Installing RAM Heat Spreaders

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.

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.

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 ;-)

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