Benchmark TC-32 Mini Thermal Cycler, US Plug vs Benchmark TC9639 Thermal Cycler with 384-Well Block, 115 V
Which should you choose?
- ▸If budget is the priority, Benchmark TC-32 Mini Thermal Cycler, US Plug is the lower-cost option; Benchmark TC9639 Thermal Cycler with 384-Well Block, 115 V lists higher and typically adds capability or capacity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Benchmark TC-32 Mini | Benchmark TC9639 Thermal |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Compact thermal cycler with 32-tube block | Thermal cycler with 384-well plate block |
| Class | Capital — thermal cycler | Capital — thermal cycler |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs / 2.9 kg | — |
| Display | Large full-color touch screen, icon-driven menus | — |
| Warranty | 2 years per brochure | — |
| Dimensions | 7.2 × 9.2 × 6.2 in / 18.2 × 23.2 × 15.7 cm (W × D × H) | — |
| Run report | On-screen at completion | — |
| Power supply | Universal 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz | Universal 75–275 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Touch screen | Works even when wearing gloves | — |
| Post-run hold | 4 °C | — |
| Program memory | 100+ typical programs storable | — |
| Heated lid mechanism | Spring-loaded self-adjusting platen (no knobs / levers to adjust) | — |
| Accuracy / uniformity | ±0.25 °C / ±0.25 °C | ±0.2 °C / ±0.2 °C |
| Sample block capacity | 32 × 0.2 mL tubes in 4 × 8 format (accepts individual tubes OR 4× 8-tube strips) | 1 × 384-well plate per cycle (4× the per-cycle throughput of the 96-well multi-format block) |
| Heated lid temperature | 30 - 112°C user adjustable; can be turned off | 30 - 112°C user adjustable |
| Increments / decrements | Yes — time AND temperature; adjustable ramp rates; auto-pause and restart | — |
| Temperature control mode | Simulated sample OR block (operator-selectable) | — |
| Temperature control range | 0 - 99.9°C | 0 - 100°C |
| Maximum ramp rate (cooling) | 4 °C/second | — |
| Maximum ramp rate (heating) | 5 °C/second (faster than TC9639's 4 °C/sec) | — |
| Sister chassis (higher throughput) | TC9639 (T5000-96 multi-format $6,535 / T5000-384 384-well $7,607) | — |
| Communication | — | USB, LAN, RS232 |
| Maximum ramp rate | — | 4 °C/second |
| Sister SKU (multi-format block) | — | T5000-96 ($6,535) — accepts 96-well tube/strip/plate workflows |
Highlighted rows differ. Specs are sourced from manufacturer documentation.
FAQ
- What's the difference between the Benchmark TC-32 Mini Thermal Cycler, US Plug and the Benchmark TC9639 Thermal Cycler with 384-Well Block, 115 V?
- The main differences are in Type, Class, Weight. The table above shows every spec side by side; the decision guide highlights which fits which use case.
- Which should I buy?
- If budget is the priority, Benchmark TC-32 Mini Thermal Cycler, US Plug is the lower-cost option; Benchmark TC9639 Thermal Cycler with 384-Well Block, 115 V lists higher and typically adds capability or capacity.
- Do both carry a warranty?
- Yes, both are sold through Legacy Lab Supplies as an authorized distributor and carry full manufacturer warranty.
Still deciding? Our team compares options with you, no pressure.