X370 Taichi M2 shields compatibility

Happy New Year, everyone!

May 2018 bring you more stable OC and lower temps!

On the topic - can someone please tell me if EKWB's M2 heatsink is compatible with the X370 Taichi?

M2_1 slot on the Taichi is ridden with these nasty PCIe switches (ICs), which in turn are limiting the maximum depth underneath the M2 slot.

I'm afraid that if I install the EKWB heatsink on my 960 EVO it may push the ICs past the point of no return.

The 960 EVO is a single-sided drive, i.e. all stuff is soldered only to the top of the PCB. Bottom side is clear, providing more space for the heatsink, still...

There is no official compatibility listings neither on ASRock's, nor at EKWB's sites. Only SSD compatibility is listed.

It will be good to post your mileage when it comes to mobos and heatsinks compatibility. I'd hate to disassemble my PC just to find out my endeavor is futile. More so, I could break the PCIe switch ICs without even knowing it.

datonyb wrote: to be fair i dont find my samsung 960 in the taichi to reach anything near high temps

Same here. I have good airflow in that area.

But since I already have the M2 heatsink, I was curious if it will fit. Plus, given my good airflow it should bring the temps 10C more. How's that a bad deal?

Thanks, John!

I hate kicking the poor little shield around. There is good chance I tuck it somewhere and completely forget where.

I'm planning opening my case to swap 3 of my case fans with Noctuas, do some additional cable management, and tweak the bling. I wanted to use the opportunity to finally put that shield in place.

I'm yet to see how a better thermals are a bad thing.  Yes, my SSD is not heavily loaded. Yes, my SSD is cool nonetheless.

Which M.2 slots have sinks in your mobo? Which one doesn't? I want to see some close-up photos (plenty of those on the Webz) of your model and do some guesstimation for my particular case.