Introduction
You have to realize, once you have overclocked your computer, and hunted down settings to squeeze just a
few more MHz out of your machine, praying it doesn’t burst into flame in the process, that heat is an issue.
A fairly big issue, in fact. Some of the most critical components of your computer generate the most
significant amount of heat, and it’s important to deal with that heat properly in order to maintain a
stable system.
What are the critical components in a computer? Things like your CD-ROM, floppy drive, and soundcard
are certainly nice to have; but they aren’t under much demand to keep the PC running. The most important
parts of your computer certainly include your CPU, motherboard, video card and RAM. It’s easy to
focus on your CPU since it is inevitably hot, and of course your video card needs to keep cool in order
to pump out the FPS. But an often overlooked component are the RAM modules, especially since
on most motherboards, they sit right next to your blazing CPU! As you continue to up the FSB, and
your HSF dumps all the heat off your CPU, your RAM is fighting for air. A simple, cheap way to help
is to pick up some DIMM heat spreaders.
Preparation
There isn’t much in preparing for this. It’s a simple process to install the heat spreaders and you
don’t need much in the way of tools. If you want to, remove all the stickers from the module and clean
it with rubbing alcochol until all of the residue is gone. This will ensure optimal heat transfer, but
will take much longer. DO NOT use a citrus remover such as goo-gone, as the citrus can damage your
DIMMs. If you use any kind of silver compound, make absolutely sure that you aren’t connecting any of
the legs on the DIMM chips. Generally, stick with the tape that is already installed in the heat spreader.
here are the basic materials involved:
- Heat spreaders
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)
For this article I will be using two solid copper generic heat spreaders. I’m using the thermal tape
that came with the heat spreaders.
| Product: | DIMM Heat Spreaders (make unknown) |
| Application: | DDR & SDRAM DIMM Modules |
| Material: | Copper alloy |
Installation
The first thing to do is to remove the DIMM you will be working on, and clean the chips with
isopropyl alcohol. Take one heat spreader and remove the tape mask from each side. Now hold the
spreader in your hand and place the DIMM in with the other, lining it up before you close it on
the module. Once you have it closed, snap the clips on and your done! Just remember to put them
back in the computer of course, and repeat for other modules as necessary.
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Conclusion
Heat spreaders aren’t absolutely necessary. They are just another detail for the average gamer, but
a necessity for anyone trying to OC their RAM. They feel cooler to the touch now, and if my
CPU wasn’t my bottleneck then I would be benching them right now! So if you have a chance, grab a few
and tell me what you think… and of course, this is mostly for tweakers 
Where to Buy
MemoryAmerica.com is a retailer of computer memory and hardware for a wide range of brands.
MacImprove.com is a dedicated Apple site that offers Mac parts and accessories for low prices.
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| Store Rating | Store Name | Price | Visit Store |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  5664 Store Reviews |  PC Connection Express | $ 2640.37 | 
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1419 Store Reviews |  PCNation | $ 2611.87 |
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 3437 Store Reviews |  Buy.com | $ 2032.99 |
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176 Store Reviews |  Amazon Marketplace | $ 2122.45 |
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2155 Store Reviews |  eCOST.com | $ 2114.99 |
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- Mushkin\’s New Memory Heat Spreader
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Tags: CPU, mod, motherboard, Ram
