A unique mod for the iPhone 17 Pro Max has recently caught the attention of the tech community by demonstrating unexpected efficiency in performance tests. A Reddit user named T-K-Tronix decided to attach multiple SSD heatsinks to the back of this phone, and the benchmark results show a stark difference compared to the original device.
SSD Heatsink turns iPhone into a “performance beast”
Typically, there are many cooling solutions available on the market for mobile devices, but the idea of covering the iPhone’s back with SSD heatsinks is something few would consider. Although the appearance becomes quite “bizarre,” the results measured by 3DMark have surprised many. According to reports, this solution helps the iPhone 17 Pro Max maintain a more stable temperature, thereby improving performance when running heavy tasks such as gaming or recording ProRes video.
In the 3DMark Steel Nomad Light Unlimited test, the heatsink-equipped iPhone recorded a stability rate of up to 90.5%, with scores ranging from 2,455 to 2,712. Compared to the results from YouTuber Max Tech on the original device, the iPhone 17 Pro Max typically achieves scores from 1,608 to 2,318 with a stability of about 69.4%. Although the standard version has already seen significant improvements over the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the difference brought by the SSD heatsink is still very clear.
Temperature control and practical applications
Thermal images shared by T-K-Tronix show that the iPhone back with the attached heatsink consistently stays below 25 degrees Celsius, while uncovered areas like the camera module exceed 35 degrees. This demonstrates the clear effectiveness of the cooling solution, which is particularly useful when users use the phone for heavy and continuous processing tasks.
Many commenters suggested that Apple or accessory manufacturers should consider developing specialized cooling kits for the iPhone, rather than leaving the modding community to create their own “Frankenstein” solutions like this.
More than just performance, a new trend?
This is not the first time the iPhone 17 Pro Max has undergone heavy customization by users. Previously, YouTuber DirectorFeng demonstrated that it is possible to upgrade storage from 256GB to 1TB through manual operations, helping to save significant costs. A mod to upgrade to 2TB is also being tested, promising to create a new wave for those who want to maximize the hardware power of the iPhone.
Overall, the SSD heatsink mod for the iPhone 17 Pro Max showcases the limitless creativity of the user community. Although not intended for the masses due to its inconvenient form factor, the efficiency it brings will certainly make Apple reconsider expanding professional cooling solutions for mobile devices in the future.
