Thermal Grizzly der8enchtable ARGB Test Bench with Active PCB and Cooling Zones

A Collaboration of Innovators

The der8enchtable is the result of a joint effort between Thermal Grizzly, Jon “elmor” Sandström of ElmorLabs, and Roman “der8auer” Hartung. It takes the concept of a benchtable and pushes it further, introducing an integrated PCB base unit that transforms the way hardware can be tested and benchmarked. At its foundation, the der8enchtable offers the same essentials you’d expect from a professional benchtable: integrated radiator and power supply mounts, support for a wide range of air and AIO coolers, and a compact, modular frame design. The aluminium frame features preinstalled ATX standoffs—easily adjustable for Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX—plus a dedicated mounting point for a PSU on the lower section. If you prefer an even smaller footprint, the feet can be attached directly to the PCB base unit. Cable management is supported by a custom-cuttable Velcro strap.

Active PCB Base Unit

Where the der8enchtable breaks new ground is with its integrated PCB base unit. This isn’t just a passive platform—it directly connects to the test system and provides active controls. The unit connects to the motherboard via a 9-pin USB header and draws power from the PSU through a PCIe 6-pin cable. The PCB houses the on-board power and reset buttons, wired directly to the motherboard, and features a 3-pin aRGB header for lighting control. This can be synced with the motherboard or controlled externally if preferred.

Cooling Control Zones

Consistent test results rely on controlled airflow, and the der8enchtable makes this simple. Three independent fan zones each provide three 4-pin headers, delivering up to 3 A per header, with their own fuses for protection. Each zone can be toggled between 50% and 100% speed, or handed over to the motherboard for automated control. Alongside these, a dedicated pump zone with two 4-pin headers offers identical control flexibility. With 3 A per port (6 A total) and fuse protection, it’s suited for AIO coolers or standalone pumps.

Storage and Boot Media

One of the biggest hurdles in hardware testing is dealing with drivers, BIOS updates, and operating systems. The der8enchtable tackles this by allowing storage media to be mounted directly on the PCB. It supports up to two 2.5-inch SSDs, alongside four microSD slots—a cost-effective way to cycle through multiple OS builds without needing extra drives. Two on-board SATA connectors and two SATA out connectors provide further flexibility.

Peripheral Connectivity

For peripherals and test equipment, the base unit supplies plenty of USB options: four USB 2.0 Type-A ports (500 mA each) and two USB 2.0 Type-C ports (up to 3 A). These connections make it easy to plug in devices such as keyboards, mice, dongles, or diagnostic tools directly at the bench.

• Modular open-frame test bench with active PCB for enthusiasts, reviewers, and overclockers.
• Active PCB base unit with fan, pump, storage, and power controls for consistent CPU, GPU and thermal testing.
• 3 independent fan zones with 9× 4-pin headers (3 A per header, fused) for airflow management.
• 1 dedicated pump zone with 2× 4-pin headers (3 A per port, fused) for AIOs or custom loops.
• Supports up to 2× 2.5-inch SSDs and 4× microSD cards for OS images and test software.
• Preinstalled ATX standoffs, reconfigurable for Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards.
• Compatible with high-performance air coolers and AIO solutions.
• Black-anodised aluminium frame with modular layout and optional PSU mount.
• On-board power and reset buttons, plus aRGB lighting control via motherboard or external controller.

Cooling Zones:
• 3× Fan zones (each with 3× 4-pin headers, 3 A per header, independent fuse)
• 1× Pump zone (2× 4-pin headers, 3 A per header, 6 A total, independent fuse)

Internal I/O
• 1× 9-pin USB header (data link to motherboard)
• 1× PCIe 6-pin header (power input from PSU)
• 1× 4-pin header (PWM signal for external fan control)
• On-board power and reset buttons
• 1× 3-pin aRGB header (GND / – / D / 5V)

Peripheral I/O
• 2× On-board SATA connectors
• 2× SATA out connectors
• 4× USB 2.0 Type-A (max. 500 mA each)
• 2× USB 2.0 Type-C (max. 3 A each)
• 4× microSD slots for OS/media