My DSL router/modem is failing miserably. My Internet connection slows down to a crawl. Pinging a host online takes twice as long. Resetting the router/modem fixes the problem temporarily, but only for a couple of hours, then it’s back to its slow crawl.

Rummaging through my stash of electronics, I found an old DSL modem that I put away years ago. There’s a reason why it’s in the electronic pile. It has problems with overheating as I recall. Desperate for a fix. I pried off the heatsink from an old motherboard, and placed it on top of the overheating chip on the modem.

[![heatsink2](http://uly.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/heatsink2.jpg)](http://uly.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/heatsink2.jpg)

Well, after 12 hours of operation, so far, so good. Surprisingly, the heatsink is still quite warm to the touch. I don’t know how Motorola failed see the heating issues with this particular model. Anyways, I can’t replace the modem cover because the heatsink is way too big. Suffice to say, the modem cover looks nicely as a stand.

Heatsink and modem, just like the horse and carriage.