New TIM King, Ahab usurped by the SilVer sword.
I've just completed testing Nanotherm's PCM+ against a "new formula" from Arctic Silver. At this point I cannot divuldge it's name, nor can I even tell you exact date of release, except to say SOON. I can say while you may want to logically call it AS4, it's good enough to skip the "4" designation. You'll learn more about the semantic's of it's name a later date. After three weeks of back to back testing, "AS_" attains a solid -2C to -5C temperature differential below that of PCM+, but what's really fascinating are the overclocking results. At higher vcore and higher FSB (1.6V ~ 230FSB & 1.65V ~ 250FSB) the Arctic Silver maintains a constant -5C differential. But what may be even more interesting, are the results after weeks of overcloking with PCM+.
After approximately six weeks of constant overclocked / overvolted conditions, I'm finding a definitive detreioration in performance with PCM+ (see pic below). Where I'd thought the Arctic Silver forumla increased in it's ability to cool at higher temps, it's actually maintaning it's formulaic integrity. Whereas PCM+ was breaking down. I acquired a 2.8C which I had a hard time overclocking. I thought it was a poor overclocker, so I was pumping the vcore's above into it. Truth of the matter is, the NB on my IS7-E has had no HSF for six weeks. I therefpre believe I've precipitated an effect I'm researching in a more in-depth article exploring long-term ramifications of PCM+. The precursor to that article can be found HERE.
I purport PCM+ is (with the introduction of AS4?) the second best TIM on the market, however; one must consider the qualitative, quantitative dictates for it's safe use. I believe PCM+ should ONLY be recommended for short-term use, and perhaps only for Overclockers or Enthusiasts. In addtition the Case environment (venting, volts, Pelt., etc.) should also be considered. If utilized in an overclocked environment, with higher voltages I'd suggest re-application after 40-days maximum, and 90-days under normal usage. If a Peltier is used, I presume the time will be reduced further. I'm testing this theory, using the Swiftech MCX4000-Tec with 226W Peltier. I'll share the initial results of this test by next week.
Partial basis for my theory is simple. As PCM+ is a liquid, designed to transfer heat through "phase-change/s," it therefore must change from a liquid to gas (vaporization > evaporation) in the conduction of the heat. Since the area between heatsink, and processor surface is not air-tight, this is akin to a pot of boiling water, with a flat lid held on by a weight. Since that lid is not completely sealed, then some steam will evaporate, and condense, where it naturally seeks colder material (hence the pattern in the pic below where the PCM+ has coagulated at the edges is not simply the result of initial heatsink pressure forcing it outwards). Since the area between heatsink, and processor surface is not an air-tight seal, it may not be the appropriate environment for repeated phase-change. Inevitably, I beleive the TIM will dry from it's circumference inward, and that's the best case scenario
I want to state briefly, there are those here who know I've had some negative dealing's with Nanotherm, this is not my primary motivation for investigating the anomally. And while I am dissapointed in the professional malfeasance, and their exiguous intergrity, I cannot conclusively state the PCM+ suffer's from the same lack of integrity. If one investigates the timeline of the culmination of my negative experiences leading to a my deleted post in the Random Topic section, and my doubts about the formulaic integrity of PCM+ beginning with this post. Then any attempt to claim my motivation is purely personal are rendered moot. In the past a post pertaining to Nanotherm, was slightly controversial, and I made the mistake of having it deleted. I recieved a threatening email from the owner of the company a day later, and just as my criticisms in that post accused him of not bothering to read emails, he hadn't bothered to read the post. Someone actually called the owner and reiterated the gist of the post, shortly thereafter. Reflecting back, I believe this may bring into question the objectivity of the site. What if you/anyone were to write a post about GeiL, or their products, reiterating actual events. A moderator then contacts GeiL revealing what you had written, and GeiL then fire's off a threatenting email to you (a copy of this letter can be found at my site in my revised PCM+ article). Could this not be misconstrued as a lack of objectivity, reflecting upon the site? It may also indicate loyalties lie not with the readership who ultimately support the site, but with potential future advertiser's, or companies who give them stuff. Wouldn't such behavior deter other's from sharing their true experiences? Isn't it selling out? I almost made the same mistake, luckily they were so greedy, and unwilling to take any responsibility, they even mentioned their vacant aplogy to me was at their "expense."
Regardless, hail to the goodly King, soon you too shall reap the benefits of his noble TIM.
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