A few years ago a regular standard steel based case was the norm amongst computer enthusiasts for the
simple functionality provided for installing a complete computer system. As more individuals experimented
with different computer configuration options, many realized that existing cases were inadequate for
normal day to day operation. Case manufacturers were very quick to adapt and began to release a wide
array of different styles and sizes into the consumer market. Two companies who were quick to
capitalize on the aluminum case craze were Cooler Master and Lian Li, both who focused on making
aluminum cases a large part of their core business. BeanTech International Co. Ltd. established in 2000,
is a professional manufacturer on storage solutions, which includes aluminum cases, transparent cases,
rack mounts, hard disk drive mobile racks and computer accessories. The company has recently released a
series of aluminum based consumer cases marketed under the Igloo brand name. Today in the MTB Labs, we
will be evaluating the BeanTech Igloo 11 Aluminum Case, a product which combines dazzling aesthetics
in an all-in-one pre-modified solution.
Specifications:
The BeanTech Igloo 11 Aluminum Case is one of thirteen different units available on the Alpha & Omega
Computer Corporation website. Consumers have the option of selecting from five different colour formats
which include Aqua, Blue, Yellow, Green and Red. The BeanTech Igloo 11 Aluminum Case comes pre-assembled
and only supports both mATX and ATX motherboard formats. Here are some specifications taken directly
from the BeanTech International and Alpha & Omega Computer Corporation website(s):
Drive Bay: 10 (5.25" x 4 (External), 3.5" x 2 (External) and 3.5" x 4 (Internal)
Fans: 1 x 80mm (rear exhaust) and 2 x 80mm (front intake)
Expansion Slots: 7 pcs
Front Panel Connect : 2 x USB2.0, 1 x IEEE1394
Power Supply: N/A
Air Filter : Removable front air filter
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
The BeanTech Igloo 11 Aluminum Case was shipped in a colourful black and white double-walled corrugated
box with the case manufacturer's logos and images printed on all sides. The packaging inside the box
was excellent with the case sealed in protected plastic with two pieces of polystyrene located on the
left and right hand sides of the package.
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
The BeanTech Igloo 11 Aluminum Case was bundled with an assortment of accessories which include
mounting screws, motherboard stand-offs, zip ties, power cord and a fold out user's manual. The included
users manual is easy to understand and includes a set of helpful reference diagrams. Most users should
be able to complete full system installation in the case in less than 2 hours.
Out of the box the BeanTech Igloo 11 Aluminum Case can be immediately compared to Lian Li's PC-6089A
Series Aluminum Case or Cooler Master's now defunct ATC-210 product line. The Igloo 11 measures approximately
209 mm (W) x 442 mm (H) x 483 mm (D) and does not ship with a PSU which is a bit of a disappointment.
Most users are very selective in their PSU power requirements and can purchase this option separately.
The eye candy for this particular model is the inclusion of a UV Green Perspex acrylic front panel and
matching pre-modified side panel window. The combination of both options defines the overall appeal of
this case and places the Igloo 11 high on the list of consumers looking for an all-in-one pre-modified
solution.
