Completed: Our Custom Test Rig

[Crimson Sky]

When our News & Reviews editor Dante wanted some sort of rig to use for hardware reviews, he told me about these Tech Stations (http://www.frozencpu.com/cas-304.html?id=RPYWgHA6) that are available---well that thing just won't do (and $139????!!!) for a team like us so I went ahead and began designing our own. With parts from Lowes and Home Despot that Zed and I hunted down, I began building a custom test station. Here are some pics and progress of this relatively easy to make rig.


1/2" MDF laminated with .0040 Styrene sheet became the top and bottom of the rig. The styrene was glued on with contact cement (same that's used for laminate on kitchen counters) and then the edges were cleaned and shaped with a router and ogee bit. The styrene will be painted red to match our logo.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rigs-(7).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rigs-(11).jpg


http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rigs-(20).jpg

I decided to integrate some common watercooling hardware into the design. A dual & single 120mm radiator is shown mounted on the rear of the rig. The latter pics show the adaptor plates for 80mm rads.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rigs-(23).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rigs-(24).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rigsb-(6).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rigsb-(7).jpg

I had some scrap aluminum parts from a door saddle and this was great for creating a mounting bracket for the resevoir. A short length of threaded rod with nylon nuts on both ends holds the res in place...it even swings out for access to the barbs.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig3-(60).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig3-(59).jpg

Here is part of the scrap door saddle:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig3-(61).jpg

[Crimson Sky]

Here is the slide-out mounting bracket for the HDD. The plate that the drive mounts to was part of a CoolDrive kit that I had laying around in my parts bin---dont throw scrap crap away! The rest of the mechanism is aluminum angle stock and plate from Lowes. Each piece was sanded dry, then wetsanded and polished on a rouge wheel. Maguire's metal polish was used to clean and finish it. Looks a whole lot better (and more sturdy) than that clear plastic bracket on that $139 rig. ;)

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig3-(39).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig3-(36).jpg

HDD Rails mounted to the top of the rig:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig3-(46).jpg

A thumbscrew prevents the HDD from sliding out in case the rig is tipped:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig3-(49).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig3-(52).jpg

[Whisp]

Nice job.

I have a tech station for when I was testing stuff for reviews. Wish mine was as big since I could use more space lol.

http://www.whisptech.com/images/Reviews/techstation/allsetup.jpg

Its cry for more space ..... and a muffin!
Check Top toys (https://www.weeklyads2.com/top-toys/) and Menards Ad (https://www.weeklyads2.com/menards/).

Sort of useless to me now that I am not reviewing for my own site at the moment but see if I get some freelance work to get it back in use lol.

[MrSlacker]

great job guys. its gonna be very cool. just dont forget to make watercooling tubes a lil longer so it can fit on any mobo.

[DickNervous]

So, when do I get one?

[Dante]

I can't wait to get my grubby hands on this rig. This is going to make one mean gaming :eek: .......errrrr...I mean testing setup. :D

[Whisp]

?

There building it and shipping it to you so you can write reviews?

If so thats pretty nice of them. Most reviewers have their own test systems lol.

[Dante]

?

There building it and shipping it to you so you can write reviews?
Check Shoprite Specials (https://www.especials.co.za/shoprite/) and Spar Specials (https://www.especials.co.za/spar/).

If so thats pretty nice of them. Most reviewers have their own test systems lol.

I work for them. I am not a freelance writer. :D And yes they take very good care of the people who work for them. :D

[MrSlacker]

Dante is so lucky!! he is getting that and other VERY cool toys that we can only dream of.

[Whisp]

Dante is so lucky!! he is getting that and other VERY cool toys that we can only dream of.


lol

No doubt.

That pretty nice of the staff to give him a test rig since most sites I know want their writers to have their own equipemnt when it comes to the basic stuff.

Thats cool though.

Good luck on the reviews. If I had a better graphical site I would have stayed doing reviews for myself but I suck at coding and web design and just like to write reviews so off I go looking for a new home haha. Got some neat gadgets to play for though while it lasted and got up to 16 sponsors lol.

[Dante]

This thread is about the Test Rig...not about what I should or shouldn't have. Lets keep this thread on topic.

[Whisp]

lol

yes master

btw do you know where my muffin is?

BTW wouldnt who is going to own the test rig and what it is for on topic?

[Crimson Sky]

LoL---well Whisp (**hands him a booberry muffin**) it was going to be a basic slapped together testing station, but then I decided to just say "what the hell" and do a bit of customizing--I was a woodworker for many years so I could have made a wooden rig--but It just doesnt seem as durable as aluminum and MDF material. I'm not really slaving over this project but just going the extra mile to make it unique :)

I also relaize that reviewers and writers take time from their schedules to help out and provide good reading and topical information for many websites--it's only fair that we give them the best tools we can to help make their job easier and more rewarding. :D

[MrSlacker]

i also think aluminum will be better because it can take the beating of changing parts all the time

[Whisp]

Still looks nice. Have the watercooling space and everything.

