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Since87 · 09-11-2003, 12:01 AM

My impression is that there are a lot of different reasons that people are interested in testing. It seems to me that a lot of the arguing that goes on is because people have different things they'd like to achieve through testing. What is necessary to achieve one person's goal may be dramatically different than what is necessary to achieve another person's goal.

It appears to me that some of the reasons people are interested in test benches are:

1. To evaluate the effectiveness of one's own waterblock designs.

2. To be able to completely understand the parameters relevant to waterblocks' performance, and therefore understand how they will interact with the other components of the watercooling system.

3. To be able to dabble, and check out things one is curious about.

4. To be able to publish reviews of commercial waterblocks and minimize the criticism of the testing technique.

5. To show how _______ you are. (Insert term corresponding to how you want people to think of you.)

6. To reduce the level of bullshit in watercooling discussions.

I'm sure there are other reasons, and I'm sure most interested in testing have several of these motivations in varying degrees.

The minimum 'requirements' for each person's test bench are going to depend on which of these goals the person is trying to achieve.

It seems to me, a WBTA specified minimum acceptable test bench is going to have to meet so many of these different goals, that the price tag will be well outside the budget of any WBTA member. "You can't get there from here."

Seems to me the WBTA is irrelevant. Those who are serious about setting up test benches, are proceeding to do so in a manner that fits with their goals and budget.

Think about it people.

Cathar's test bench would have to be considered utter crap in comparison to any likely WBTA standard. Using it he's become the most successful waterblock designer on the planet. (In terms of performance anyway.)

pHaestus' test bench is a hodgepodge of components that allows him to investigate things he is curious about, and very interesting data has come out of it.

Bill's test bench...

If you want to test waterblocks, test waterblocks. If you suggest your results are more meaningful than your test bench and technique allows you to determine, then expect to receive scorn.

No amount of money spent on test gear (or WBTA certificate hanging above your test bench) is going to lessen the scorn you receive for reporting BS results.

Build a test bench that seems to fit your goal(s). Understand and explain the limitations of your test bench. Then if you think you have results that others would be interested in, put on your flame proof underwear and report them.

09-11-2003, 12:01 AM	#1
Since87 Pro/Guru - Uber Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Indiana Posts: 834	Why bother testing waterblocks? My impression is that there are a lot of different reasons that people are interested in testing. It seems to me that a lot of the arguing that goes on is because people have different things they'd like to achieve through testing. What is necessary to achieve one person's goal may be dramatically different than what is necessary to achieve another person's goal. It appears to me that some of the reasons people are interested in test benches are: 1. To evaluate the effectiveness of one's own waterblock designs. 2. To be able to completely understand the parameters relevant to waterblocks' performance, and therefore understand how they will interact with the other components of the watercooling system. 3. To be able to dabble, and check out things one is curious about. 4. To be able to publish reviews of commercial waterblocks and minimize the criticism of the testing technique. 5. To show how _______ you are. (Insert term corresponding to how you want people to think of you.) 6. To reduce the level of bullshit in watercooling discussions. I'm sure there are other reasons, and I'm sure most interested in testing have several of these motivations in varying degrees. The minimum 'requirements' for each person's test bench are going to depend on which of these goals the person is trying to achieve. It seems to me, a WBTA specified minimum acceptable test bench is going to have to meet so many of these different goals, that the price tag will be well outside the budget of any WBTA member. "You can't get there from here." Seems to me the WBTA is irrelevant. Those who are serious about setting up test benches, are proceeding to do so in a manner that fits with their goals and budget. Think about it people. Cathar's test bench would have to be considered utter crap in comparison to any likely WBTA standard. Using it he's become the most successful waterblock designer on the planet. (In terms of performance anyway.) pHaestus' test bench is a hodgepodge of components that allows him to investigate things he is curious about, and very interesting data has come out of it. Bill's test bench... If you want to test waterblocks, test waterblocks. If you suggest your results are more meaningful than your test bench and technique allows you to determine, then expect to receive scorn. No amount of money spent on test gear (or WBTA certificate hanging above your test bench) is going to lessen the scorn you receive for reporting BS results. Build a test bench that seems to fit your goal(s). Understand and explain the limitations of your test bench. Then if you think you have results that others would be interested in, put on your flame proof underwear and report them.