Memory threshold.

[chuckshissle]

I'm just curious what's the optimum operating temperature of a memory. How hot can it go before overheating and starts to go unstable and crash. I ask this question cause I've seen some rams/memory that are watercooled and wondering how does watercooling improve the ram's performance and wether it is worth doing so.

I have Corsair DDR2 XMS2 rams and have place some additional ram sinks on the already effecient heatsink housing and on top of that I have an 80mm fan blowing on it. Max temps during heavy applications like gaming reach up to 50c. Well, just curious what the highest operating temperature of this rams and how does watercooling affect it's performance.

 

[chuckshissle]

Common' guys I know there's lot of highly knowledgeable members in here and give some info. If you want me to beg then I'll do so...

 

[kwalker]

I think begging would a treat on these forums.
It’s hard to quote statistics on operating temperatures of ram modules.
So the best I can offer is Stability.
If you run programs that are ram intensive and your stricken with multiple errors then it’s a good indication temps may be a factor.
If your module is hot to the touch and you leave your fingerprints on the memory chip I would say it damm hot.
50C is most likely safe under full load.
Run memtest and determine at what point your failing that is if you’re failing at all.
Heat spreaders and fans are one way to give life to your modules
Try folding at home and prime at the same time ….you’ll see your maximum temps in no time.
If there are no errors then you’re not overloading the system.
If this answer is not what you needed then I’m afraid you’ll have to beg after all.

 

[chuckshissle]

Nice info. But still I'm curious at what temperatures that rams would start to perform erratically and causes crash and does it shortened it's lifespan? I'm not worried about it since like most rams have lifetime warranty.

 

[bigsby]

Well, I'm sorry but I can't answer your question on the temps. I do know that ram doesn't use much power, I'm pretty sure it's less than 10 watts per module for fast ram. Really, watercooling for ram is just stupid and pointless, since it's not gonna help that much, heat spreaders are good enough. I wouldn't worry about ram overheating, unless your cpu fan from your prescott is blowing onto it or something, lol.

 

[fainis]

ok..here`s the deal..my friend.......memory as every electronic component can get hot .... thousands and milions of transistors crowded in a such tight place can cause heat disipation ....

usually when a chip is felt to be warm it`s disipated power exceeds the limit of a 100mW to 1W for a normal chip (ebonita or ceramic case)...

well the normal memory module temperature should be samething like 40 to 50 degrees....usually a little hotter than the air inside the case...
as any component it should be ventilated too....

notice the form of the cpu heat sink.....it allows air to circulate arround the memory module (in a normal atx form factory case)......


I think that at least one blower is needed inside the case to ensure the air circulation .... (the hot air should get out of the case and fresh air should get inside the case)....

supplimetary heat sinks for the memory are needed for top brands modules .. which are usually overclocked (higher than normal voltages and tight timings)...

when a chip gets hotter than it`s normal temperature ... it`s due to low performace .. in case of the memory modules suplimentary capacitances may occur ... (this is the most important parasite element when dealing with memory module .. everybady knows that the smallest memory element is a capacitor (usually the capacitance between the gate and the drain of a MOS transistor))..

well to make a long story short it is important to keep the modules warm ... at least to a resonable temperature ... and this may became an issue expecially when dealing with more than one module .....

users with dual channel configuration (2, 4 or more modules (the later versions may allow even odd number of modules to work in dual channel)) should consider keeping their modules worm expecially when they overclock or apply a tight command rate....

good luck

 

[chuckshissle]

thank you (tips hat)

 

[kwalker]

You’re still not begging


In answer to your question the memory module is subject to similar thermal design characteristics as your CPU
It is susceptible to electro-chemical migration
The point at which it fails under extreme temperatures for extended periods of time is accelerated with over clocking or over volting.
Interconnect failures. Dielectric breakdown, solder joint fatigue….
.
Treat your ram modules as you would your CPU.
The lower the temperature the longer the lifespan of the ram.
When you start hitting temps over 60C you need to cool things down
I am sure your computer will crash way before you hit melt down on memory modules so use that as a warning sign.
As for your warranty.
You’re good as long as you’re within 5% of rated voltages.
As for keeping the ram warm.
I believe you’ve got that covered.

Good point fainis

 

[chuckshissle]

Please, please, please....okay how's that.

 

[kwalker]

Now that was incredible
I’m impressed

heres a little dry reading .
http://www.accoladeeng.com/memory_module_reliability_qualification.pdf

Just as a point of reference my memory runs at 32C -40C depending on load.
Stays very consistent at over 700 MHz @1.95 volts
Maybe others could post there temps for comparison.

Cheers 8)