With my puny thing it hangs all off the side. I think once I get a shuttle system i am going to put everything back into teh xaser II system for testing.

:)

[Whisp]

i also think aluminum will be better because it can take the beating of changing parts all the time

plus there is big lol.

With mine which is small ihave the big typhoon in it from thermaltake for testing for my last review for my site (think it is teh last reviews some sites stillwant to send me stuff lol) and it is all the way to the top almost touching the hdd rack. i had to removethe fan guard to get in. also that piece of foam they give is that cheap stuff you find in mobo boxes and it moves and rips and is just a pain in the butt.

I think in the end it is probably cheaper and just easier to mod your own since its just a couple drill holes and some beams lol.

As for sturdiness the one from high speed pc is pretty sturdy. I can stand on it at 156 pounds and it holds me up.

Wish I had the bigger one.

:)

[ZeD]

So, when do I get one?

It's on the way, USPS Tracking # 01101000 01100001 01101000 01100001

[ZeD]

With my puny thing it hangs all off the side.
Im sorry Whisp, hopefully that muffin will cheer you up.


I think in the end it is probably cheaper and just easier to mod your own since its just a couple drill holes and some beams lol.
Cheaper yes, not easier, Paul is putting quite alot of time and effort into these.

[Matthew]

Wisp...you can write reviews for my site if you want...there wont be any money as I dont have any but I will give you free webhosting :) (I am a server admin for IFX hosting). I am currently recoding the sight. I have an admin panel I custom built I can give you access to for posting stuff. Just lemme know ;) I am changing my site from a personal one to the southern modder site. I am hoping to get a good group of people to join under Optic-Illusion. Like it will be a hugh group under Optic-Illusion, and then several personal/group's that will post work logs and stuff on there. As for the rig...I love it...I wish I had one, but then I really dont need one. Keep up all the good work...(Seems like there is a lot your doing at once)

[Whisp]

Thanks for the offer Mathew.


:)

[Matthew]

Well usually with an offer comes an answer...but lets keep this on topic...pm me if your interested.

[Frakk]

when do we see a review with this new workbench here on TBCS? i cant wait :D

[Dante]

when do we see a review with this new workbench here on TBCS? i cant wait :D

Soon.:)

[DickNervous]

It's on the way, USPS Tracking # 01101000 01100001 01101000 01100001

Cute, real cute.

Oh, and the check for it is in the mail.

:D :mad: :redface:

I don't even need the test rig, I got plenty of hardware. Heck, I got too much hardware. But damn I could use that test bench, or something similar.

[Whisp]

Cute, real cute.

Oh, and the check for it is in the mail.

:D :mad: :redface:

I don't even need the test rig, I got plenty of hardware. Heck, I got too much hardware. But damn I could use that test bench, or something similar.

bah

you sinner

there is no such thing as to much hardware

:P

[Dante]

bah

you sinner

there is no such thing as to much hardware

:P
No kidding...what are you thinking Dick?

[DickNervous]

bah

you sinner

there is no such thing as to much hardware

:P

While I technically agree with you on this, when you have so much crap laying around your office you can't walk to the window to open it....

... and you can't afford to actually build more machines to run Foldaing@Home cause you pat $400/month for electricity already....


... I think you have too much hardware. :D

[Crimson Sky]

Here is how those vertical square tubes are attached to the top and bottom pieces--blind brackets made from angle stock aluminum.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig_finishing.jpg

Then a support piece is added just before the tubing goes on:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig_finishing-(9).jpg


Finally the tubing is bolted on:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig_finishing-(14).jpg


Plastic feet were added on the bottom:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig_finishing-(15).jpg

[Crimson Sky]

The top of the rig sports some neoprene mousepad type material that was put on with contact cement--I had a plexi window from an old mod lying around so I used that as a guide to cut a shape in the neoprene--behind that plexi will be the bestcasescenario.com logo decal on a sheet of white styrene plastic.

All the alum on this rig was wet sanded and then buffed with tripoli on a polishing machine to shine it up. In this pic, trim was added to the top edge finish off the neoprene:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig_finishing-(20).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig_finishing-(28).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig_finishing-(26).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/test_rig_finishing-(36).jpg

[MrSlacker]

good job! hey i have the same phone :D

[Crimson Sky]

I had a chunk of metal left over from a Coolermaster Cooldrive, and I cut this to size for use as a panel plate for the power button and LED:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/tr_panel-(3).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/tr_panel-(1).jpg

[Gordy]

Looking nice :D

[Frakk]

yeah looking good over there. but to be honest i wish it was already done so we could have reviews... and more contests and giveaways from the reviewd stuff:D

[Whisp]

Looking good. I like the size of it.

