Hi guys, I have a 2x2GB set of Patriot Sector 5 DDR3 1600mhz RAM. I'm about to totally rebuild my system in ITX formfactor and I'm using a Prolimatech Samuel 17 CPU cooler for my i5 on a Gigabyte H55N-USB3. My issue is that the Samuel 17 will clash with my RAM since it stands 42mm tall inc heatsink. Thus I have to remove it. I'm not worried about burning the modules out, since they won't be doing any heavy overclocking but I was wondering if anyone has any experience with removing heatsinks, and could offer any advice? Also, is there any way to get the heatsinks back on again once their off? Apparently the spreaders are in two parts and glued to both sides of the RAM Many thanks
The heat spreaders can be very difficult to get off.Start by unscrewing the screws if the is any. Then pry off the heat spreader. If it is glued on you may need to heat it up with something like a hairdryer. Be careful not to overheat it or damage the module when taking them off. You can also freeze the stick in the freezer and the glue will kind of peel off. I had to do it with OCZ reaper modules last year.
If the memory was expensive, I'd be inclined just to get more RAM. Two of these would set you back only £30, and you don't void the warranty/risk killing it. If you do take the heatspreaders off and want to stick them on again, you can use thermal epoxy. Mix it with some normal thermal compound if you want to be able to remove them again.
Seems like I could end up breaking it too easily, and would undoubtly reduce their resale value. so I took your advice and got two of these in the end - Corsair value select. 4GB set me £35 with pre xmas delivery (fingers xsd). Thanks guys.
