Tweakmonster is a name that has long been associated with custom cooling products. In a time where hardcore PC enthusiasts are looking for opportunities to maximize the performance of their systems, Tweakmonster has recently introduced RAMcoolers to their expanding product line.
RAMcoolers were specifically designed as a do-it-yourself upgrade from the stock heat spacers that are used on performance DDR RAM today. They allow for maximum cooling and overclocking of your existing memory without sacrificing any memory expansion slots. RAMcoolers add functionality and will appeal to case modders who take great pride in their customizations.
Specifications:
.425 width x .950 length x .100 height (in)
Made of aluminum alloy and coated with a chrome finish
Prior to installing RAMcoolers, I highly recommend reading Tweakmonster's detailed installation guide. Having been precision manufactured, the RAMcoolers didn't appear to require any lapping prior to installation. I used a small flat head screw driver to remove the stock heat shield from the existing memory and carefully pryed off the thermal tape from each chip. Be warned that this type of alteration may void your memory's warranty.
Installation was a snap, but it's important that a cleaning agent, such as isopropyl alcohol, be used to clean each RAMcooler and memory chip first. The RAMcoolers will be more effective when an airtight bond is formed after attaching thermal tape or a non-conductive thermal adhesive compound like Artic Alumina. Be sure to allow the thermal compound an adequate time to cure before reinstalling the memory in your system.
TESTING AND CONCLUSION
After several attempts at increasing my system's FSB speed, I achieved stability running at a 220MHz FSB with the memory timings set to 6, 2, 2, 2.5. Case temperatures remained unchanged running at 28C/idle and 30C/load. While system memory doesn't normally generate a lot of heat, RAMcoolers can help squeeze those extra few MHz you didn’t know were there. As with other cooling products targeted at overclockers there are a host of conditions that can limit your results. But if you're looking for an edge, Tweakmonster's RAMcoolers will certainly increase the overclocking potential of your system's memory.
Pros:
Aesthetically pleasing
Exceptional quality
Cools system RAM efficiently
Increased stability & overclocking potential
Cons:
Overclocking results will vary
May void your memory's warranty
Thanks to Ross "Tweakmonster" Wenger for allowing us to review this fine product.
