Open Test Bench vs ATX Case (also PSU) - Review purposes

[ShadowCaptain]

Ok it seems that I am going to have to build some sort of test bench system so that I can review hardware sent to me by companies and just for my own testing purposes

 

Now an Open test bench would be the easiest to work on, and it would be a nice way to show off the hardware, HOWEVER a nice ATX case would let me build the components into a working PC into an environment the same as the end user - therefore i can test temperatures and other things properly just as the end user will use them

 

It also means, I have a consistent set up to compare components, so that if I tested 10 GPUs they would all be in the same environment etc,

 

If I was sent a new case / PSU / Cooler to review - then I could compare it to the "standard test" set up and see how it compres to my normal benchmarks

 

 

So.. whats the best option for case

 

AND

 

Whats the best PSU option - fully modular

 

 

Budget is £50-£200 - the less the better as this hardware is PURELY for bechmarking

[Godlygamer23]

I would personally like to see a regular case being used for the intents of having a real world build. Open test benches are easier for the tester, but you are not showing results that a user of a normal case would necessarily see. For example, if you're reviewing an AIO with an open test bench, the radiator has the potential to get more airflow, rather than relying more on what the intake fan is providing along with what the other components are consuming for their own cooling purposes.

[Jumper118]

nobody has the same case, air flow or fans so even if its in an enclosed case people might not get the same results. i would get an open test bench as its much easier to work on and you wont have any compatibility issues with any hardware that might not fit in your chosen case, unless you get something like a 900d, but then you might as well have a test bench because it can have some much air flow. 

[ShadowCaptain]

I would personally like to see a regular case being used for the intents of having a real world build. Open test benches are easier for the tester, but you are not showing results that a user of a normal case would necessarily see. For example, if you're reviewing an AIO with an open test bench, the radiator has the potential to get more airflow, rather than relying more on what the intake fan is providing along with what the other components are consuming.

 

Agreed thats what I thought too

[Morgan MLGman]

This Power Supply should be great, it's cheap, fully modular and good: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p11050befx

As for the test bench, remember that it would be way easier to use an open one (to mount hardware into it) but the temperatures scores would be inaccurate, so it's up to you more or less. If you want to do it properly, but with more work included I'd get a Full-Tower case (cause you can fit more in there, you don't know what you'll have to review in the future)

[Guest Generallee]

I dont think a test bench is realistic of the real world usage of let's say a GPU for example since the thing would have way more airflow compared to a normal case

 

But swapping GPU's in a test bench is so much easier on the other hand 

 

Choices, choices

[ShadowCaptain]

nobody has the same case, air flow or fans so even if its in an enclosed case people might not get the same results. i would get an open test bench as its much easier to work on and you wont have any compatibility issues with any hardware that might not fit in your chosen case, unless you get something like a 900d, but then you might as well have a test bench because it can have some much air flow. 

 

No but I WOULD have the same case, fans etc, so that if you watched 20 reviews from me, you would know the testing equipment is the same every time , only the variable would change

 

if I had to review a case, I would compare the results of the 2 cases

 

 

 

 

I dont think a test bench is realistic of the real world usage of let's say a GPU for example since the thing would have way more airflow compared to a normal case

 

But swapping GPU's in a test bench is so much easier on the other hand 

 

Choices, choices

 

 

Its easier, but like changing a GPU takes 30 seconds, undo case side panel, plug in card, test

 

 

Its not like i am linus with 40 card benchmarks, it would be 1 piece of tech at a time, 

[Jumper118]

No but I WOULD have the same case, fans etc, so that if you watched 20 reviews from me, you would know the testing equipment is the same every time , only the variable would change

 

if I had to review a case, I would compare the results of the 2 cases

true but that is the same with the test bench, when you compare your own results people would know it was open  

 

as for a psu, i would get a super flower or evga with 1000-1600w so you can test any hardware config you want.

[Godlygamer23]

I dont think a test bench is realistic of the real world usage of let's say a GPU for example since the thing would have too good airflow compared to a normal case

 

But swapping GPU's in a test bench is so much easier on the other hand 

 

Choices, choices

I think accuracy is more important than ease of use for the reviewer and I also think catering to the average user is important - thinking about the conditions the average user would be using the product in. For example, if the average user(and case) uses one intake fan, use one intake fan. My thought is to be as accurate as possible, but also cater to the average user.

 

Additionally, I think that reviewers should use the product as-is. No replacing of the fans for better fans. Use the fans or the thermal paste the product came with. Yes, you might be able to improve performance, but what is the user buying? You may have an enthusiast user who will replace the fans with better ones or use better thermal paste, but the average user may not be doing that and that's who the reviewer should be catering to.

[TechStyle]

Define S plus an EVGA G2?

 

Both very popular options and good value (which probably makes them so popular). You would want a popular case as more people could relate to your benchmarks.

[ShadowCaptain]

SNIP

 

Exactly what I was thinking, it also means that I can show off the hardware in a full working desktop

 

I would keep a base standard PSU, Fans, Cooler and case and only change the "new" component to test and compare to the base set up- meaning you can compare my benchmarks to others that i do - since I am only changing one thing at a time

 

That means that if I am testing a new GPU I am not suddently adding in new better fans or anything

 

 

Define S plus an EVGA G2?

 

Both very popular options and good value (which probably makes them so popular). You would want a popular case as more people could relate to your benchmarks.

 

 

yeah kinda what I was thinking, not too much money and should be comparable to what 99% of people use

 

 

 

 

Guys I am not Linus testing out quad 980ti rigs - so we dont need to go overboard here I make NO money off youtube so I cannot exactly invest hundreds into a test bench I may never use

[airdeano]

most reviewers have moved from open benches to a full case to make a

comprehensive review for a more real-world experience. thermals are a

big part of hardware reviews (CPU/GPU/Cooling).

kinda why linus moved from open bench to C70 for what is the end user going

to see.

now which chassis? a known flow issued case or a good airflow case?