Storage · high

How to fixNVME_OVERHEATING_CRASH

NVMe SSD Thermal Throttling / Disconnect

What this error means

This high-severity issue affects the storage drive (SSD/HDD). High-speed NVMe PCIe SSD temperature exceeds safety thresholds, triggering critical thermal throttling, performance drops, or sudden controller disconnects resulting in BSOD or system freeze. Common triggers are heavy continuous read/write load on the SSD and SSD placed directly under a hot graphics card slot. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Note any recent driver or hardware changes. If Windows cannot start, use the startup guide first.

Work through these checks

0 of 4 complete
01Install a dedicated NVMe heatsink or thermal pads

Install a dedicated NVMe heatsink or thermal pads.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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02Improve airflow inside the PC case

Improve airflow inside the PC case.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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03Move SSD to another M.2 slot further from the GPU

Move SSD to another M.2 slot further from the GPU.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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04Monitor SSD temperatures using CrystalDiskInfo

Monitor SSD temperatures using CrystalDiskInfo.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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Possible causes

  • SSD lacks proper heatsink or thermal pads
  • Poor airflow in the PCIe slot area
  • Heavy continuous read/write load on the SSD
  • SSD placed directly under a hot graphics card slot