[DickNervous]

You know Paul, I have said it before and I will say it again. It simply is not fair that so much talent, creativity, and access to the right tools be in the hands of just one person. :D

[Matthew]

Looks good crim, but then again everyone tells you that...oh well guess you cant get tired of people telling you your the greatest. :)


Warning: This post contains a statement that is known in some states to be a suck up.

[Frakk]

Warning: This post contains a statement that is known in some states to be a suck up.

thats ok... we're used to it Matthew :D

[Xbrid]

Looking great. nice work

[Crimson Sky]

One testrig completed and ready to be boxed up and sent to Dante :)

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/testrig_fin-(12).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/testrig_fin-(10).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/testrig_fin-(17).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/testrig_fin-(4).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/testrig_fin-(5).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/testrigs/testrig_fin-(8).jpg

[Whisp]

Looks nice man.

[DickNervous]

<drool>

Looks great man!

[MrSlacker]

looks great! i really like the colors

[Malatory]

looks Nice ... I would like one ....

>.>
<.<

/me switchs Dante address with mine.

[mashie]

Nice.

So where do you mount the pump and PSU?

[Crimson Sky]

Nice.

So where do you mount the pump and PSU?


You don't--the PSU sits on top or off to the side of the rig--as well as the pump and other peripherals. since there are many different types of pumps out there and mounting holes are not standardized i left this out.

[mashie]

Ah ok, just seems a bit odd with fixed rad and res and the pump on the loose. ;)

I'm looking forward to see the first review cranked out with whatever hardware it will be.

[Crimson Sky]

Ah ok, just seems a bit odd with fixed rad and res and the pump on the loose. ;)

I'm looking forward to see the first review cranked out with whatever hardware it will be.

I guess you miss the point then of a testing rig--its not meant to be portable at all--hardware is swapped out from it on a regular basis--like different pumps and PSU's--so mounting everything is not really needed--but you knew this already

I'm sure you are looking forward to the reviews so you can offer the obvious criticism along with that wink. ;)

[mashie]

I'm sure you are looking forward to the reviews so you can offer the obvious criticism along with that wink. ;)
Me critical, naaaah, I'm just horribly honest ;) :p :D

[Rachel]

I like it. I screw around with my computer alot. The side of my case sticks and it's annoying to get open. If I reviewed lots of products I would want one.

[X child]

You know the worst thing about this test rig? It's better looking than my case. And it's just a test rig. Paul your sick.

[cygnus_x_1]

Paul, you never cease to amaze me... :D excellent work (as always... :rolleyes: )

[SR71]

Here's my kick ass gaming machine, the Senfu Tech Station is dead, long live the Senfu Tech Station!
http://www.sachsreport.com/Senfu%20Tech%20Station.jpg
http://www.sachsreport.com/desk%20with%20senfu%20tech%20station%20and%20sony% 20vaio%20pcg%20u101%20and%20whatever.jpg

[specialsteve]

i like the test rig and why is your rig dead sr71? what happened
this test rig has better hardware than my gaming rig probably but i can see where this is a useful tool in the right hands Dante is lucky to have such support and understanding people watching his back congrats Donte man review like the wind! lol
i love the design Crim. this thing is very sexi!

[SR71]

i like the test rig and why is your rig dead sr71? what happened
this test rig has better hardware than my gaming rig probably but i can see where this is a useful tool in the right hands Dante is lucky to have such support and understanding people watching his back congrats Donte man review like the wind! lol
i love the design Crim. this thing is very sexi!

Err, the picture went missing from my last post? My test rig isn't dead, it's growing and spreading across my desk. The Senfu Tech Station is a bit of an inside joke, it was an all metal test rig made by Senfu, if you weren't careful you would short out your mobo, needless to say they stopped making it. My rig is a plastic version made by High Speed PC, much improved, I still tell people it's a Senfu Tech Station mostly 'cause I like the sound of Senfu Tech Station.

Below is my rig again, lower resolution, hopefully it won't go missing this time
http://www.sachsreport.com/Senfu%20Tech%20Station5.jpg

[ZeD]

wasnt missing, just have to give it a few seconds to load and display, guessing yoru server or host is just on teh slow side

[MrSlacker]

pics are fine for me. pretty cool rig

[Malatory]

sr71: looks like you needed the 13" and not the 8" one station.

thought about just getting the 10" post and making my own. But I have 2 projects that i need to finish up and one other I need to get started on *Kids machine*.

[SR71]

Yeah, I see the pictures now, my host is serving them a little bit slowly. I definitely need the 13" rig, didn't know they had one for sale, wasn't there when I bought mine a while back, a bit pricey but the price is easier to bear if you have a nice case to sell on e-bay to offset the cost.

