The Module

Corsair officially lists the module as being equipped with Platinum XMS2 heatspreaders. But the modules they gave us came with the old black XMS heatspreaders. We have no idea if the actual retail modules will come with different heatspreaders or that was just a typo.

The use of the old XMS heatspreader is also surprising in that Corsair memory like the XMS-3500LLPRO are already using the newer XMS heatspreaders, which boast 95% more surface area and better heat dissipation than the standard Corsair heatspreaders. These memory modules should really come with the newer heatspreaders.

Here's a close-up of the front and back of the CM2X512-8500 module. As mentioned earlier, the Corsair 1GB XMS-8500 TwinX memory kit consists of two matched Corsair CM2X512- 8500 modules.

The front and back heatspreaders are the same. Both feature the same flat design with raised edges. The only difference between the front and the back is the label.

The front label confirms that this is truly a Corsair CM2X512-8500 module with a capacity of 512MB, a rated DDR2 clock speed of 1066MHz and rated timings of 5-5-5-15.

There's also a revision number of XMS8505v1.1, which is useful if you need to query the Corsair RAM Guy for more technical details about these modules.

Here's how the module looks like from the top and the bottom. The heatspreaders appear to be attached to the memory chips using thermal tape. There were no visible gaps between the heatspreader and the memory chips.

And here is what the module looks like from the left and the right. As you can see, the heatspreaders are totally separate from each other. Unlike other heatspreader designs, these do not physically connect with each other.

Unlike copper heatspreaders, these XMS heatspreaders are made from thicker and sturdier aluminium. So, they are less likely to be bent or dented.

Still, this does not mean you should attempt removing the heatspreaders. Note that removing the heatspreaders automatically voids the module's lifetime warranty. So, don't attempt it unless you absolutely MUST peek at the memory chips.

Module Specifications

These are the specification for the Corsair CM2X512-8500 module.