silvercougar53

Well I've heard amazing things about TRUE and I've noticed that they have DDR3 RAM heatsinks now too. I've read a few thorough reviews that said it really did make a big difference in temperature. Of course, RAM cooling isn't the most important part of a build but isn't a bad idea. Anyway, would you guys recommend using RAM heatsinks? Furthermore, would you let compatibility with an aftermarket heatsink influence your purchase? I know a lot of RAM already have heatsinks built onto them (Dominator, for example) and removing them also removes the factory warrantee. Is it best to use something like the Dominator and stick to the heatsink already present? Thanks for the help, folks.

nolonger

I would recommend using RAM heatsinks. Doesn't hurt to have them and they just might make your RAM's life longer.

The grand majority of heatsinks nowadays have a built-in heatsink and I'm pretty sure there are no compatibility issues since heatsinks are clipped on. I would stick to the heatsink already present unless it's clearly poor quality.

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Syrillian

In regards to cooling RAM vs. cooling the CPU and incompatibility insofar as "fit", I would be place the importance on the CPU cooling.

If a set of RAM comes with heatsinks, I would leave them alone and not attempt to modify them.

If you are unable to use tall RAM modules (i.e. Dominators you mentioned) then I would get standard modules an get some aftermarket sinks to attach the chips on the module.

If you are having difficulty with heat and you want some active cooling then an Antec Spot Cool is a flexible alternative.

(Antec Spot Cool on RAM ~ r-side of image)

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silvercougar53

Duly noted. I have been considering Corsair memory like I mentioned earlier, but I'm also considering OCZ. Seems like there's a DDR3 value ram that's very like the Intel i7 series they have (both on the website) but the value one doesn't have a heatsink. They both run 1600 Mhz at 8-8-8-24 and 1.65 volts. The value one seems like it'd be the perfect candidate for a thermalright RAM heatsink. Do you guys think something like that would outperform Dominator with the stock heatsink, or should they be about equal?

nolonger

I'd stick to the Dominator. If it runs at the same settings as the Value RAM and needs a heatsink then so will the Value RAM, which means you'll end up spending more for the same performance and possibly lower lifetime.

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silvercougar53

Hmm, let me rephrase something (though I see what you mean, nolonger).

I was thinking about Dominator, but I saw two other things on the OCZ website.

There was an i7 series with a heatsink built onto it
http://www.ocztechnology.com/product...triple_channel

and there was a value module also from OCZ
http://www.ocztechnology.com/product...voltage_module

though it seems like the value module isn't resold, so perhaps it's a moot point. Probably should stick with Dominator after all.

nolonger

Depending on how much cheaper the OCZ Value modules are they just might be worth it, but if you're going for looks, get the Corsair Dominator.

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silvercougar53

Looks are important, but if you stick a thermalright heatsink on the OCZ RAM, it wouldn't look so bad. The price would probably end up about the same, so I'm interested in which would perform better, overclock better, or stay cool better.

nolonger

I would think the Dominators would overclock better since Value RAM usually doesn't overclock that well. My guess is that Dominators are more strictly selected than the OCZ Value series.

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TestECull

You may damage some ram if you try to add an aftermarket cooler to it. Many an OCNer has pulled IC's off when trying to remove the factory heat spreader, likely they were superglued on.

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