The Basics:
The two sides of the
Patriot Memory modules are shown in the below left image. One side features a large "Patriot" logo, while the other indicates that these are "DDR3" modules and a label is provided with a good deal of product specific data. The Aluminum and Copper composite heatspreaders have an interesting look that seems like a mix between a traditional heatspreader and some of the more over-the-top designs some manufacturers employ. It seems like an economical approach to improved cooling that also happens to look pretty cool.
The above right image takes a closer look at the label found on one side of each module. Here we find the part number, basic specifications, and other manufacturing data. It seems like a simple idea, but more manufacturers should print complete details on speed, timings, and voltage on the modules as a quick reference guide to remind the end user what they are using. I know I appreciate that information being there.
The next set of images take a look at the memory from above to show the interface between the chips, thermal tape, and heatspreader. All of the chips have a consistent bond, so heat transfer should be as good as you are going to get. Looking at the modules from this angle reveals that they are single sided, so the heatspreader applied to the blank side is obviously all for show.
Many manufacturers have gone to the extreme with elaborate heatspreader designs that seem like overkill considering that each new generation of memory requires less voltage (and should produce less heat). These are more like traditional heatspreaders, but they have been improved by using a Copper/Aluminum composite as the material, and by adding reasonably sized fins that should draw the heat up into the path of cooling air from a CPU or case fan.
The images below show the modules installed and how the fins may work well to transfer heat to the air passing by thanks to the CPU cooler. While you may run into clearance issues on systems where the memory slots are very close to the processor socket, especially if a big CPU cooler is used, they are definitely more compact than other memory on the market today.
