Beantech Igloo 11 Aluminum Case

Manufacturer: Beantech   
Supplied by: Alpha & Omega Computer
Street Price: $149

by Dean Barker (11/15/2004)

 

Introduction

Case design has taken some interesting turns in the past year or two.  Manufacturing techniques have improved so as to make lots of otherwise unusual designs possible.  Just a few examples of these could be the Diabolic Minotaur, Raidmax Samurai or the Logisys Dracula case.  Each of these cases has nice features but their respective strong points lie in their aesthetics.  While I enjoy a flashy box as much as anyone, my preference has always been function over form.  Give me something with clean lines laden with features galore.  Beantech’s newest Igloo case is aimed squarely at this lean and clean market segment.  Sporting features to rival any high end Lian Li rig, the Beantech Igloo will draw a lot of attention.  Today we are fortunate enough to have a look at one of these new boxes courtesy of Alpha & Omega Computer.  Let’s dive right in.

Specifications

• Observed Dimensions: 508 x 218 x 448mm

• Weight: 6.8kg

• Construction: Aluminum and Acrylic plastic

• Drive Bays:  (4) exposed 5.25”, (2) exposed 3.5”, (4) hidden 3.5”

• Expansion slots:  (7)

• M/B Type: Standard and Micro ATX mainboard

• Windowed

• Power Supply:  Not included

• Front mounted Firewire, USB 2.0 (x2)

• Cooling: (3) 80mm - front two 80mm intake fans are filtered

• Acrylic coloring available: Aqua, Blue, Yellow and Red

The Box

The Igloo case we see here actually represents the Igloo 9, 10, 11 and 12 models.  Each of these four models only differs for the others in the color of the acrylic Plexiglas.  Our review unit is the Igloo 11, which is yellow as you can see.  The Plexi here is without a doubt, UV reactive which we will definitely take a look at under some black lights later.  Let's take a closer look at the form and features of the Igloo first.

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