Copper RAM Heat Spreaders

[JosephM]

I have two sticks of 1 GB Patriot DDR 400 in my system. I have a Thermaltake Tsunami case, and it does a great job of cooling the RAM. However, I am interested in these copper heatsinks for cooling and cosmetic purposes.

I do not intend on overclocking the RAM, so I was wondering if these copper heatsinks will be worth it. I'm sure that they will look nice - the polished copper will probably reflect some of the blue light in my case. But I was wondering if they actually lower the temperature of the RAM and if they increase performance. I understand that copper has a relatively high thermal diffusivity constant so I would imagine they would help transfer heat from the RAM into the air. I don't really want to waste money on something that will just shine in my case and do nothing else, so I am wondering if anyone knows any additional information on this subject or if anyone knows from personal experience how well copper RAM heatspreaders perform. Actual before and after temperature averages would be really great.

Thanks!

 

[krcat1]

I have read in alot of places that RAM heatsinks are a waste of money.

Look at this thread.
Link

Some people put them on video card memory.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Well if you're not going to overclock, there's no point. But if you're going to push 3-4V into the ram, you'd better get some ramsinks and active cooling or take a picture for me.

 

[AristoV300]

Well if you are looking for cosmetics, they are worth it. Performance or anything else then a waste.

 

[JosephM]

krcat1: Thanks for that link. It seems that the majority of users feel that heatsinks were meant to "even out" temperature in the RAM stick and since DDR is used evenly throughout the stick, the temperature should be even anyway and thus serves no purpose. There are some who feel that they do notice a difference when using the heat spreaders, but not many.

Kensai & Aristo: Thanks guys for your opinion.

Right now I'm about 70/30 in favor of not buying the heatspreaders. Most evidence and arguments seem to point to their uselessness, but considering their low cost and the possibility that they may actually help to a small degree is still preventing me from definitely passing them up.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Well, since you're not overclocking I wouldn't get them.

 

[charlietee]

I agree...They look cool...but as far as helping cool your memory in my experience with Vantec copper heat sinks they are iffy at best.

 

[CrispyFried]

I overclock and overvolt my RAM and it came with heat spreaders. I took a thermal probe from a front panel dual temp display and wedged it in the heatspreader, RAM temp does do up when used hard (memtest etc), but mine stays about 10-15 degrees F above ambient. Havent taken them off for comparison though. But I also have 5 case fans including a side fan that blows on the RAM.

They do look cool though Mine are blue and go with the blue fans etc. Bling makes it faster, doesnt it lol

So I doubt theres a real need. Just doesnt get that hot as long as there is airflow.

 

[JosephM]

Thanks charlie and Crispy for your opinions. Crispy, maybe one day you could do a test with the heatspreaders on and off and publish your results. I think that would be really great, getting some hard data from a fellow consumer.

 

[S Random]

theres gotta be some dissipation, not much, but its cheap and looks cool

 

[Chode Messiah]

get like 50 of those video ram heatsinks w/ thrmal tape and stick a bunch all over the ram. It looks like metal cacti on ur mobo

 

[lestat0521]

To answer your question, it is always best to get copper heat sinks. Why you may ask?

If you?re a chemistry student you know why....

Copper has the highest heat capacity of any of the metals used in making heat sink solutions.

This means that copper will absorb more Joules of heat before it raises its temperature by 1 degree Celsius.

So if chemistry is correct, the copper will suck more heat out of the ram.

Also to remedy some of the above information, ram does generate a decent amount of heat, try running Hl2 for an hour or so and touching the ram. (with your comp turned off ). The ram is hot. Unless you have fans blowing over the ram, I would suggest adding the ram sinks. Try putting them on doing the same test and touching it again. There will be a lot less heat.

Just like any computer part the more heat = less stability and = lower life span.