Original TIM for 6800GT memory?

[uncoolfish]

Hi, does the 6800GT with the reference nvidia heatsink (like this) use silicon paste or thermal pad for the memory modules? Are they effective enough? Thanks!

 

[Elias]

thermal pads

 

[coz]

Are they effective enough? Thanks!

I don't think the heatsinks+pads are even necessary for the RAM. The X800XT-PE didn't have any cooling for the memory chips and they were running at 1.12GHz. I'm watercooling my 6800GT and have no cooling whatsoever on the GDDR3 memory chips (running @ 1.1GHz). I've seen no heat-related problems like visual artifacts or games crashing so everything seems fine without RAM cooling.

Now, if I can just find out where that burning smell is coming from I'll be all set.

 

[consumer9000]

Yeah, they essentially use MaxiPads saturated in silicone grease. Effective, sort of. Silicone grease alone along with a smaller gap would make a big difference alone. The stock memory cooling setup isn't bad as long as it isn't hindered by those lame pads or poor airflow.
At stock speeds you shouldn't see any temperature related issues, however as you ramp things up you'll be grateful for sufficient memory cooling, especially in regards to long term stability and reliability.