I don't do a lot of "testing" but I do endlessly screw around with my computer, and without a case making changes is really effortless. When I had a regular case any time I wanted to try something new I would spend at least half my time trying to get components to fit in the case while keeping all the wires all neat and tucked away.

With a test righ, I can change the CPU heatsink and all I do is disconnect the CPU fan cable. On my Lian-Li, to change the heatsink I would have to undo all the freaking wires to the mobo, then slide out the mobo tray, then unscrew the mobo from the tray to get at the bolts on the back of the mobo that held the heatsink.

[Frakk]

its been about a month now and still no review? come on put it in use already lol

[MrSlacker]

WE WANT REVIEWS!!!!!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

;) ;) ;) ;) ;) 8) 8) 8) :p :p :p :p

[Crimson Sky]

WTF...I'm sure you can get your review fix elsewhere for now without resorting to anger and demands. I'm on my own schedule--thanks tho.

[MrSlacker]

lol Crim. i am just joking around. but i cant wait for the 1st review using this test bench

[Frakk]

im not angry and i dont demand. its just that now this nice workbench is done, it is sad to see that its not in use.

[Dante]

im not angry and i dont demand. its just that now this nice workbench is done, it is sad to see that its not in use.

It has to make it's journey from the East coast to the West coast....that takes time.

Anyhow....our first few reviews do not include the test rig. So it will be at least a few more weeks before you see it in a review.

[cygnus_x_1]

WTF...I'm sure you can get your review fix elsewhere for now without resorting to anger and demands. I'm on my own schedule--thanks tho.


ok paul...sit down and breathe...you may have to switch to decaf for a while... 8)

keep on, keepin on my brotha...

[Crimson Sky]

I might not put it to use at all--i might just destroy it and post the video muhahaha :D You see as the creator, I have that option--I don't have any emotional attachment to the things I make--they are just objects.

[Mallus]

Oke your freaking me out now.

[Dante]

Alrighty.....you guys were worried about the test rig not getting any reviews out. Well with the help of my son, it started on it's first review.

I am so gald that my son was around. I would have had a hell of a time doing something this complex by myself. But being the computer wiz that he is...he took charge slapped me around a bit and got to work.

Here is is screwing in the hose barbs for the radiator, and installing the batteries (not included). Can you say PRO?

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/dante/Test%20rig%20015.jpg

When he got done with that he cruised down to the store...got a 12 pack of pedialite and really got to work. After about an hour he was done and I was happy.

Here is his finshed result.....as you can see the 6 D batteries were a huge help.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/dante/Test%20rig%20019.jpg

So now shut up the test rig is up and running.

[The_Wippuh]

Hrmmm... lets see here. No shirt and probably no shoes. Exactly what I'd expect from the offspring of Dante.

[MrSlacker]

Hrmmm... lets see here. No shirt and probably no shoes. Exactly what I'd expect from the offspring of Dante.
LOL!!!

[Frakk]

hahahahaha. whats the review going to be about?

[Malatory]

hahahahaha. whats the review going to be about?

How kids without Close can build better computer that adults.

[Dante]

hahahahaha. whats the review going to be about?
PolarFlo Water Blocks.

[MisterChief]

Excellent job! I'm trying to get my hands on a test rig for my new/future comp. I'll be moving (as you have heard) from San Diego to Fresno, so I should have some surplus in "fun funds" :D.

[Zeus]

very nice

[Xato]

Niceness... i hope i can upgrade to a WC system at the end of this year.

[Crimson Sky]

awwee...thats too cute! :D

[MARV3L]

What's the overall measurements of this test rig?

[Quakken]

Them charging 140+ dollars for a tech station is highway freakin' robbery.

It's just time for me to get into the tech stations business
(you see, you can charge even more for them, they are "handmade" and "custom". I was at a sculpture show today, and "handmade" and "custom" sell's for "ZOMFGTHATSALOTOFMONEY".

[simon275]

Dude the last post in this thread was from 2 years ago.

[b4i7]

wow...this has to be one of the longset dead threads to be ressed

[Scotty]

Necropostage

[Dante]

Hey whats up everyone. I am going to revive this thread after 5 years.... lol. I just pulled this rig out of storage and put a new system into it. I am going to take some pictures and post them up on Facebook. If you guys want I can post them here as well, that way Pauly can see what his awesome work looks like 5 years later.

[Luke122]

Haha.. wb Dante! Do it!

[Airbozo]

Yes please post them here. Some of us do not have (nor want) access to facebook.

[Luke122]

Facebook refugee here.

[Dante]

This is what it looks like 5 years later. Great craftsmanship, built to last. Thanks again Paul. I have had many offers to buy this over the last 5 years and I have turned them all down.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs513.ash1/30261_1198549744238_1843353074_377318_2356282_n.jp g

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs533.snc3/30261_1198549824240_1843353074_377319_7507041_n.jp g