9800NP OC question regarding RAMsinks

[BlueWeasel]

Well, I ordered some RAMsinks from SVC to do some modding on my MB, and I have several left over (5 to be exact). I was thinking about putting them on my 9800NP and I have a few questions.

I have the 9800NP with the 3.0ns Infineon RAM that I picked up during the CC deal a few weeks ago. Well, the RAM maxes out using the default cooling (no sinks) at around 325, which is around the max for the Infineon chips.

(1) Am I wasting my time even putting the RAMsinks on? Would I likely be able to push the RAM overclock further or is this the max of the Infineon chips regardless of cooling?

I read a post by Robor who was able to increase his RAM overclock on his 9800NP (flashed to Pro) by 60mhz after applying sinks. However, this was with a VGA Silencer as well, and I just plan on keeping the stock HSF. Therefore, I don't expect to go up 60mhz on my OC, but I'd like to get above 325.

(2) Does it really matter which side of the card I put the sinks on? Do I really need a sink on each side of each chip (ie, 2 sinks on a single chip), or will one sink on one side be sufficient?

 

[Corporate Thug]

1. you arent wasting your time but dont expect a miracle. you'll prolly get a few more mhx
2. for best results, ramsinks go on both sides

 

[high]

My infineon is at 335 and yes I am grabbing some myself...and I have seen people go up to 375-380 with aluminum sinks...not a bad oc at all, at/past XT speeds Grabbing a silencer will defintely help...but I mean I am at 450 core so I don't even see the stock cooling as an issue

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: high
My infineon is at 335 and yes I am grabbing some myself...and I have seen people go up to 375-380 with aluminum sinks...not a bad oc at all, at/past XT speeds Grabbing a silencer will defintely help...but I mean I am at 450 core so I don't even see the stock cooling as an issue

You've seen people go up to 370-380 with the Infineon RAM? Mine currently maxes out around 330, but I haven't put the chips on yet.

I am really considering flashing my NP using the modified BIOS for the Infineon chips. It raises the core to 380 and the RAM to 325. I've heard it's supposed to loosen the memory timings, which might allow you to push the Infineon chips further, and the RAMsinks would definately help out with the heat.

 

[modedepe]

I haven't seen anyone with infineon ram hit 370-380, even with ramsinks. It only seems to happen to people with samsung ram that's running hot. But hey, the ramsinks won't hurt your oc, and maybe you'll get lucky.

 

[Lonyo]

I read somewhere that Infineon basically tops out, and it's not a heat issue when it does. Mine will only hit 325MHz, not tried any extra cooling, but IIRC, it wasn't really hot to the touch. I think it's only the Samsung stuff that will go further with cooling.

 

[Mingon]

Heat sinks are a good idea, purely for longevity of the card, they make little or no difference (5-10mhz max) unless you have a really bad airflow problem in your case.

 

[Nebor]

I put ramsinks on my r9800 pro and it took my ram from 360mhz to.... 360mhz.