The Module

The modules come with the new black XMS PRO heatspreaders. According to Corsair, they boast 95% more surface area than standard Corsair XMS heatspreaders. This allows for greater heat dissipation.

Here's a close-up of the front and back of the CMX1024-4400PRO module. As you can see, the module is quite a bit taller than regular DDR memory modules. This allows for the inclusion of the activity LEDs as well as the larger XMS PRO heatspreaders.

The front and back heatspreaders are essentially the same. Both feature the same horizontally-ridged design with an embossed XMS logo placed just below the label area. The only difference between the front and the back is the label.

The front label confirms that this is truly a Corsair CMX1024-4400PRO module with a capacity of 1024MB, a rated DDR clock speed of 550MHz and rated timings of 3-4-4-8.

There's also a revision number of XMS4401v1.1, 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 extend far beyond the memory chips.

Unlike copper heatspreaders, these XMS PRO 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.