pad
• Ensure firm mounting pressure—loose heatsinks reduce thermal transfer
• Consider upgrading to copper heatsink or heatpipe design for heavy workloads
• Reduce Qtier aggressiveness or switch to read-only cache temporarily

Problem: SSD Not Detected After Installation

Solutions:

• Remove and reseat SSD, ensuring full insertion into slot
• Check heatsink isn’t interfering with M.2 connector
• Try without heatsink to confirm SSD functionality
• Verify M.2 slot supports your drive’s interface (NVMe vs SATA)
• Update QTS to latest version for best hardware compatibility

Problem: Access Panel Won’t Close

Solutions:

• Heatsink too tall—switch to lower-profile option (Thermalright at ~3mm)
• Use thinner thermal pad (0.5mm instead of 1mm)
• Verify SSD is fully seated and pressed flat
• Check retention screw is properly tightened

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Heatsink by QNAP Model

Bottom Line

QNAP NAS users benefit from more heatsink options than Synology owners thanks to generous M.2 clearance on most models. The Thermalright TR-M.2 2280 at $6.99 remains the universal safe choice that fits every QNAP model.

For TS-464 and TS-664 users, the ARCTIC M2 Pro at $7.99 offers premium thermal pad quality at a reasonable price point. And TVS series owners can take advantage of their extra clearance with the be quiet! MC1 Pro at $19.90 for heatpipe-level cooling on demanding workloads.

Don’t run your QNAP NVMe drives without cooling. The investment of $7-20 per drive prevents thermal throttling, protects expensive SSDs, and ensures consistent performance for SSD cache and Qtier operations.

Related Guides

• Best NVMe Heatsinks for NAS (All Brands)
• NAS M.2 SSD Overheating: Causes & Fixes
• Best Heatsinks for Synology NAS
• Best Heatsinks for ASUSTOR NAS
• Best Heatsinks for UGREEN NASync
• QNAP SSD Cache Setup Guide
• QNAP Qtier Configuration Guide

Last Updated: February 2026