Device heating up in the PCI-E port area
Device heating up in the PCI-E port area
You've just assembled your first compact mini PC and observed unusual heat in the PCI-E port and M.2 area during gaming. The readings from HWMonitor and GPU Tweak III indicate temperatures that are within acceptable ranges, but you're right to be concerned. The close proximity of the PCI-E slot and the motherboard's back panel can indeed cause heat buildup, especially under load. It's wise to monitor closely and consider improving airflow or cooling solutions if needed. Your current setup seems functional, but staying vigilant is key.
The readings from HWinfo indicate acceptable conditions. SSDs can handle up to 60°C in the NAND cells and 80°C in the controller.
Seems like the GPU is handling the M.2 slot better now. It’s hard to tell if there’s a short circuit, but everything stays cool during idle. The cooling system works fine, though the GPU backplate feels warm. I can’t add more fans since I just updated Windows. No crypto issues reported.
During playtime, especially after about ten minutes in Path of Exile, things run smoothly. The airflow here is decent. The power supply has a small problem: there aren’t enough 8-pin connectors for both the GPU and CPU. The PSU has three 8-pin ports for CPUs/PCI-E and one 16-pin port. This GPU needs three 8-pins, so I used the 16-pin cable from the PSU and connected it to two 8-pin slots and then an extra 8-pin. Could this setup cause any issues?
To determine this without temperature data, rely on other indicators. Notice how heat feels on the skin versus what components experience. Avoid assuming a short circuit will occur unless you have clear evidence.
Your finger sensitivity varies, so what feels hot to one person might feel mild for another. In the image I shared, the SSD temperature reads around 50°C, which is still well below any dangerous level.
Yes, you're correct. The parts can become warm, which may cause the PCI-E port and the motherboard's back panel to heat up as well.
Copper is widely used in motherboards for its excellent heat conductivity. Over time, heat might move into your M.2 slot and spread across larger sections of the board.