We can find a large number of chassis or boxes on the market to install our components. These are great if you are going to set up your computer and “forget” about it. There are those who are looking for something more, those who like test and exchange components or simply, they are looking for something open. For either case, we bring you some “open bench”.
“Open benches” are nothing more than open structures where we can install the components of our computer. Above all, they are used by users who like to tinker, testing components, by computer technicians to test components that may have damage, component analysts and overclockers. Basically, they are a base on which to install the components with some additional fastening elements that allow very quick assembly and disassembly.
Very few interesting options
We must emphasize that this type of chassis no longer enjoys the popularity of a decade or so ago. Currently there are few quality options on the market, most of them are quite shabby, to put it bluntly. We have tried to find the best and most interesting options within the limited offer.
Cooler Master MasterFrame 700
The first option is the most complete and versatile that we have found. The manufacturer Cooler Master offers us a «“open bench” unconventional with a attractive design and great versatility. It is characterized by having oscillating side panels that can be adapted to different angles.
One of the peculiarities of this chassis is that it comes with a tempered glass for the upper part. This allows all the components to be mounted inside and protect them a little from falling dust. It would be, in this case, a “showcase” type chassis.
Offers support for motherboards up to E-ATX formatsupports large format graphics cards and we can install two 360mm radiators No problem. Something interesting is that it allows great and simple cable management. Note that the power supply is hidden at the bottom of the chassis, so that everything is cleaner.
OpenBenchtable Full
We move on to an option 100% developed for test benches and overclocking. The OpenBenchtable company offers two high-quality solutions made of anodized aluminum and cut by CNC. Offers a large format version for motherboards up to E-ATX formatwhile the compact version, much lighter, supports mini-ITX motherboards.
Both are characterized by not requiring tools to anchor the components. Also, they are designed so that all the elements fit into a flat structure that is easy to transport. It is intended to be easy to store and transport, but without missing any element to install all the components.
Everything is thought out to the millimeter. He complete model costs 199 dollarswhile the model mini-ITX costs 179 dollars.
Thermaltake Core P6 TG
This is not exactly an “open bench” but we can adapt it to make it so. The Thermaltake Core P6 TG It is characterized by allowing great customization according to our needs. We can remove the tempered glass window and part of the back and front. Thus we have something quite similar to a chassis for benchmark and overclocking.
Even in the product description, Thermaltake tells us that the box “can be reduced to a skeleton.” He highlights that he has modular panels pre-configured, different frames, brackets and mounting arrangements.
We find it an interesting option, since here we have two chassis in one. We have a complete tower of great quality and performance that, at any given time, we can convert into a chassis for “fiddling” or testing.