Prolimatech PK-2 and PK-3 Thermal Paste Review

In many PC hardware test the higher the number the better the performance. Well, that is totally not the case when it comes to our next review. When it comes to most thermal testing the lower the better and that is definitely the case when it comes to thermal paste, compound, grease or whatever you want to call it. We know Prolimatech for their remarkable CPU coolers but they are showing their hands to day with a pair of thermal solutions to help theirs as well as all other CPU coolers. Today, we will be taking a look at their PK- and PK-3 compounds.

Introduction to the Prolimatech PK-2 and PK-3 Thermal Paste

In many PC hardware test the higher the number the better the performance. Well, that is totally not the case when it comes to our next review. When it comes to most thermal testing the lower the better and that is definitely the case when it comes to thermal paste, compound, grease or whatever you want to call it. We know Prolimatech for their remarkable CPU coolers but they are showing their hands to day with a pair of thermal solutions to help theirs as well as all other CPU coolers. Today, we will be taking a look at their PK- and PK-3 compounds.

Prolimatech’s take on the PK series

PK-2
When putting down, nothing beats smooth and easy. That is why we created the PK-2 thermal compound. The PK-2 thermal compound is a high performance thermal bonding agent specially designed for easy application.PK-2’s core feature is its low viscosity, allowing for one to quickly and easily apply the thinnest coat of thermal compound possible. This will get your components up close and personal in no time.

PK-3

Like two hot lovers, a heat sink and the processor want to make full contact. But microscopic imperfections in their craftsmanship create small gap for air. These gaps act as thermal insulators, inhibiting the transfer of thermal energy from your components. PK-3 thermal compound is made up of specially designed Nano particles, engineered to correct these imperfections. The Nano particles work by filling in the small air gaps and allowing for peak transfer of heat away from your components.
 

Specifications

PK-2

PK-3

Features

PK-2

• Easy Application
• Low Dry-Out
• Non-Corrosive
• Electrically Non-Conductive
• Wide range of application temperature

PK-3

• High Thermal Conductivity
• Low Thermal Resistance
• Long-Term Stability
• Non-Corrosive
• No “burn-in” time required

Closer look

The Prolimatech make three different compounds as of this writing, which one simply named PK-1, PK-2 and PK-3. We will be studying the latter two with this review.

Each of the compounds comes in three different sizes to benefit the end user and their needs. The sizes are 1.5g, 5g and 30g.

Each package comes with some form of spreading the compound across the surface of your CPU. The smaller package comes with a small piece of cardboard to spread the compound that can be used just one time. The two larger packaging comes with a small plastic shovel to do the same thing.

The look, touch and consistency of each are very similar from the outside looking in. But each has their own thermal characteristics. We have the PK-2 on the left and the PK-3 on the right. The major difference between the two is the small nano particles that are present in the PK-3. These little nano cells also slightly better contact when the CPU cooler has those imperfections in them allowing for not so perfect contact with the CPU. We see this benefitting cooler base which uses the direct heat-pipe technology.

Testing Methodology

Below is a list of the hardware we use to test our thermal compounds.  When it comes to applying thermal compound each manufacture recommends a different approach. In this case Prolimatech asks the user to spread it across the surface using the supplied items. In our test we used the drop method as we wanted to get a better idea of how well the compound spreads under the weight and pressure of the cooler used.

According to Prolimatech, that each requires no burn-in time. This means that testing could start right away. But we decided to allow each to burn-in for 24 hours and then proceed with our testing. As this procedure will apply to all thermal grease reviews in the future.

Testing results

(x) indicates the ambient temperature

(x) indicates the ambient temperature

Conclusion

Prolimatech has done its magic once again when it comes down to cooling. Not only do they show they are one of the best CPU cooling companies on the planet but also give you a complete cooling package that would include the thermal compound as well. Both the PK-2 and PK-3 proved to be better than the industry standard Arctic Silver 5. The PK-3 took the crowning spot amongst the three pastes that we tested. This could be mostly due to the nano particles that are added to the mix. But the PK-2 is no slouch either. Applying the compound is a nice no mess experience. We find that it was easy to spread, if that is your method of applying. The added applicators is a plus.

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