Thanks BillA. I was going to order what we've been talking about, but you did that for us!
The most important points that you've stated are related to documentation, methodology and consistency.
You didn't mention two more variables, and I've been meaning to bring them up for a while:
1-Nature of coolant: who ever said that water alone was the only coolant? I plan to try windshield wiper fluid (water+methanol)
2-Using a Peltier: this could turn into a discussion of its own. Does the waterblock need to be designed the same way?
Given the above, the number of combinations required for testing, under PowerHouse's specs, would be astounding.
As you also pointed out, thermodynamic testing is touchy. There are a great number of variables in such tests and so, everything should be controlled, measured and documented. I had this idea that in order to isolate the outside elements while testing a waterblock, that it should be isolated in a box, but then remembered that heat would accumulate within that box, and skew results. So I thought about venting the box but that too would skew the results. So I'm thinking that this needs a lot more thought.
My thoughts on the testing variables of a waterblock:
1-specimen preparation (bp flatness and finish - how to quantify ?)
TH:Usually, flatness is measured in microns, where 25 micron surface ripple is considered pretty well lapped. However, I believe that the block should only be lapped if the product is sold with instructions to lap it, or if it is in obvious need of lapping.
2-connection bore dia (stock, modified)
Needs to be measured and noted, but otherwise a wb would be tested at different flow rates, regardless of this.
3-coolant flow (accuracy required)
Measured and noted.
4-coolant temp (accuracy required)
Measured and noted.
5-heat source area
Measured and noted.
6-applied power (How Quantified ?, this is extremely crucial)
Measured in Watts, as a calculation of the voltage and current applied to a high power resistor, mounted to a plate to simulate a CPU (see
www.dansdata.com)
7-goop application (how thick ? - how do you know ? - did you measure ? -> big problem here)
Using item in 6, I believe that it only needs to be noted.
8-clamping force (must be quantified, with numbers)
As I've mentionned in an earlier post, the mounting hardware that comes with a waterblock should probably be used, but if it is suspected that it may not be appropriate, then it could be substituted. This is really a subjective point, as waterblocks have different mounts, which may or may not be inter-changeable. Overall, the AMD specification should be considered.
9-influence of ambient temp and air movement
Measured and noted, along with humidity.
10-die temp (the biggest problem of all)
Using a test item (such as in 6), temp should be easily measured.