Build Advice PC Build For Bench Testing

[BrickStation]

I'm planning to build a second PC for bench testing using a spare Asus G10CE case. I aim to replace all of my spare computers equipped with old hardware while staying within a $500 budget. Here is what I have selected already: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Xk4mMV

This second PC will primarily be used for bench testing hardware, running test programs, compressing data, testing gaming mods, and pre-testing games before I use it for my main PC. I'll also be running Windows 10 and a few Linux distros, connecting HDD drives, and utilizing USB 3.2 Gen 1. I don't exactly need new or better equipment, I think it's a bit wasteful to buy unless it's intended for my main PC later.

The Ryzen 5 3600 is probably more than what I need, and it actually has a better benchmark score than the CPU in my main which is an Xeon W-2135. That was something I wanted to avoid doing but the 3600 or an Intel 13100F as a second choice were the best budget-friendly options. I don't plan on overclocking anything in this PC, and I intend to use it for about 5 years before replacing it.

The SSD is also more than what I need, but that might go to my other PC later. RAM is RAM, 3200Mhz and CL16 is what was recommended for the 3600.

The PNY GTX 1070 is currently in my other PC, and I intend to replace it with a Gigabyte GAMING OC Radeon RX 7600 in that machine, while the GTX 1070 will be handed down to this new build. Additionally, I don't need a monitor as I have a lovely ViewSonic VX2452mh at my disposal.

One potential issue is the Asus case itself and its non-modular 500W ACBel PSU. I've read a few pages about the quality of ACBel PSUs on Tom's Hardware, so I've opted for a SeaSonic replacement. The case also has an airflow problem, but I plan to work around that. Asus or ROG honestly thought that a single intake vent at the bottom of the case was a good idea.

Let me know your thoughts and thanks for your replies.

 

[Eximo]

Doesn't sound much like a bench testing rig at all, just a secondary computer.

I don't see much logic in pre-installing games on anything.

I also don't see the logic in using slower components in a main gaming rig and then spending money on a rig that is faster and using it for testing.

If I wanted to build a machine on the cheap that was somewhat upgradeable, I probably would lean towards Intel.

Ryzen 5500 is one dollar more, certainly would at least do that.

But I would probably do something like this instead, room to drop in a 14700k when that price starts to fall:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i3-13100 3.4 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($134.97 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4/D5 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Silicon Power Value Gaming 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($94.97 @ Amazon)
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP33 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($60.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair RM750e (2023) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $500.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-06-04 14:36 EDT-0400

 

[Lutfij]

If you're going to run a test bench for testing hardware, might as well do it the right way, by getting a test bed, like the Open BenchTable? I have the Titanium edition Open BenchTable BC1T. Along that line, you should look at having your hardware focused around the bench table for hardware. If it's case testing, then you need to look into a standardized test...there are people on YT like Gamer'sNexus and OC3D who have talk ad nauseum on the topic.

 

[BrickStation]

Doesn't sound much like a bench testing rig at all, just a secondary computer.

I don't see much logic in pre-installing games on anything.

I also don't see the logic in using slower components in a main gaming rig and then spending money on a rig that is faster and using it for testing.

Perhaps I didn't convey my message clearly. I mentioned that I'm looking to build a second computer for tasks separate from my main machine. That was the primary goal.

I will mostly be running Linux and it's little cumbersome to be switching OS using only one machine. I was going to use the second computer mostly for building a gaming machine with Linux Mint. It's also replacing the SFF and Mini HP computers I have been using, which do not have great performance or great accessibility for connecting more than one drive.

It's true that I picked a CPU that has a little more performance than my Xeon W-2135, and I did say that I wanted to avoid doing that. I checked out CPUs that were built on 1151, 2011-3, 2066, 1700, 1200, and AM4 sockets, so maybe I will pick something else from my list instead

My main PC is a Lenovo Thinkstation P520 equipped with that W-2135. It doesn't offer many options for modifications with consumer hardware. Theoretically, I could build a faster computer and use the P520 as my second PC, but no case has the same monolithic aesthetic that Lenovo does.

 

[BrickStation]

If you're going to run a test bench for testing hardware, might as well do it the right way, by getting a test bed, like the Open BenchTable? I have the Titanium edition Open BenchTable BC1T. Along that line, you should look at having your hardware focused around the bench table for hardware. If it's case testing, then you need to look into a standardized test...there are people on YT like Gamer'sNexus and OC3D who have talk ad nauseum on the topic.

I could have an open test bench but my enviroment is incredibly dusty from two hunting dogs desperately searching for rabbits underground. Additionally, they shed their summer and winter coats every seasonal change.

However, it probably doesn't matter if the rig is open or not; everything gets dusty eventually

 

[Eximo]

Just one of things where it doesn't make a lot of sense to buy an older CPU when similarly priced chips are available that are newer. If you are spending the money, and not buying used, just doesn't work out. Won't be more efficient price or power wise.

I don't really see anything proprietary about the P520 chassis, looks like normal ATX mounting. Maybe, only seems to have six expansion slots, so might have to use a Micro ATX board. That should be easy to check with some measurements. Looks like you could easily fit a standard ATX PSU where they have theirs mounted.

I've always been partial to the simplicity of the Phanteks Enthoo series. The Pro 2 is pretty neat, and has an optical drive bay if you want to retain that. Also Full ATX, which is really tall.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/qBn8TW/phanteks-enthoo-pro-2-atx-full-tower-case-ph-es620pc_bk01

 

[BrickStation]

Just one of things where it doesn't make a lot of sense to buy an older CPU when similarly priced chips are available that are newer. If you are spending the money, and not buying used, just doesn't work out. Won't be more efficient price or power wise.

I don't really see anything proprietary about the P520 chassis, looks like normal ATX mounting. Maybe, only seems to have six expansion slots, so might have to use a Micro ATX board. That should be easy to check with some measurements. Looks like you could easily fit a standard ATX PSU where they have theirs mounted.

I've always been partial to the simplicity of the Phanteks Enthoo series. The Pro 2 is pretty neat, and has an optical drive bay if you want to retain that. Also Full ATX, which is really tall.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/qBn8TW/phanteks-enthoo-pro-2-atx-full-tower-case-ph-es620pc_bk01

I think I will reevaluate my build. I already planned to rebuild my Lenovo, so that's why I picked a slightly better CPU for a second computer because it didn't seem to matter.


This is off-topic, but the P520 has a proprietary motherboard, PSU, and front panel USB hub. The PSU connects to the board with an edge connector. I have already made a few measurements and found that the case will fit a standard ATX or mATX board and also a standard ATX power supply but will not clear any 120mm cooler. I was actually looking at a Thermalright Silver Soul 110 because of that.

The trouble with the front panel is that it's also connected with a PCB edge connector that will contact the power connections on a consumer motherboard. It also will not work. While browsing eBay, I found something from an HP Z4 or whatever that looks to be about the same thing but uses internal USB connectors. If it fits, then I could use it for a new build