2
3
4
5
STEP C
Now take the paper towel and make
some double or triple layer gaskets
to go around the socket and DIMM
area. This will act as a wick and
catch any moisture or water that
hits it while u are overclocking,
keeping it off of the motherboard.
STEP D
It’s time to make the foam gaskets
from half inch flat foam stock.
Make the CPU gasket so that the
CPU is accessible for mounting
the pot in the centre and that it
fills up the entire socket area
insulating it nicely. Another key
point is to have good compression
between this bottom flat foam CPU
gasket and the foam insulation
on the container. As such, make
sure the round foam insulation
used on the container is left long
enough (9) so when the unit is
placed on the board for mounting
20 The OverClocker Issue 20 | 2012
and the holdown is tightened; it
compresses both the round foam
sleeve on the container and foam
socket gasket. This will keep air
and moisture out as much as
possible. Also in the centre of the
socket gasket, make the square
centre opening large enough
only for base of the pot where
it makes contact with the CPU.
Make yourself a paper towel wrap
to catch moisture coming from
the hold-down and the top of the
container during overclocking and
warm-up. Secure it to the container
assembly with rubber bands
STEP E
If you’re planning to cool memory
to sub-zero temperatures,
the following should apply as
well. For the DIMM area, cut
some strips of paper towel the
length of the DIMMs and use a
small tool to push them down
in between all DIMM slots. Cut
out some foam flat pieces to
fit around the memory sticks
before you place the pot on to
help isolate and contain ice and
moisture. When the overclocking
session is over I usually remove
the memory pot and pull out the
memory sticks while their still
a little frosty. I do this before
they are totally warmed up to
keep water from running down
into the DIMM slots. Last but
not least, a good tip is to always
have good air circulation around
the board to blow away falling
nitrogen gas coming down on to
the board from the pot. When
running a full pot this easily
causes snow and ice to build up
everywhere around socket area
unnecessarily. Usually a fan with
a decent CFM rating positioned
as in pic 13 will do a great job.