Closer Look:

   In case you haven't figured it out, these modules are intended for some extreme frequencies as well as overclocking. And naturally as they are overclocked, heat becomes a concern as it will definitely be the cause of instability. The Flex XLC offers liquid cooling, or water cooling, as an alternative method to better handle the hotter thermal properties. Now, the extreme users and enthusiasts who are looking for the utmost performance from their systems tend to be the ones willing pay out the extra money for this kind of dual channel kit, especially if their platform is capable of much higher overclocking. These users also are known to have or can easily obtain a water cooling kit of their choice in order to reach those insane overclocked frequencies.

Front

Flex XLC

Back

The aluminum heat sink is definitely among the highest quality machining you would expect with this kind of product. It's very nicely buffed giving it a satin chrome finish on the face and back of the heat sink. The grooves and ridges have a blended brushed and polished surface that compliments the reflective surfaces. At each end of the memory heat sink you will find a barb that serves as either an in or out depending on how you choose your liquid cooling configuration. And as you can guess, the Flex XLC heat sinks are among the heaviest kits around but aren't so heavy that you need be concerned.

O C Z!!

Timings & Specs

Heavy Metal

The Flex XLC has 1/4 inch I.D. barbs which means you will need a liquid cooling system that has the proper tubing or at least some adapters to properly use the liquid cooling feature. Not everyone has access nor owns a liquid cooling kit which is why you can also use the memory in its stock configuration and it will still dissipate heat enough to work to specifications.

Nice Finish

Long Fins

Barbs

Since the OCZ Flex XLC can operate with or without liquid cooling, it's my guess that OCZ didn't include any clips, clamps, or rings in order to secure the tubing connected to the heat sink. You will no doubt need to find something on your own that will work and ensure there are no leaks. Memory modules are the very last thing you want to short out since it is so very easy to ruin them so definitely take your time connecting the tubing. Take every precaution you can think of in order to really experience the module's capabilities.

Installation and Testing:

   How does one install memory modules on any motherboard? First, make sure the memory you have is compatible. Second, locate the small PCB notches on the modules. Third, orient the modules so that the notches on the PCB match the ones inside the motherboard's memory or DIMM sockets. Fourth, make sure to press the modules in to the DIMM sockets firmly till the clips fasten at the ends of the memory modules. That's it. It can't be any simpler than that with typical memory installation.

However, in the case of the Flex XLC, you will need to pre-attach the tubing to the memory before installation for precautionary measures. Often attaching the tubing to any cooling block or barb means you need to use some decent effort and pressure to slide it over the barb. It's much better to attach the tubing to the memory and then install the modules, otherwise you risk accidents and damaging your components.

FOXCONN 975X7AB

ECS 680i PN2-SLI2

The only real concerns that I can see being any issue may be the height of the memory modules within a really small case enclosure or a really large CPU cooler. The latest motherboards have been providing ample room for the largest heat sinks which shouldn't typically crowd the DIMM sockets. The Coolermaster Eclipse is one of few CPU coolers large enough that it can some what over hang the memory modules. That was part of the CPU cooler's design though in that it helps cool the memory sinks. If your CPU cooler interferes with the Flex XLC clearance, hopefully you can reseat the CPU cooler in a different position such as the Eclipse is capable of.

Very Tall

Looks Good

Barb Access

Test System:

• Intel E6600 Core 2 Duo (2.4GHz)

• Freezone CPU Cooling System

• FOXCONN 975X7AB Motherboard (Motherboard 1)

• ECS PN2-SLI+ (Motherboard 2)

• NVidia Geforce 7900 GT PCIE w/IceberQ6

• Bluegears 7.1 Theater Audio Card

• Lian Li 600 watt Modular PSU

• 80 GB SATAII Seagate Liquid Ball Bearing