Recently, one of my personal cloud keys has been having issues. A few times a week, the device would shut down, leading the security cameras to be inaccessible until it booted up again. After some troubleshooting, I realized the temperature of the cloud key was hovering around 55*C, which is way above their recommended operating temps. The increase in temperature reduces the lifespan of any installed drives, requiring multiple drive swaps in recent months. As the UniFi Cloud Key Plus doesn’t have any form of cooling, I figured this would be a fun little project since I have so many leftover parts from my Bitcoin mining days.

Introduction

Ubiquiti’s UniFi Cloud Key Plus is a powerful and versatile device that allows you to manage your UniFi network effortlessly. However, one common issue that some users encounter with this device is overheating, which can lead to performance issues and even permanent damage. In this blog post, we will explore the UniFi Cloud Key Plus, its heat-related problems, and effective ways to keep it cool.

Understanding the UniFi Cloud Key Plus

The UniFi Cloud Key Plus is a centralized management controller for the UniFi ecosystem, designed to simplify network management, monitoring, and configuration; it’s a compact and convenient device that hosts the UniFi Controller software, enabling you to control your UniFi devices, such as access points, switches, and security cameras, from a single interface.

Heat-Related Issues

One of the key challenges faced by UniFi Cloud Key Plus users is heat-related issues. The device can generate a significant amount of heat during operation, which may lead to the following problems:

1. Performance Degradation: Excessive heat can cause the device to throttle its performance, leading to slower response times and reduced efficiency.
2. Hardware Failure: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to hardware failures, potentially rendering the Cloud Key Plus unusable.
3. Data Loss: If the device experiences a sudden shutdown due to overheating, you may risk losing important configuration data and settings.

Effective Cooling Solutions

To maintain your UniFi Cloud Key Plus’s performance and prolong its lifespan, it’s crucial to address heat-related issues. Here are some effective cooling solutions to consider:

1. Relocate the Device: Ensure the Cloud Key Plus is installed in a well-ventilated area; avoid placing it in an enclosed space or near other heat-producing equipment.
2. Heat Sink: Attach a passive heat sink to the Cloud Key Plus; these can help dissipate heat and keep the device’s temperature in check.
3. Active Cooling: Installing a small USB-powered fan on or near the device can help circulate air and reduce the temperature.
4. Proper Cable Management: Ensure that cables and cords are neatly organized and do not obstruct airflow around the Cloud Key Plus. Overcrowded cables can trap heat and lead to higher temperatures.
5. Firmware Updates: Keep your UniFi Controller and Cloud Key Plus firmware up-to-date. Manufacturers often release updates that include performance enhancements and optimizations for temperature control.
6. Monitoring and Alerts: Configure temperature monitoring and alert systems through the UniFi Controller software to be notified of any temperature spikes.
7. Additional Ventilation: If the device is installed in an enclosure, consider adding extra ventilation to allow heat to escape. Installing a small exhaust fan or drilling ventilation holes can be effective.

Results

I went ahead and looked around in my inventory and found that I had a spare aluminum CPU cooler that I use to place on my GPUs while mining, some Artic thermal pads, and 80mm and 140mm fans that would be ideal for this project. I also had a USB-to-dual fan header cable which would power both fans. I simply cut the thermal pads to fit the CPU cooler (they are sticky which helps hold everything together), placed the thermal pad directly on the cloud key’s aluminum case, mounted the 80mm fan blowing towards the device, and used the USB-to-dual fan header cable to power the fan. Next, since the closet that the device was installed in didn’t have any exhaust, I simply removed one of the smaller ceiling tiles and installed the 140mm fan as an exhaust (with the vent in the door as an intake).

Conclusion

The UniFi Cloud Key Plus is a valuable tool for managing your UniFi network, but it’s essential to be mindful of its heat-related issues. By implementing the cooling solutions mentioned above and maintaining good practices in device placement and cable management, you can ensure that your Cloud Key Plus remains cool and performs optimally. This proactive approach will help protect your investment and keep your network running smoothly.

Overall, the UniFi cloud key now hovers around 33*C, which is quite the improvement. Since the installation, there have been no unexpected shutdowns and the drive’s health seems to be fixed as its temperature dropped to around the same temperature as the cloud key. While it wasn’t a complicated task, I rather enjoyed it. If your cloud key is overheating, try it out for yourself.