Hardware Analysis - RAM Cooling

Re: RAM Cooling

FordGT90Concept — 2008-04-13T06:42:33-05:00

I just ordered the OCZ cooler:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=pro...s_id=21145

And 3 to 4-pin adapter:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=pro...cts_id=198

I decided to go with the OCZ because of the mounts it uses (they aren't closed), it's size (I doubt there is enough room for two Corsair units), and it's height (Corsair's is designed for the tall heatsink on dominator memory. The OCZ one won't cover them all but it will cover about six of the eight which should allow enough room for the main power cables to make the required twist. I'll see how it goes once it arrives.

Right now, I can't hold my finger on the memory modules. They're too hot.

Re: RAM Cooling

john albrich — 2008-04-12T07:16:58-05:00

FordGT90Concept said:

...The question is, will I need to put a fan controller on it or should it be fine just direct into the mains like that (noise wise)?....

If 12V direct is too loud, you can VERY easily modify (a non-moulded type) molex power plug to provide 7V to the adapter. (If you have a moulded type 4-pin molex plug, I'd use a "Y" splitter and modify the splitter) Instructions are Googleoogleable. Whether you re-arrange the wires or modify a splitter, if you don't like it, it is easy to switch the connector back to the way it was.

Be sure to label that the connector has been modified. Providing just 5V usually doesn't provide enough power to start a 12V fan. The 7V re-wiring method provides fairly decent (usually reasonably quiet) fan speed and can be done with no added cost.

Re: RAM Cooling

FordGT90Concept — 2008-04-12T04:29:44-05:00

I don't think standard aftermarket heatsinks will work on these sticks because they are FB-DIMM modules (they have a large chip in the center of every stick). Also, it would void Kingston's limited lifetime warranty and be a real hassel to put on all 8 sticks.

I think I looked at the CoolIT RAM fan. 60mm is too big to fit two of them on and yet, isn't big enough to effectively cool all the sticks. I would be all for it if it were just a single 80mm or larger.

I should also note that there is a little gap between each of the DIMM slots. They aren't right smack next to eachother like you usually see between matched pairs in desktop boards. In the pics, you can see two really tiny chips between each DIMM slot. I really need to take a better picture.

Re: RAM Cooling

G. G. — 2008-04-12T04:17:38-05:00

Ford,

No one had mentioned this but..... what about replacing the memory spreader with a different one like these -

http://www.svc.com/hr-07duoh.html

http://www.svc.com/cl-r0026.html

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=pro...s_id=21605 (ram fan)

Re: RAM Cooling

FordGT90Concept — 2008-04-12T03:53:19-05:00

It's a tower. As on most EATX 771 boards, the memory is arranged in a row right up by where the rear I/O panel is. That basically means it's about 1-2 inches from the 120mm+ Enermax Liberty 620w fan and the rear 120mm Scythe exhaust fan. There is plenty of air moving right above the memory but nothing cooling in between all the modules; therefore, they get very hot.

Re: RAM Cooling

Gerritt — 2008-04-12T02:25:06-05:00

Is this a rack mount, tower or desktop style chassis?
Gerritt

Re: RAM Cooling

FordGT90Concept — 2008-04-12T02:20:33-05:00

I don't think modifying the case or motherboard is an approach I am open to. I really don't see that as being a reliable solution because of the design of the case and motherboard. Any form of significant ducting would block the only major exhaust fan from the case.

Re: RAM Cooling

Gerritt — 2008-04-12T01:39:28-05:00

Ford,
I used some velcro tape and a 80mm fan mounted beside the ram and blowing towards the top of the case (a tower), total cost was about a buck fifty for the tape, I already had a gajillion 80mm fans around. Another low cost option is to build a forced air ducting system with cardboard and a fan mounted wherever you can mount it. Many Compaq/HP and IBM servers use this. Basically cut the cardboard to fit around all eight slots (a couple of velcro tabs on the MB to hold it in place, and form it to fit snuggly with the fan. The fan will basically suck air through the duct from the open bottom of the DRAM and exhast it out and away, preferably through a chassis vent.

Gerritt

Re: RAM Cooling

FordGT90Concept — 2008-04-12T01:27:15-05:00

So if I got two of them, I should be all set?

Edit: It looks like I'd need a 4-pin Molex -> Y-split 3-pin adapter--preferably sleeved. I think I know where I can get one. The question is, will I need to put a fan controller on it or should it be fine just direct into the mains like that (noise wise)?

Edit: Edit: Like this:
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/6301/cab-102/FrozenCPUcom_3_...g2c251s274

Re: RAM Cooling

Tam the Bam — 2008-04-12T00:19:26-05:00

I have Corsair Dominator Modules, and use the Corsair coolin set for these.
It has 3x40mm fans. Does the job quite well. You could use this for your ram
or any ram for that matter. It just clips underneath the locking brackets on the MoBo.
AND it's quite. NO noise what so ever

Re: RAM Cooling

FordGT90Concept — 2008-04-11T22:32:43-05:00

Jim H said:

does corsair sell their dominator memory cooling fans separately?

Yeah, they do but they're pretty expensive at about $30 a pop:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835704001

The major thing I don't like about it is 3x40mm fans which are quite small. In my experience, fewer, bigger fans are more effective.

john albrich said:

If it's that close, perhaps the best thing is to just increase the RPMs (or size) on your rear fan...or increase total system air flow in some other manner.

It is a high airflow fan (80+ CFM I believe). It does a great job of removing heat from the case but the memory itself being passively cooled just doesn't seem to cut it. I need to get some active airflow across them and then all should be good.

john albrich said:

Something to think about in adding fans close to the rear fan, is that the extra fans' noise won't be muffled by much. In addition, you may get audible beat frequencies between the sound from rear fan and the sound from the extra fans. Either way, it could prove more annoying than simply increasing total airflow.

The 120mm fans are already quite loud so I don't think noise is too much of a concern as long as it isn't a whiny.

Re: RAM Cooling

john albrich — 2008-04-11T22:19:00-05:00

FordGT90Concept said:

The memory is very close to the rear exhaust fan so that wouldn't be the best approach. I'd like something that just snaps on, plug in, and go.

If it's that close, perhaps the best thing is to just increase the RPMs (or size) on your rear fan...or increase total system air flow in some other manner.

Something to think about in adding fans close to the rear fan, is that the extra fans' noise won't be muffled by much. In addition, you may get audible beat frequencies between the sound from rear fan and the sound from the extra fans. Either way, it could prove more annoying than simply increasing total airflow.

(whatever your solution, I'd use high quality low-noise ceramic or fluid bearing fans)

Re: RAM Cooling

MrBungle — 2008-04-11T18:40:53-05:00

does corsair sell their dominator memory cooling fans separately?

Re: RAM Cooling

FordGT90Concept — 2008-04-11T16:24:48-05:00

The memory is very close to the rear exhaust fan so that wouldn't be the best approach. I'd like something that just snaps on, plug in, and go.

Re: RAM Cooling

MrBungle — 2008-04-11T15:38:06-05:00

if there is nothing in the way you could dremel yourself a new fan hole in the side of the case and get one of those CPU ducting kits and an 80mm fan and set the whole thing up to blow directly on the RAM.