 V.5.0  APPENDICESAPPENDIX E, CONT'D. THE "-120" CASES In the fall of 1999, I sent a set of sketches, photos, and lists of recommended changes to Addtronics cases. Many of these changes were implemented beginning in January 2000. Addtronics called these cases the "Y2K" series cases, and they included the following changes CASE DIFFERENCES
Again, Addtronics responded to enthusiasts' need for greater cooling power by providing the larger lower front intake fan. Using factory-supplied fans, up to 110 cfm of intake air can be directed into the system. Further, that upper back 5.25 mount--an unused space after the 'Bigfoot" HDs faded from sight--now had ventilation that would now allow its use, for 110 cfm of intake the 'positive pressure' would force air out and around this area as well. They not only provided an exhaust at the upper back of the case but also provided the louvers under that HD mount to cool the electronics. Shortly after the case was announed and initially shipped, other enhancements were added: the doors were modified slightly to accomodate thumbscrews, and eventually, the 60mm backboard exhaust fan was replaced with a 90mm backboard mount. Most recently added was an intrusion alarm system. CASE VARIANTS Addtronics does not have a well-organized company marketing plan--they are, after all, an OEM manufacturer providing SuperMicro with the "7x0" version of this chassis, and selling versions of the 7890 to other third-tier computer manufacturers, Value-Added-Retailers, and to the retail marketplace in general. Further, they do market world-wide, not just in North America. These cases may have other versions distributed to other parts of the world, but so far little is known about them. However, Addtronics does make running changes in its production lines, rather than introducing new features or changes as a new-improved model. Once a change is set, current supplies of a part are used until they are gone. A good example of this is with the -120 series cases. The first 7896-120 cases came through without the "screwless" features for side panel removal. Then they came in with the door changes and the thumbscrews. Finally, they came through with the new backboard fan mount--90mm instead of 60. The last set of -120 cases that came in have yet another sticker pasted on announcing the presence of a 'detective switch' probably what we call a case-intrusion alarm. However, it is only the "current version" of any case that is manufactured. Addtronics no longer makes the 7896-80 (my designation for the 7896 cases with three 80 mm fans in front) nor the 7896-120-60 (my identifier for the -120 version case with a 60 mm. backboard exhaust. Because of the way I market cases to enthusiasts, I have chosen not to market by the "newest is best" approach, but to use these variations to "fit" a case to a buyer. Simply put, the best case for a person without extreme cooling needs but needing a QUIET case is the -80 model. When equipped with Panaflo 80mm L1A fans, that case provides complete and very quiet airflow--quieter than any other case available, as far as I know. And, in building up 7896-120 hotrods, the -120-60 variant is a better choice for a system utilizing the TT-900 dual exhaust box in the upper back 5.25 mount. The inherently less cfm flow from a typical sixty helps us balance the air intake and exhaust better. But, when the early versions are gone, they are gone, and new techniques will be adapted to the current model. Jim H. jfhanson@hansonslan.org jfh@coolcases.com
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