[bigben2k]

PowerHouse: I completely disagree with you, and on more level than one! But I do agree that testing on a typical computer is necessary.

Now, here's why I disagree:
1- The existing line of CPU's constantly change, so to keep the same testing rig throughout all tests would NOT give us a result for the greatest/latest computer. You know how fast they go out of style... I still use a Pentium 166!!! (among others)

2-CPU temps can vary, depending on the load that is put on them (regardless of over-volting). You can argue that one can use some benchmarking software, but the problem is that every computer configuration is different, and I've seen too many people run the test, then read the temperature right away and report it, when in fact, a completely assembled system could take many hours to stabilize. (One factor is the volume of water)

3-That being said, given the choice between using a $750-$1000 system to test, which has to be dedicated for that purpose, with the hope that it will never break down
VERSUS
using a $25.00 high-power resistor, a power supply, and some measuring instruments (flow-meter, temp probes, volt meters, etc...)
Well, you do the math, and honestly tell me which one you would trust the most.

4-Given the above info, and what you propose, you need to understand that the time required to test all those configurations would take days, if not weeks, and that sometimes, the guys reviewing that stuff, don't have the item in their hands all that time.

5-What you are proposing comes down to testing a complete configuration, not an individual component.

6-The pump: it's very simple, use an industrial (or big) model, slap a flow restrictor, and a flow sensor, along with a pressure gauge. This would allow for a lot more usefull data, and would be much simpler than trying to install different pumps.

As for testing a pump, the specs are already available everywhere, so don't see the point in testing them, except for reliability, and mods.

The rads: setup as above (pump with flow limiter, a standard block and a standard heat source).

Tubing: tubing doesn't really need to be tested. The only thing a bigger tube will do, is add water mass to the system, and ease flow, but it's so insignificant compared to elbows, and most importantly the flow resistance in the water block (greatest of all) that it's not even worth mentionning.

You're also forgetting that regardless of the optimal setup someone puts together for a "typical" system, as you would put it, there may be other configurations that could be just as effective (i.e. a DD Maze3 with a BIX versus a Gemini HF-spiral with a Big Momma). The thing to keep in mind, is that people like to have a choice. I'd rather know that I can get a Swiftech with a Bix, using an Eheim 1048, because the optimal flow rate of each component is the same.

Now if there is someone out there than can do all that, THEN test it in a typical (at press time) system, then I would worship them!