[bigben2k]

I think we're starting to see along the same lines... or at least understand our differences! Thanks for your patience PowerHouse, it's really nice to have this civilized conversation.

Lab vs realworld:
I think that the biggest objection to using a PC for testing, is that the cooling rig changes from tester to tester (i.e. different rad, different pump, etc). Most reviews of WB I've seen are individual reviews, not waterblock roundups.

In waterblock roundups (and I've only seen maybe 3), the test rig is of course the same. The problem is, the rig may not be optimal for each waterblock (which I think is your complaint, perfectly valid).

The other problem, and by far the biggest one, is that new products keep coming out. Now, I don't know about you, but I'd rather test a new individual component, under controlled conditions, find out its optimal running conditions, and see how it could be matched up with the other items I would have already tested, instead of running the whole set of combinations all over again.

to answer a few of your points...

1-If the equipment has to be returned, then it's not possible to test again under the same conditions.

2-Again, a very extensive set of combinations to test.

3-Agreed, but they don't give me much usefull information, not even a Best OF", in some cases.

4-Of course you ignore the numbers. You ignore them because you know that there is no way that your results will be exactly the same. You use the numbers to see who came out on top, but that's the extent of it.

5-Yes, high flow blocks do better with large rads, but no, low-flow blocks do NOT perform better with small rads, actually, they are more likely to perform better with a large rad too!

The lab, has to be setup in a way to simulate a PC. The point is not that a lab is different than a PC (yet it is). If it's any easier, think of the lab as another PC, that will give exactly the same results, no matter how often you run the same test.

More importantly, the lab gives one the ability to test individual components, again, with consistant results.

The purpose of testing individual components, is to give you the ability to match different components, and get optimal results.

Here's an example: The hottest radiator right now is the Black Ice Extreme (BIX) yet if people knew that a $20 heater core, picked up at any auto parts store will perform just as well, if not better than the BIX, then people would stop wasting $50+ on it, unless they just wanted something that looks pretty, and is made to fit very nicely in their case (my personal opinion).

6- (agreed)

7-Tubing size has a number of effects, under a number of different circumstances.
a)a larger tube will increase the water mass of the system, thereby increasing the thermal capacity (very often ignored)
b)a larger tube will REDUCE the flow resistance, but bear in mind that unless the internal pressure has been reduced to under about 5 psi, there will be no noticeable increase in flow. This can be measured as a function of flow rate (i.e. water travels at a smaller speed in a larger tube, given the same flow rate)
c) tubing size should be at least as big as the smallest opening of any of the components. (i.e. if you use 3/8 where all your components are 1/2, then the tubing MAY become a significant factor in flow rate.
d)The biggest flow restrictor, is by far the waterblock. It includes at least 2 90 degree bends, as water comes in and out of it, (an additional 90 degree if you use 90deg fittings right on the waterblock) and usually has at least 6 90 deg bends inside. Also, sometimes the water channels are not straight, are not smooth, have intrusions that cause turbulence, etc... all of which are good for cooling, but bad for flow.

A smaller tube (i.e. 3/8) is physically smaller, and does occupy less space, but I don't believe that in most setups, using a slightly larger hose is actually an inconvenience.