2003 Winter Case Review Part 2: The ATX Avalanche

BeanTech Igloo Series: IGLOO 12, Continued

The IGLOO 12 is one of the latest cases in the BeanTech product portfolio. The IGLOO 12 is the first case that we have received that has this red colored acrylic appearance. The red colored acrylic is translucent and is used on both the side panel window and front door of the IGLOO 12. The acrylic on the front door of the IGLOO 12 is tinted in front of the four 5-¼" drive bezels, as well as the two 3-½" drive bezels to help soften the impact of using optical and floppy drives that have mismatching bezels that do not match the sliver colored aluminum that covers the rest of the case. BeanTech also offers the IGLOO 9, IGLOO 10 and IGLOO 11, which are the same case as the IGLOO 12 except for the color of the acrylic that covers the front door and side panels.

After opening the box containing the IGLOO 12 we could not help but feel that we have seen this design before; and, in fact, the design is similar to Kingwin KT-424 series from Kingwin that we reviewed in our last case review . In fact, the interior of the case is identical to the KT-424 series from Kingwin. This should come as no surprise since they are produced in the same factory.

A look at the inside of the IGLOO 12.

Our biggest complaint with the IGLOO 12 is the door. We were not pleased with the fit of the door on the front of the case at all. Much of the problem surrounds the hinges that are used in conjunction with an acrylic overhang on the top and bottom to extend an area for the door to be mounted. While we like the idea of having this color surround the lip of the front of the bezel, the acrylic on the top and bottom isn't strong enough, so the door has a sloppy fit and feel.

This is only compounded by the fact that the push and release catch for the door doesn't always line up, leading to possible breakage of the plastic catch for the door if you are not careful while shutting it. To top this problem off, since there are no holes drilled in the door for cooling, the door obstructs the airflow into the case, by allowing air to only be drawn in through the sides between the closed door and the front bezel (when the door is closed).