Not every NVMe drive is the same length, and a 2280 heatsink built for the most common format will not automatically suit a shorter one. AsiaHorse's aluminium M.2 cover is stated plainly as a 2280 part, which settles the question before you get anywhere near a screwdriver.

Quick Answer

The AsiaHorse M.2 heatsink is built for 2280-length drives and sells for R199, VAT already folded into that number, though Evetech's price can move over time. A shorter 2242 or 2260 drive will not fill the body properly, since the cover's internal shape and mounting are arranged around the longer format. Confirming your drive's length before ordering avoids a mismatch you would only discover with the case open.

📏 What the numbers in "2280" mean

The format code refers to the drive's physical dimensions in millimetres: 22 wide and 80 long. It is the standard length in desktop PCs, which is why most aftermarket covers, including this one, are built specifically around it. Shorter formats like 2242 (42mm) and 2260 (60mm) exist and are more common in compact systems and some laptops, but they are the exception on a typical desktop board rather than the rule.

🔍 Why length is the first thing to check

A 2242 or 2260 drive fitted under this cover would leave part of the internal space empty, since the mounting points and the shape of the aluminium body are set for the longer drive. That is a different problem from clearance above the slot; it is about whether the drive itself matches what the cover was designed around in the first place. Length, unlike some of this cover's other specifications, is one detail that is easy to confirm ahead of time.

Where to find your drive's length

It appears directly in the product name and specification of most NVMe drives, and it is also something you can measure on the board itself, from the connector notch to where the mounting screw sits.

🧭 Boards often support more than one length

Many motherboards provide mounting points for two or three different M.2 lengths on the same slot, which is exactly why the drive determines the format rather than the slot. If you are shopping for a drive specifically to pair with this cover, filter for 2280 explicitly rather than assuming every drive on a listing will match. Evetech's case accessories section covers the fitting side, while a 2280-length pick from the solid state drive range settles the format question before anything ships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What length is this cover made for?

2280, which describes a drive that is 22mm wide and 80mm long, the standard desktop NVMe format.

Will a 2242 or 2260 drive still work with it?

It will not fill the body correctly, since the cover's mounting is arranged for the longer 2280 format specifically.

How do I check my own drive's length?

The format code appears in the drive's name and specification, and the physical length is also measurable directly on the board.

Are shorter drives common in desktop PCs?

Not typically. 2280 dominates the desktop market, while 2242 and 2260 appear more often in compact systems and laptops.

Is there a format longer than 2280 to be aware of?

Longer M.2 formats do exist, but this cover is specified for 2280, so anything outside that length falls outside what it is designed around.

Sourcing a drive to match this cover? Check Evetech's NVMe range and confirm the 2280 length before you add it to your cart.