Nanotherm PCM+ Thermal Compound Review
Overclockers and computer enthusiast always want the coolest CPU and there are many ways of reaching that goal. The evolution of thermal compounds are rapidly changing and ESG Associates may have found a way to change the way thermal compounds are.
Today we are testing out the Nanotherm PCM+ Thermal Compound.
Specifications
- Thermally Conductive
- Electrically non-conductive
- Phase Change Material
- For Air and water cooled PC’s
The Nanotherm PCM+ Thermal Compound is different. The PCM+ comes with a squeeze-tube and an applicator. The bottle clearly has the brand name and instructions on how to apply the compound. The thermal compound is blue colored. The Nanotherm PCM+ we are reviewing today is the 2ml squeeze-tube bottle.
Let’s go straight to testing mode!
Testing consist of running the PCM+ for about two days with comparing the PCM+ to the Arctic Silver Ceramique thermal compound. Ambient temperatures were about 25c for each test result when jotting down the result. I dislike summer heat...
It's been MAGNIFIED!!!!
Application is very easy. I recommend you shake the bottle before applying to get the compound to mix properly. From there you apply a very thin layer of compound. ESG recommends a very small amount is needed; about .001” to .002” is needed for the compound to work the best. About one drop is needed for an AMD CPU. I was actually very surprised how liquid-like this compound is. It’s not thick or gooey, but very liquid-like and easy to apply with the applicator. Once in action, the Nanotherm PCM+ phase changes and fills in any microscopic valleys between the cooler and CPU die. It turns into a semi-waxy coating according to ESG Associates after the phase change is completed.
Results
| Idle (30 mins) | Load (UT 2003, 1 hour) | Load (5 mins, Toast) | |
| Arctic Silver Ceramique | 42c | 48c | 49c |
| Nanotherm PCM+ | 40c | 45c | 45c |
The Nanotherm PCM+ Thermal Compound has a decrease of two degrees versus the Ceramique but manages to decrease the load temperature for UT2003 by about three degrees and four degrees for Toast. I was very surprised to see how good the Nanotherm PCM+ works, so I tried it again and the results were almost similar. To say the least, I was impressed. Oh yeah, the cooler is the Spire FalconRock II. The test system is found here. As always, from system to system everything is different and there are many factors, thus you cannot expect to get the same result as I did get.
Conclusion
What makes the Nanotherm PCM+ work? It’s phase changing formula. I really don’t know how it works. It just kicks some major ass. I without hesitation recommend the Nanotherm PCM+ for anyone looking for cooler temperatures and easy to apply applications. Thermal compounds just keep on getting better.
I rate the Nanotherm PCM+ a…
9.5/10!
Pros and Cons
+
It works best to date!
+ Easy to apply
- Nothing for the performance perspective but more expensive than competing
compounds.
Alternative Pricing:
Update: I just found out the after effects of using this compound and it has changed my mind about ever using it, thus it is not recommended.
