Corsair dropped off some of its latest Dominator 2, or "DHX+" as they will be officially know modules to the bit-tech offices and we couldn't help but share. Having not updated its DHX technology for a few years now these modules are the first major update Corsair has launched while other competitors have caught up with more elaborate solutions. Technically, DHX was great, but aesthetically we feel it's lost its "special" since Corsair used it everywhere - this is where the Dominator 2s should levy that unique appeal again.
In some respects the modules follow on from the original DHX design - the PCB is taller than most and is still cooled in addition to the memory chips, however instead of the two fin approach, Corsair has modified the design into one thick-sink, then bolted on a line of chunky fins to the top.
The heatsinks appear to be glued to the PCB at the top, yet thermal-pads adhere it to the memory below. Unscrewing the Dominator 2 fins at the top just unlocks it from the two sinks on either side - the bar underneath provides a thread for the screws to bite. Corsair said that because of its ease of removal and direct connection to the heatsinks on both sides - this allows future mods or end user invention.
Corsair also told us that "[the] DHX+ is essentially equivalent to DHX in terms of passive cooling performance", although we'll be sure to test this for ourselves. DHX+ will also only be available on Dominator modules, DDR3 to start with and possibly DDR2 later on. The Original DHX will also be slowly phased out in favour of DHX+, although both will co-exist for a while, however there will be no "Silver DHX+" for performance-value modules like there is with current DHX parts - only the Dominators will get the premium coolers again.
In all, the DHX+ is not a "Wow, I've never seen that before" change like some crazier heatpipes or watercooling others try, but it's an breath of fresh air and an evolutionary development none the less. We like the idea of mod-ability, and hope that some more interesting user solutions evolve in time.
Do you like the Dominator 2 style? Do you think it'll perform well? What about the competition? Let us know in the forums!
Click to enlarge
In some respects the modules follow on from the original DHX design - the PCB is taller than most and is still cooled in addition to the memory chips, however instead of the two fin approach, Corsair has modified the design into one thick-sink, then bolted on a line of chunky fins to the top.
The heatsinks appear to be glued to the PCB at the top, yet thermal-pads adhere it to the memory below. Unscrewing the Dominator 2 fins at the top just unlocks it from the two sinks on either side - the bar underneath provides a thread for the screws to bite. Corsair said that because of its ease of removal and direct connection to the heatsinks on both sides - this allows future mods or end user invention.
Corsair also told us that "[the] DHX+ is essentially equivalent to DHX in terms of passive cooling performance", although we'll be sure to test this for ourselves. DHX+ will also only be available on Dominator modules, DDR3 to start with and possibly DDR2 later on. The Original DHX will also be slowly phased out in favour of DHX+, although both will co-exist for a while, however there will be no "Silver DHX+" for performance-value modules like there is with current DHX parts - only the Dominators will get the premium coolers again.
In all, the DHX+ is not a "Wow, I've never seen that before" change like some crazier heatpipes or watercooling others try, but it's an breath of fresh air and an evolutionary development none the less. We like the idea of mod-ability, and hope that some more interesting user solutions evolve in time.
Do you like the Dominator 2 style? Do you think it'll perform well? What about the competition? Let us know in the forums!
Click to enlarge
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