User profile for user: Ajrubinstein
Ajrubinstein Author
User level: Level 1
12 points

External Nvme SSD running hot even in sleep mode

I'm running a hyperdrive NVME SSD Case connected to the TB5 port on a M4 Mini Pro. Even in sleep mode, the case seems to be drawing a fair amount of power enough so to be running hot to the touch. This occurs whether the disk is mounted or not. The only way to mitigate the hot running drive is to either shut the system down and/or remove the drive. Contacting hyperdrive has been little help.


Do other external NVME SSD cases run this hot and draw power when in sleep mode? Is there a way to reduce/eliminate this problem? I don't see a way to adjust the peripheral in Sequoia OS. Suggestions appreciated.

Mac mini, macOS 15.3

Posted on Feb 24, 2025 3:09 PM

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User profile for user: tbirdvet
tbirdvet
User level: Level 6
15,341 points

Feb 24, 2025 4:36 PM in response to Ajrubinstein

First all NVME drives run warm at idle and can get hot when accessing depending on the speed of the drive. The faster the hotter. I also have a Mini M4 pro and I have recently switched to a TB enclosure (Trebleet TB5) that has a built in fan which runs much cooler. On another note I would not use sleep, as it causes all kinds of issues. Just have the display turn off after a set time.

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User profile for user: Ajrubinstein
Ajrubinstein Author
User level: Level 1
12 points

Feb 24, 2025 5:26 PM in response to tbirdvet

Much appreciated and that's the signal I am receiving from multiple sources. In addition to the power draw, does leaving the NVME drive connected all of the time (at idle) shorten the dock and or SSD life due to the heat buildup? Quite candidly, I am hoping that a 3rd party can make a stackable dock similar to the Satechi which would leverage the speed of the TB5 ports with a fast SSD slot and a couple more expansion ports of at least TB4 speeds.

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User profile for user: tbirdvet
tbirdvet
User level: Level 6
15,341 points

Feb 25, 2025 4:01 AM in response to Ajrubinstein

Not sure about longevity but many electronic items run hot for years and no issues. I have one drive connected to my 2019 iMac all the time for the last two years and no issue. All NVME SSD's have temp protection circuit so that is probably not an issue. Do not know about the enclosure hardware but measuring external case temps. at idle appear to be similar to my Mac Mini internal temps so I believe that is ok. Even under load the case temps while warm to hot do not exceed recommended maximums according to the manufacturer. Time will tell.

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External Nvme SSD running hot even in sleep mode

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