US Source for Orin Nano Heatsink

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano development board are experiencing difficulties finding compatible heatsinks in the United States. The main concerns include:

• Limited availability of official heatsinks from SeeedStudio, with shipping delays and high costs.
• Lack of readily available alternatives from US suppliers.
• Uncertainty about compatibility with generic CPU coolers.
• Delayed availability of official heatsinks impacting development and testing processes.

This issue affects users who have purchased or are planning to purchase the Orin Nano module and SeeedStudio carrier board, potentially delaying their development projects or forcing them to seek alternative cooling solutions.

Possible Causes

1. Supply Chain Issues: The limited availability of official heatsinks may be due to supply chain disruptions or production delays.

2. High Demand: The popularity of the Orin Nano could be outpacing the production of compatible heatsinks.

3. Limited Third-Party Options: The specific design requirements of the Orin Nano may be limiting the number of third-party manufacturers producing compatible heatsinks.

4. Regional Distribution Challenges: The lack of US sources could be due to distribution agreements or logistical issues specific to the North American market.

5. New Product Launch: As a relatively new product, the ecosystem of accessories and components may still be developing.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check Official Channels:

   • Regularly check SeeedStudio’s website for updates on heatsink availability and shipping times.
   • Consider contacting SeeedStudio directly for more accurate information on restocking and shipping options.

2. Explore Third-Party Options:

   • Investigate heatsinks from Auvidea, which are compatible with both Xavier NX and Orin Nano.
   • The Auvidea heatsink can be ordered from Mouser, a US-based electronics distributor.

3. Modify Existing Heatsinks:

   • As a temporary solution, modify a Xavier NX heatsink to fit the Orin Nano.
   • Use a grinding tool to create space for the taller square inductor on the Orin Nano.
   • Note: This is not a production solution and should only be used for testing and development purposes.

4. Custom Fabrication:

   • Use the available CAD files to design a custom heatsink.
   • Employ a milling machine to create a compatible heatsink, ensuring proper clearance for all components.

5. Consider Alternative Cooling Methods:

   • Explore the possibility of using generic small CPU coolers, ensuring they can be securely mounted.
   • Research passive cooling options that might be adaptable to the Orin Nano’s form factor.

6. Ecosystem Partners:

   • Check the NVIDIA Jetson ecosystem partners list for potential heatsink suppliers.
   • While this method may not be the most efficient, it could lead to discovering lesser-known suppliers.

7. Dev Kit Alternative:

   • If development can’t wait for heatsink availability, consider purchasing the Orin Nano Dev Kit instead of the module and carrier board separately.
   • The Dev Kit typically comes with all necessary components, including a heatsink.

8. Community Forums:

   • Stay active in NVIDIA developer forums and community discussions.
   • Share experiences and solutions with other users facing similar issues.

9. Pre-order and Wait:

   • If no immediate solution is found, consider pre-ordering the official heatsink from SeeedStudio and using the waiting time for other aspects of your project development.

Remember to always ensure proper thermal management when operating the Orin Nano, as inadequate cooling can lead to performance issues and potential hardware damage. While temporary solutions may help in the short term, it’s advisable to use officially supported or professionally designed cooling solutions for long-term use and production environments.