What is a heatspreader?
Last week we looked at What is a heatpipe?
A heatspreader works in a similar way, but with memory modules. In a simple explanation, a heatspreader is an external cover for memory modules to help dissipate heat. Like heatpipes, they are usually made from copper, or in some cases, aluminium.
The way that they are attached are generally by using a conductive adhesive or with some kind of clips. If for some reason you would need to take the heatspreader(s) off of the memory modules, clips are the easies option. The adhesive is a lot harder to remove but does take the pressure away from memory chips.
Unlike heatpipes, heatspreaders generally have no where to go as the heat dissipates from the memory modules but isn’t attached to anything else for the heat to travel along.
There are many different designs as you can see from the picture above. Many manufacturer’s prefer a standard heatspreader such as G.Skill and Crucial Ballistix. Other brands includes holes and grooves to increase the surface area which results in cooler temperatures.
In extreme cases you will find memory modules such as the Corsair Dominator and OCZ Repear sets of memory will have a heatsink design with fins to give the best possibly cooling around. These modules will typically function at a higher voltage (VDIMM) setting.
You will also find that because of how hot these particular modules get, a heatsink or heatspreader isn’t enough and require a fan for the best possible results, especially when overclocking.
Be sure to check out the Cooling and Overclocking and Memory sections on our forums.
Air flow within the computer case must allow ther heat to remove the heat from all heat sources. An incense stick will indicate the heat inputs & outputs.
Infra-red thermometers (e.g. ear-thermometers) will measure surface temperatures.
Another great glossary of an important aspect of performance hardware.