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

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.