Open Benchtable and Streacom are delighted to announce the latest iteration of the Open Benchtable BC1. The Open Benchtable BC1 V2 is the most significant update to the design since its inception and incorporates new features, design improvements, and many feedbacks from our community and customers.
The Open Benchtable BC1 V2 will replace the existing V1.1 design and comes in 3 colors: Black, Silver, and Titanium.
About Open Benchtable
It’s been quite the Open Benchtable journey from the first conversations in June 2015 at the Computex trade show, over the prototypes tested during the 2016 HWBOT World Tour, to our latest V2 iteration launching in the fourth quarter of 2021.
We are proud to say that during our many interactions with customers, supporters, enthusiasts, PC DIY aficionados, industry partners, and system builders around the world, we have learned so much about everything that makes the Open Benchtable great and all the things it wasn’t so great at yet.
We’re never shy to accept feedback, good or bad, and always look to improve the Open Benchtable product family. As you’ll find out in the sections below, the Open Benchtable underwent quite a transformation from the 2016 V0.1 to our 2021 V2. For V2 we incorporated as much of the feedback as possible to develop the best Open Benchtable to date.
In our admittedly slightly biased opinion, the result is simply spectacular. The new Open Benchtable BC1 V2 is designed to be more robust, simpler, and more practical to use for everyday PC enthusiasts.
Open Benchtable BC1 V2 Product Features
Although the OBT BC1 V2 has undergone a significant re-design, it was important to stay true to the winning formula and maintain design continuity. The footprint, size, look, and construction will feel entirely familiar to current users and the custom screws will still work on all versions
Built To Last
As with every iteration of the Open Benchtable, the Open Benchtable BC1 V2 is built to last.
We have implemented several small design revisions which will help further extend the lifespan of the benchtable itself. We also meticulously evaluated the entire supply chain process to not only incorporate lower-waste processes but also overall reduce the environmental impact of the Open Benchtable production.
The Built To Last attitude doesn’t just apply to the Open Benchtable products; it also applies to our planet. Therefore, Open Benchtable joins our partner Streacom in its commitment to offset the environmental impact by reducing waste from smarter packaging and their partnership with the Eden Reforestation Project.
Vertical Demo Mode
A large portion of the Open Benchtable users is die-hard PC enthusiasts. Their unconditional love for computer hardware drives the unstoppable urge to showcase their gear. Another important target audience is YouTubers and influencers who use the Open Benchtable to showcase the products they test and talk about.
The Open Benchtable BC1 V2 incorporates support for a vertical Demo Mode which allows users to set up their Open Benchtable upright. No life hacks are needed, no dodgy prop-up solution is needed to make your gear stand out to all.
Upgraded Screws, Re-Designed Brackets, and Enhanced Usability
Since its inception, the Open Benchtable has been using the same nuts and screws. While we’ve kept all of the assembly 100% toolless, this significant upgrade improves the V2 durability and long-term use.
To further improve durability, we removed threads made directly into the side of the benchtable. Not only does the screw+nut design ensure all mounting points on the table are much stronger, but also, replacement, in case of damage to the thread, is now possible. Users that mount heavy hardware or require ultra-tight mount can now apply high torque with tools to securely mount anything to the table.
Brackets, which evolved from V1 to V1.1, continue to change. The V2 twin-design bracket allows users to mount two items (upper and lower) from a single location. This also doubles up the usable mount location on the table.
We also included a much-requested feature by our community: a location to mount the Power On button. These two 12mm holes carved in the table give users that do not have power and reset buttons on-board a solution to add their own.
Even More New Features and Improvements
We could be talking to you about the V2 for much longer. The list of changes is extensive, so to keep it short, here are some of the other changes:
- Added support for SFX PSUs
- Improved rubber pads on feet
- Standardized mounting hole spacing: 105mm (120mm fans) and 60mm
- The Open Benchtable is now easier to disassemble and pack
- Improved PSU mounting compatibility
- Better grip with handle cutouts that make the table easier to carry horizontally
- Introducing motherboard standoff clip for a more secure standoff installation
- Improved component placement simplifying disassembly
- More eco-friendly packaging
Open Benchtable BC1 Mini V2
In addition to the OBT BC1 V2, today we are also announcing the Open Benchtable BC1 Mini V2. The Mini is the ITX small-form-factor version of the ATX-size BC1.
The majority of the feature improvements of OBT V2 have carried over to the OBT Mini V2, including improved storage and assembly procedure, wider SFX PSU compatibility, upgraded feet, more versatile brackets, power/reset switch mounting holes, new screws, more robust build and the new packaging that also goes to planting more trees.
Open Benchtable V2 Pricing and Availability
The Open Benchtable BC1 V2 is available from the Open Benchtable web shop (https://openbenchtable.com/) starting from November 3, 2021 at US$199. The Open Benchtable BC1 Mini V2 will be available in Q1 2022 at US$179.
Both the OBT BC1 V2 and OBT BC1 Mini V2 will be available in three colors: Black, Silver, and Titanium.
Learn more at openbenchtable.com
